Design Research: Study on DIY (Do-It Yourself) Concept in Residential Living

DESIGN RESEARCH
STUDY ON DIY (DO-IT-YOURSELF) CONCEPT
IN RESIDENTIAL LIVING:
Why do residents in Malaysia prefer DIY interior designing
instead of hiring interior designers?
PREPARED BY:
Lim Joe Yi
1605188
CLASS:
FIAD 1605-1
LECTURER:
Ananthan

NAME: LIM JOE YI STUDENT NO: 1605188 CLASS: FIAD1605-1 DATE: 21 APRIL 2017
Research Question: Study on DIY concept in residential living:
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Abstract
Ever since a couple of decades ago, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) one’s interior
design has been popular and is playing an important role among Malaysian
citizens. In this research paper, the focus of discussion is set out to get an in-
depth understanding into the reason behind the increasing of DIY behaviour
among Malaysian residents. As DIY concept is often applied among residents
in Malaysia, this adverse a negative impact on the role of interior designers
towards consumers. Malaysian residents often prefer to DIY their household
interior design compared to hiring professional interior designers for home
improvement. Therefore, this thesis is to uncover the solutions that are able to
encourage Malaysian residents to employ interior designers for their household
living space design. The differences between DIY interior designing and hiring
interior designers, factors that contributes to the increasing of DIY interior
design behaviour along with advantages and disadvantages of DIY interior
designing and hiring a professional was identified in the thesis. During the
research, data was gathered through collecting information from the Internet
and quantitative research, which is survey preparation. Critical research
analysis was done based on the survey questionnaire results given by 100
Malaysian respondents. The results from the survey show that majority of
Malaysian homeowners prefer DIY to save money, while they chose to hire
interior designers due to their professionalism and creativity. The study
concluded that money is the primary element that impacts Malaysian residents’
decision in both preferring DIY interior designing and hiring professional interior
designers.

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1.0 Introduction
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) interior designing stands as a key segment of the
DIY market, and it accounts for the largest share of the global DIY market. This
activity involves renovating and remodelling one’s home interior design without
the help of designers or contractors (PRNewswire, 2017). In 2015, The Global
DIY Summit (2016) reported that the world DIY, or known as home improvement
market turned over and reached 538 billion Euro, which increased 3%
compared to 2014. In the estimation made by Statista (n.d.), it was predicted
the value of worldwide DIY market will increase by 43.7 billion dollars (RM193
billion) in year 2018. The research and prediction found leads to proving the
statement in which the DIY market is constantly increasing nowadays and will
expand in the future.
In line with the popularity growth of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) concept globally
over the last couple of decades, Malaysia is no exception as DIY has become
a popular term and trend among Malaysians. According to the statistics of
Malaysia Property Market Report, the house price in Malaysia on the average
is 35 percent to 53 percent higher between 2000 until 2015 (NAPIC, 2017),
resulting in the financial pressure and declining of housing affordability. As a
result, most of the residents in Malaysia opt for the choice to practise DIY interior
designing for their household home design improvement instead of employing
an interior designer to save cost as well as to create their ideal house with a
much lower cost. Which in fact, may have adverse a negative impact towards
the job employment of professional interior designers. It was reported that
millions of homeowners chose DIY as their preferred alternative for home
interior design renovation rather than hiring professionals (Tan, 2015).
Therefore, this paper is to understand the factors and reasons affecting
Malaysian citizens’ choice between hiring interior designers and DIY for their
house interior.
The term Do-It-Yourself (DIY) has been introduced to the public since at
least 1912 (Gelber, 1997), mainly in the field of home improvement and
maintenance activities (Williams, 2004). DIY is known as “to create, build,
modify or repair something without the help or assistance of experts or
professionals”, or academically defined as “behaviours where individuals
engage raw and semi-raw materials and component parts to produce, transform,
or reconstruct material possessions, including those drawn from the natural
environment, for example, landscaping” (Wolf and McQuitty, 2011). The Do-It-
Yourself (DIY) market has grown tremendously (Wolf and McQuitty, 2013) since,
due to new channels of information and resources that is able to be obtained
from the fast growing technology nowadays. Self-designing and crafting has

