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When one steps into a space designed by Amporfro Interiors, it’s impossible not to feel the meticulous blend of elegance, functionality, and cultural richness that defines the brand. At the helm of this powerhouse is Naa Anowah Amporfro, whose journey from a curious young girl in the Netherlands to the founder of a globally recognized interior design company is as inspiring as it is remarkable. In this exclusive interview with *The Voice of Africa (TVOA), Naa shares the story behind Amporfro Interiors and her vision for revolutionizing the industry.
The Beginnings: A Passion Born in Simulated Worlds
“As a young girl, I used to play the computer game The Sims – not to play the actual game, but to design the houses,” Naa reminisces. This seemingly innocent pastime was the spark that ignited her passion for interior design. Constantly redecorating her room and experimenting with layouts, she found joy in transforming spaces. “Every few months, I felt the urge to redecorate my room – experimenting with different layouts or painting the walls,” she says. With supportive parents who encouraged her creativity, it was only a matter of time before she channeled her talent into something monumental.
“Growing up biracial in the Netherlands, I was always super proud of my Ghanaian name,” Naa adds, explaining why she chose to name her company Amporfro Interiors. It’s a bold testament to her heritage and her commitment to leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
From Europe to Africa: A Journey of Inspiration
Naa’s education and travels across Europe profoundly influenced her design philosophy. “It’s not just the Netherlands that inspires my style; it’s all of Europe,” she shares. Exposure to diverse architectural aesthetics and cultural nuances shaped her unique design approach. Yet, it was her visits to Ghana that unveiled an untapped potential.
“During my visits to Ghana to see family, I realised that the interior design industry here wasn’t well-established yet,” she explains. “This intrigued me, and I started visiting more frequently to research and explore potential opportunities to work in Ghana.” The pandemic unexpectedly anchored her in Ghana, giving her the opportunity to launch Amporfro Interiors. Today, the company is a beacon of excellence, merging European aesthetics with African craftsmanship.
Navigating Africa’s Cultural Richness
Operating in Ghana presented its challenges, but Naa’s adaptability became her greatest asset. “It’s like two different worlds,” she says of her Dutch upbringing versus Ghanaian business practices. Amporfro Interiors bridges these worlds by prioritizing clients’ needs while infusing cultural elements. “We strive to infuse cultural elements by sourcing and creating most of the furniture locally whenever possible,” she emphasizes, noting how this approach empowers local artisans while delivering bespoke designs.
Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
“Designing a space isn’t just about making it look good – it’s about how it works for the people using it,” Naa explains. Whether it’s creating custom pieces or factoring in environmental conditions, Amporfro Interiors ensures every space is as practical as it is beautiful. “For example, in a beach house, you wouldn’t want to use wallpaper because the humidity can cause it to peel off,” she points out. The company tailors designs to fit diverse African lifestyles and environments, blending form with function.
A Global Reach with a Local Touch
Amporfro Interiors caters to clients worldwide, offering online services that include 3D renderings and tailored shopping guides. “Clients mostly come to us because of our aesthetics,” Naa shares. “We’ve worked on projects in the US, Senegal, Nigeria, and beyond. For larger undertakings, our team is happy to travel to bring clients’ visions to life.”
Their online design services also make it possible for clients anywhere in the world to benefit from their expertise. “We create 3D drawings based on their floor plans and preferences and provide a document with proposed items and where they can be purchased,” Naa explains. “They can choose to execute themselves to reduce costs or have a local contractor install.”
Redefining Perceptions of Interior Design
“Living in Ghana opened my eyes to how little people understand what interior designers actually do,” Naa remarks. To address this, Amporfro Interiors collaborated with another interior designer to launch “IDU: Interior Design Uncovered,” a groundbreaking event where a space was used to create a penthouse that functioned as a showroom. Featuring Ghana-made furniture, art, and custom units, the event showcased the unparalleled potential of local craftsmanship.
“People were blown away by what we achieved here in Ghana,” Naa recalls. The initiative not only highlighted the value of local designs but also fostered industry collaboration over competition. “A lot of people think things made in Ghana are cheaper, but that’s not always true. Good design, ideas, and quality materials cost money, no matter where they come from.”
The event also underscored the importance of teamwork in the industry. “By collaborating with another designer and local suppliers, we wanted to emphasize the importance of industry cooperation rather than competition,” Naa explains. “As the country is developing, there is an opportunity for everyone to succeed. By working together, we can collectively grow the industry.”
The Vision Ahead
With an ever-growing portfolio, Amporfro Interiors is setting its sights on broader horizons. “We want to combine our worlds within our designs and expand across Africa and globally,” Naa reveals. The company’s projects in the Netherlands, London, the US, Senegal, and Nigeria are just the beginning of what promises to be an expansive journey.
While Naa is hesitant to share all her dreams, she affirms, “What I can say is that I want Amporfro Interiors to be a big name in the industry.”
Advice to Aspiring Designers
Naa’s advice to budding African designers is both practical and profound: “Interior design isn’t as glamorous as it seems. A big part of the job involves on-site supervision in challenging conditions, ensuring that the project’s execution aligns with our vision.” She encourages aspiring designers to “build a strong network, actively showcase your work online, and surround yourself with a reliable team. It takes years of hard work, but eventually, it’s worth all the blood, sweat, and tears.”
As Naa Anowah Amporfro continues to redefine the interior design landscape, Amporfro Interiors stands as a testament to her vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With each project, she brings a piece of Ghana to the world stage, proving that homegrown talent can create globally competitive spaces.
