2-Bedroom Apartment, Ikoyi

The Brief

A Dublin-based Nigerian professional purchased a 2-bedroom apartment in Ikoyi as a rental investment. The apartment had a standard developer finish and needed a cost-effective interior upgrade to command premium rental rates. The client wanted a modern, sophisticated design that would appeal to young professionals while staying within a modest budget.

The Challenge

The primary constraint was budget. At N12M, the budget was tight for a full interior fit-out in Ikoyi. We needed to maximise visual impact while minimising cost. The apartment's compact layout (85 square metres) also required careful space planning to make the most of every square metre. The client needed the work completed quickly — within six weeks — so the apartment could be listed for rent.

Our Design Response

We adopted a "high-impact, low-cost" strategy. Rather than replacing everything, we focused on the elements that would have the most visual impact: the kitchen, the bathroom, the flooring, and the lighting.

For the kitchen, we proposed re-facing the existing cabinets with new doors and handles, replacing the countertop with engineered stone, and adding a tile backsplash. This gave the kitchen a completely new look at a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.

The bathroom was updated with new wall tiles, a modern vanity, and a rain shower head. We specified locally sourced tiles that looked premium but were significantly cheaper than imported alternatives.

For the living areas, we polished the existing concrete floors and applied a clear sealant, creating a contemporary industrial look. We added a feature wall with textured paint, new light fixtures throughout, and custom curtains for the windows. The total design package was delivered in two weeks, and the contractor completed the work in three weeks.

Images shown are representative of the design concept and style delivered.

The Outcome

The apartment was completed in five weeks, one week ahead of schedule. The client listed it for rent within two weeks of completion and received three offers within the first week — all at 40% above the previous rental rate for similar units in the building. The client described the project as "the best investment I've made in Lagos real estate."