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become a trend in our contemporary society (Genus, 2013). It is reported that
the global home decor markets’ earning is to be approximately $65.2 billion
(RM288.50 billion) (Marketing Charts, 2008) each year and is still fast growing
(Bosari, 2012).
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) behaviours encompass a wide range of different
activities such as home remodelling, customising, automobile repair, simple art
and crafting, gardening, and even consumption-directed projects such as
handcrafting furniture (Wolf and McQuitty, 2013). In other words, the types of
DIY projects can be categorised into those that serve as a simple, primarily
decorative or crafty purposes, those that are intended to replace a
professional's work, and those that require a significant amount of skill in order
to ensure the safety of the final outcome object (Barnett, 2017).
Factors that contributes to Do-It-Yourself (DIY) behaviour may be
motivated by the marketplace which includes economic benefits, lack of product
availability, lack of product quality and need for customization (Wolf and
McQuitty, 2011). While according to a research done in New Zealand, their
findings analysed that economic, cultural and social factors such as household
economy, consumption and shopping at affordable home furniture décor or
improvement stores, technology, leisure and work, plus self-reliance could lead
to more people engaging in DIY behaviour (Mackay et al., 2007; Bosari, 2012).
1.1 Problem statement
The drastic rise of the DIY residential interior designing trend in Malaysia is
threatening the employment growth of Malaysian interior designers in the recent
years and their role among homeowners (All Things Political, 2016). The
increasing of DIY interior design contents in advance technology applications
or software, television or internet sources, books, home designing or furniture
stores in the current generation are motivating Malaysian consumers to imply
DIY for the interior of their house. In addition to this, financial factors such as
economic downturn, household income, intention to save money or social
factors such as personal interest and preferring sustainable household design
contributes to DIY behaviour among Malaysian citizens. Besides that, the
differences in personal perceptions of residents towards DIY and hiring interior
designers contributes to the growth of DIY interior design as most of them
viewed DIY as the more beneficial choice. Thus, this trend is causing a negative
impact on role of interior designers towards Malaysian consumers. Therefore,
solution has to be found through this research after understanding the reason

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behind why majority of Malaysian household residents would prefer DIY than
hire interior designers as the alternative way in home renovation.
1.2 Objective and Aim
The objective and purpose of this research thesis is generated to understand
the factors that are causing and influencing the intention of residents in Malaysia
to prefer DIY interior designing instead of hiring professional interior designers
for their house interior renovation, and vice versa. After identifying the reasons,
solutions can be indicated in order to mentally convince more household
residents to hire interior designers to design for their house interior. The aim of
this research is also to find useful and relevant recommendations that can be
given to residents who prefer DIY in order to hire interior designers. The
importance of hiring interior designers for residential design is able to be
highlighted from the solutions found during the research. In addition to this, this
research study is able to identify ways to improve the employment rate of
professional interior designers as well as to increase their role towards
Malaysian consumers. A win-win solution between Malaysian residents and
interior designers can be found through this investigation.
2.0 Research Methodology
Phase One: Collecting Data
The researcher collected Information and data which is relevant to the research
through different sources such as journals, internet, books, magazines and
newspapers before the thesis is carried out. The researcher has collected
journals and articles from the Internet by using Google and Google Scholar with
the searching keywords of “DIY behaviour”, “decision in hiring interior
designers”, “DIY interior design” and so on, while the books and magazines are
collected from The One Academy library. Consequently, this method is able to
help in understanding the title of this research and get an in-depth study about
the topic through the gathered information, which could contribute to the
literature review as well as the survey questionnaire. Also, the detailed literature
review forms the context of the research which formulates the aim and
objectives of this research. Researcher then uses Microsoft Word to conclude
the information collected by using a laptop.

