By Amine Djouahra, B2B Business Unit Director at Canon Central & North Africa
Walk into any high-end hotel lobby, a chic restaurant or a contemporary home in Africa today and you’ll notice something striking - the walls, floors and furniture are no longer just functional; they tell a story. The demand for personalised, high-quality interior décor is surging across the continent, driven by a new generation of designers and homeowners who want spaces that reflect individuality, culture and artistry.
At the heart of this transformation is digital printing technology, enabling limitless customisation with unprecedented efficiency. Gone are the days of mass-produced wallpapers, generic floor designs and limited options for interior stylists. Today, print technology allows designers to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces - whether it’s a mural inspired by traditional African motifs or a modern, textured wall covering that transforms a simple room into a sanctuary of style.
Why digital printing is the game changer for interior décor
Interior décor is no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about experience, identity and sustainability. As urbanisation accelerates and Africa’s middle class expands, people are investing more in their living and working spaces. According to 6Wresearch, Africa’s interior design market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2031. This shift is fueling the need for cost-effective, high-quality and sustainable solutions that can adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Globally, the interior décor market is also experiencing robust growth. As reported by Fortune Business Insights, the global home décor market size was valued at USD 747.75 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 1 097.51 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.58% during the forecast period.
Digital printing is at the forefront of this change. It enables designers to print on a vast array of surfaces - wallpapers, canvases, tiles, soft furnishings and even furniture panels - offering complete creative freedom. Imagine a boutique hotel wanting to give each room a unique theme; with digital printing, it’s as simple as uploading a design and printing it on demand. No long lead times, no massive production runs - just pure customisation at scale.
Revolutionising interior décor printing
It’s for this reason that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must closely follow these industry shifts, ensuring that their technologies not only meet but anticipate the evolving needs of designers, architects and decorators. In this way, they will become the backbone of this new wave in interior décor.
In a competitive industry, what will set them apart is not just cutting-edge technology but the tangible benefits they can offer interior décor professionals. Cost efficiency is a significant factor, where printing solutions can reduce ink consumption while delivering superior results, lowering operational costs for businesses. Additionally, the durability of prints ensure that designers can promise long-lasting quality to their clients, minimising the risk of wear and tear.
Environmental commitment is another strong differentiator, as sustainability becomes a global priority, printing solutions must be designed to reduce waste and energy consumption. Another differentiator is technology with reduced energy consumption and a low-heat, energy-efficient LED curing system with instant-on operation. This focus on sustainability aligns with the growing demand for eco-conscious décor solutions - a trend that is gaining momentum across Africa.
The future of interior décor: Personalisation, sustainability and speed
The next phase of interior décor will be shaped by three key forces: personalisation, sustainability and speed-to-market. Consumers no longer want mass-produced designs; they crave exclusivity. This is evident in the rising popularity of hyper-personalisation, where even a single wall in a home can be transformed into a bespoke piece of art.
Additionally, as online shopping expands, e-commerce-driven interior décor businesses are emerging, offering print-on-demand services for wallpapers, furniture wraps and textiles. Digital printing is the backbone of this model, enabling businesses to quickly adapt to market demands without overstocking inventory.
OEMs must be committed to supporting interior décor professionals in navigating these shifts. Through innovation, reliability and a deep understanding of industry needs, they will continue to empower designers, architects and print service providers to push the boundaries of creativity.
A new era for interior décor
The future of interior décor in Africa is vibrant, innovative and driven by technology. Digital printing has not only redefined how spaces are designed but also how businesses operate - allowing for greater flexibility, lower costs and unlimited creative potential.
For decorators, architects and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in this fast-evolving industry, the choice is clear: embrace the power of digital printing, which is the perfect tool to turn their vision into reality.