| dc.description.abstract | This was a descriptive survey research whose purpose was to generate and document
information on interior decoration practices among high, middle and low socio-economic
households of Kisumu town. Among the variables considered were socio-economic
status, interior decoration practices, interior decoration knowledge and income.
The objectives of the study were to: (a) determine the factors that influence the choice
and arrangement of furnishings among the households of Kisumu town, (b) identify the
sources of information and materials used in interior decoration by the households of
Kisumu town, (c) identify problems that hinder effective home decoration among the
respondents, and (d) establish the respondents' satisfaction with the existing furnishings
in their homes.
The data were collected using an interview schedule and observation checklist. A total of
120 respondents were interviewed from Milimani, Migosi and Ondiek estates. The
respondent was the person in the household who makes major decisions on house
furnishing. The data were analysed by the use of descriptive statistics and measures.
Results showed that age, occupation, and education determined the estate one lived in,
hence the choice of furnishings. The households in high socio-economic status income
could afford bigger houses and expensive furnishings. However, these households were
few and mostly from Milimani estate. Majority of the respondents faced financial
constraints and this was a major setback in house furnishing.
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Public exhibitions, agricultural shows, association with friends, newspaper
advertisements, electronic media, home magazines and displays were common sources of
information on house furnishing while seminars and workshops were least common.
It was observed that most households had sofa sets, coffee tables, sideboards and carpets
owing to their functional nature. Some of the least common items included easy chairs,
cushions, chair-covers, teddy bears, divans, live and artificial plants. Woodcarvings,
aquariums, coral reefs and batik were scarce too. This was attributed to the fact that they
were so expensive that they could only be found in a few households of Milimani and
Migosi estates.
From the study's findings it has been recommended that awareness be created on locally
available materials. This can be done by paying visits and holding demonstrations on
their use in house furnishing by the Home Economics extension workers. | en_US |