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Journals and books found by researcher:
1) Circumventing Traditional Markets: An Empirical Study of the
Marketplace Motivations and Outcomes of Consumers’ Do-It-Yourself
Behaviours by Marco Wolf and Shaun McQuitty
2) Understanding the do-it-yourself consumer: DIY motivations and
outcomes, An Institutional Economic Analysis of the Decision to Do-it-
yourself in Housing Renovation by Marco Wolf and Shaun McQuitty
3) Constructing and Maintaining a Central Element of Housing Culture in
New Zealand: DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Home Building, Renovation and
Maintenance by Michael Mackay, Harvey Perkins and Bob Gidlow
4) An Institutional Economic Analysis of the Decision to Do-it-yourself in
Housing Renovation by Ti Ching Peng
5) A Pluralistic Analysis of Housing Renovation Choices in Brisbane by Ti
Ching Peng
6) Re-thinking the motives of do-it-yourself (DIY) consumers by Colin C.
Williams
7) A Lifestyle Choice? Evaluating the Motives of Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
Consumers by Colin C. Williams
Phase Two: Survey Preparation
A questionnaire survey will be conducted in order to collect and record more
information through studying the selected sampling of relevant individual units
who are available to participate in the study from a population. The sampling
methods used are combination of the non-probability sampling technique, which
is the convenient random sampling, also known as availability sampling, and
purposive or judgemental sampling. The methods applied is able to help in
focusing on a selected population who are easy to reach.
The relevant target respondents for this research will solely be the people in
Malaysia with different backgrounds who has the financial income to own a
residential household where they could apply DIY interior design or hire interior
designers for their living spaces. The questionnaire contains a list of 15
questions related to DIY interior designing and hiring interior designers. The
survey will only be focusing on approximately 100 respondents due to the big
amount of residents in Malaysia. The target age of respondents will be 20 years
old and above, who are financially stable to own a house and apply renovation
to their household. The survey is separated into two different parts, part A with
4 questions seeking for respondent’s demographic, while part B has 11
questions relevant to the research question, comprising on the reason and

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factors that affects the choice between choosing DIY and hiring a professional
interior designer in Malaysian residential living area.
Survey is done and distributed by researcher through social media such as
Facebook and WhatsApp by using Google Forms online survey link. Survey
feedbacks are then collected from the respondents. This survey data collection
technique and method is able to ensure the number and accuracy of responses
to surveys. Respondent’s identity or personal details are confidential, thus will
not be disclosed to others except for research purposes. The data of survey
results will then be analysed with pie charts and bar charts after collecting the
targeted amount of respondents.
Phase Three: Analysing Data
Data analysing and interpretation will be carried out after research on literature
review is done, data from the survey is finalised with questionnaires collected
from 100 respondents from different age group, gender and occupation.
Researcher then uses Microsoft Word on a laptop to create pie and bar chart
for the analysis of the survey and conclude the results. The data that are
analysed critically will then contribute to discovering useful information,
suggesting conclusions and supporting decision-making for the assumptions of
this research topic.

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2.1 Research Methodology Mind Map
Research Question: Why do residents in Malaysia prefer
DIY interior designing instead of hiring interior designers?
Collecting Data
Source: Internet, online journals, books, articles,
Google Search, Google Image, Google Scholar
Survey
Preparation
14 questions, 100 Malaysian respondents, age 20
years old and above, Google Forms online
survey, convenient random sampling and
purposive or judgemental sampling.
Analysing Data
Analysis of survey question results with pie and
bar chart

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3.0 Literature Review
Table of content for Literature Review
1. Definition of DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
2. Types of DIY projects
3. Definition of interior design
4. Differences between DIY interior designing and hiring interior designers
5. Advantages and disadvantages DIY interior designing
6. Advantages and disadvantages of hiring interior designers
7 Factors causing DIY interior designing behaviour to increase
8. Ways to increase the role interior designers towards consumers
3.1 Definition of DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) is defined as the “activity of decorating, building, and
making fixtures and repairs at home by oneself rather than employing a
professional” by The New Oxford English Dictionary.
DIY can be traced back to the pre-history of mankind since it was once
the solely way to obtain a desired product (Santos et al., 2010). Gelber (1997)
stated that DIY has been introduced to the public since year 1912 but solely
focusing home improvement and maintenance projects. However, in Standard
English, the phrase "Do-It-Yourself" became a common usage during the 1950s,
in reference to the emergence of a trend of people undertaking home
improvement and various other small craft and construction projects as both a
creative-recreational and cost-saving activity (McKellar and Sparke, 2004). The
practice of DIY was then widely practiced in some Europe countries as they
engage in it as a hobby in the older days, but is now a well-known global trend.
People tinker, hack, fix, reuse, and assemble materials in creative and
unexpected ways, often codifying and sharing their production process with
others (Buechley et al., 2009). DIY (Do-It-Yourself) is an important area of craft
consumption and a field in which consumers are actively and creatively
engaged in integrating, producing, maintaining, recycling and transforming raw
material goods and components into a finished product by the consumer
(Moorman, 2008; Watson and Shove, 2005). DIY behaviours typically concern
on the repair and maintenance of homes and automobiles but may also include
projects where the goal is to construct household items such as furniture or
even simple arts and craft decoration. Consequently, Campbell (2005) referred
the term ‘craft consumer’ as a more precise definition for DIY. Also, DIY is done
in a safe manner and with effective improvements in the quality of life of the DIY
participant (Santos et al., 2010).

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With various types of DIY projects, they can be differentiated from the
simple arts and crafts activities by comparing the types of projects, tools and
materials involved, amount of labour, and the money spent on projects (Wolf
and McQuitty, 2011).
The DIY movement has continued to grow over the last decade,
especially in the area of home improvement as many factors are catering to the
DIY crowd (Leeza, n.d.). In addition to this, a small-but-growing presence in
professional or research forums, DIY, which includes a range of design,
activities, have become increasingly prominent in online discussion forums and
blogs (Buechley et al.). According to Wolf and McQuitty (2013), such projects
customarily are undertaken without the help of paid professionals but may
include managing subcontracting arrangements. Therefore, it can be done by
anyone even though they are not professionally licensed and experts in the
particular DIY skills, as shown in Diagram 3.1.1.
Table below shows participants of DIY in Southern United States with different
occupation backgrounds:
Diagram 3.1.1 proves that anyone could do DIY project even though they are
not skilled in the project field. (Table taken from Wolf and McQuitty, 2011)

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3.2 Types of DIY projects
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects can undertake nearly any problem, from
making jewellery to repairing cars. To avoid frustration, majority of people tend
to stick with DIY projects within their skill set, but it is possible for one’s self to
do nearly anything, just with enough initiative. Generally, there are several
different types of DIY projects that overlap considerably.
1) Small decorating and crafting projects
People who involves in DIY projects for small craft projects tend to create
their own jewellery or bags, repair and redesign fashion apparels, accessories
or even making simple wall decorations and cards. Even for larger items, such
as household furniture, people could also apply a simple touch of DIY to it. The
furniture can be spruced up just by using basic skills, like sewing, to make
beautiful covers or even to reupholster the entire piece. Most of the time, the
aesthetic appearance of its outcome is essential and fundamental for DIY
projects of a craft type. Also, the mistakes made during the DIY process do not
have any risk of badly injuring a person or creating a fire hazard. DIY kits for
this type of project are abundant and can be found for many different skill levels
(Barnett, 2017). Therefore, this type of DIY project may be the most popular
category among the girls.
Diagram 3.2.1 shows different ways to DIY fashion design (picture taken
from Google Play).
2) Replacing a professional’s work
DIY projects that involve replacing a professional in some way for non-
essential procedures are slightly more intensive than the crafting type. For
instance, tiling a bathroom, lawn mowing, repairing a furniture and putting in
cabinets are the activities that someone might normally hire a professional to
do so. However, these are the most common projects done by DIY participants.
Even so, this type of DIY project has the risk of a permanent inconvenience
if it is done incorrectly because most of the DIY project done is permanent

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unless more money is spent for correction. Renovators may feel compelled to
finish the work at all costs because of project irreversibility, thin markets for torn
out materials and the inconvenience an incomplete project causes in daily life
(Peng, 2009). Subsequently, many people are wary about these household
renovation projects. According to Barnett (2017), a person might be able to take
up classes to explore and experience a variety of more complex DIY subjects,
which opens up new opportunities for accomplishing these projects at a
professional level.
Diagram 3.2.2 showing a man tiling the wall on his own (picture taken
from DIY Network).
3) Projects that require a significant amount of skill of a professional
The DIY process requires various different forms of expertise (Peng,
2013). Some projects may have to depend on developing the skills and
knowledge a true artist and professional might have. The projects that are
considered under this category includes making boats, designing, repairing cars,
or other projects that involve electricity, motors, or moving parts. Other than the
large scaled DIY projects listed, some smaller DIY electronics projects will
require a person to understand a substantial amount of knowledge, for example,
electrical engineering. This type of project can be disastrous if it’s done
incorrectly and high cost have to be paid to solve the mistake. Thus, an in-depth
research on this particular category’s DIY project information and requirements
is definitely important before the proceeding with the project (Burnett, 2017).
Diagram 3.2.3 shows a man
repairing his car which is a DIY
project that requires sufficient
knowledge and skills (picture taken
from autorepairadvice.net).

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3.3 Definition of interior design
“Interior design is a multifaceted profession that uses creative and
technical solutions within a structure to achieve a built interior environment”
(NCIDQ, 2004). It supports the function, aesthetics and cultures of those who
inhabit, live and thrive in interior spaces. There is no doubt that this is a field
that greatly impacts and enhances the well-being of the people who work, live
and play in those interior spaces as well as protects their health, safety and
well-being (The GoodheartWillcox, n.d.). It is imperative to make sure that
designs as well as students and professionals practicing interior design, impact
society in a positive manner that are well received emotionally, physically, and
psychologically (Moorman, 2008).
Interior design has changed dramatically since the early 20th century
when it was just beginning to emerge as a profession and is expected to
increase within the next decade (IIDA, 2017). The style of interior design has
also been changing since the 1900s, from the Arts and Crafts movement to the
present day, including Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, the Modern Movement and Art
Deco through to Hi-Tech and sustainable, green design (Massey, 2008).Even
so, the interior design profession is relatively new, and constantly evolving and
the public often find it confusing (IIDA, 2017). Most of the people may not
understand the requirement and difficulty of this field as many thought of it as
merely decorators.
Interior design is more than just aesthetics. It’s all about finding creative
design solutions for interior environments while supporting the health, safety
and well-being of occupants and enhancing their quality of life, thus focusing on
how occupants experience the spaces (IIDA, 2017). Therefore, interior design
is definitely plays a powerful, important part of our daily lives and affects how
we live, work, play, and even heal. Interior designs can often be found at
comfortable homes, functional workplaces and beautiful public spaces (IDC,
2016).
The design of an interior space involves following a systematic and
coordinated methodology including research, analysis and integration of
knowledge into the creative process. Interior design is a multi-faceted
profession whereby the needs and resources of the client are satisfied to create
an interior space that fulfils the project goals (IDC, 2016).The process of crafting
interior spaces that anticipate our needs and appeal to our emotions may look
easy, but in reality, a broad set of skills and technical interior designing
knowledge is required (NYSID, 2016).

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Interior design is categorised into two distinct professions which are the
residential design and commercial design.
Residential interior design is the interior design and planning of private
living spaces. Interior designers primarily designing rooms for new or existing
homes in order to create a comfortable living space for their client. Some
designers even prefer working with a specific room such as the kitchen or
bathroom, or planning and creating closet spaces (NYSID, 2016).
Diagram 3.3.1 shows the interior design of a residential space (picture taken
from www.decorathink.com).
As for the interior design and planning of public spaces, such as
government buildings, private businesses or other corporate entities, is known
as the commercial interior design. Commercial design professionals often focus
on the interior design of offices, but they may also work with schools, banks,
retail establishments, and other public spaces. Some design hotels and
restaurants to make the interior functional and appealing, while others design
areas in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. And of course, specific
knowledge about how the space can be used effectively by both customers or
clients and employees is required by each of the field mentioned (NYSID, 2016).
Diagram 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 shows the interior design by commercial interior
design professionals (picture taken from www.theworkspaceconsultants.com).

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3.4 Differences between DIY interior designing and hiring interior
designers
Despite being in the same field, having the same work done such as
space planning, choosing materials, furniture and colours and so on, DIY
interior designing and hiring interior designers are different in their own way.
DIY interior designing is defined when one designed the whole interior
space for his or her residential house, from space planning, measuring,
choosing floor and wall materials, colours and furniture, house arrangement to
replacing tiles, flooring, painting walls and building up furnitures with or without
the help of their own contacted contractor. In order words, homeowners has the
hand in doing all or some of the work of professionals and that the work is
unpaid (Mackay, 2011). The DIY interior design projects may seem easy but it
is vital to have great professional perspective to allow homeowners in planning
appropriately, choose items wisely and prepare for future needs (Plaetz, 2015).
According to Peng (2013), DIY renovation often requires a production
chain of many procedures, requiring various types of expertise. Thus, people
who undertake DIY projects (DIYers) go beyond the construction of meaning of
a commodity because these consumers are both the designer of the functional
specifications and the builder. Complimenting to this, people who engage in DIY
activity choose among available materials and tools, engineer the work process
to complete the project, and act as inspectors and evaluators when deciding
whether the product has achieved the desired value (Wolf & McQuitty, 2011).
The furnishing or aesthetics of an interior space is more focused by the
homeowners in DIY interior designing (NCIDQ, 2004).
Hiring interior designers is known as to pay or hire a professional and
licensed interior designers, a person whose job is to plan how the existing
rooms of a building should be furnished and decorated, to design his or her
personal residential house into a functional and beautiful set of interior space
(Merriam Webster, n.d.).
When homeowners hired a professional interior designer, the designers
could help them in identify, research and solve problems on function and quality
of the interior environment. They perform interior designing services relating to
the interior spaces including site and design analysis, space planning,
aesthetics by using specialized knowledge of interior construction, building
fundamentals, equipment, materials and furnishings. They follow a systematic
and coordinated methodology to prepare schematics, drawings and documents
of the interior design to enhance the quality of life and protect the health, safety,
welfare and environment of the house, whereby the needs and resources of the

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client are satisfied to produce an interior space the project goals (NCIDQ, 2004).
Rather than focusing on designing a visually pleasing interior space, interior
designers make sure that the space is fully utilised and functional (BIID, 2014).
They would always provide tips and ideas for clients in better utilizing the space
(Plaetz, 2015). With all the work done by designers, homeowners could entrust
the professionals and leave the rest in their professional and trusted hands.
Diagram 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 shows the design planning process for an interior
space (picture taken from www.saga.co.uk).
3.5 Advantages and disadvantages of DIY interior designing
Advantages Disadvantages
Being in control of the interior design
vision
DIY interior design allows people to
be able to make decision and take full
control their vision of their ideal
interior space (Leeza, n.d.), to be
able to take full credit for the
satisfying results (Albert, 2014). They
could design the feel and look of
every inch the interior space into their
personal liking, since working with a
designer often requires steady
communication in order to get the
concept across (Mastroeni, 2015).
Shopping and selecting will also be
done on their own to choose what fits
the best for their interior (Leeza,
n.d.).
Time consuming
DIY interior designing requires a
large investment of time and
commitment during the process of
designing (Mastroeni, 2015). It takes
longer time as people have to take full
control and responsibility on the
interior design. Huge number of
decisions such as budgets, costs,
implementing ideas, in-depth
research, facing challenges and so
on have to be taken into
consideration throughout the DIY
process (Leeza, n.d.). It is definitely
only suitable for people who has good
amount of free time, so they will not
feel completely overwhelmed
(Mastroeni, 2015).

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Save money
DIY interior designing is a great way
to save money for people with limited
home renovating budget as the
charges for professional interior
designer might cost a fortune (Leeza,
n.d.). It helps to cut out the costs of
consultation and labour, which are a
big part of the process (Reagan,
2014). Designers have several fee
structures they use designing a room.
Retainer fees might be charge once
contract is signed, which can range
from $500 (RM2300) to $25,000
(RM11,000) (Reagan, 2014). Plus,
people could save money by making
pieces or textiles themselves instead
for playing custom pieces to save
money (Reagan, 2014).
Spend more money
Mistakes made throughout the DIY
interior designing process will surely
be costly. Depending on the mistakes
made, it could end up to be an
expensive mistake (Reagan, 2014).
Consequently, DIY participants will
spend more than the budget
limitations.
Also, while designing themselves, the
budget will not usually be set as such,
because they will be adding and
changing the interior space which
they may never be entirely satisfy
with (Emily May Interiors, 2016). The
alterations during the project may
cause an increase in the money
spent. They are more likely to make
impulse buys during the DIY process.
Excitement and satisfaction
DIY interior designing may be an
outlet for excitement to escape the
boredom caused by high standards
of safety and security in the modern
life (Scitovsky, 1981) and a source of
fulfilment (Brooks and Earl, 1987).
Hence, a DIY participant may choose
DIY for psychological reasons
instead of as a result of careful cost–
benefit calculation that would see the
challenging problems entailed in DIY
as a cost, not a benefit (Peng, 2013).
Of course, there will be certain
amount of happiness and satisfaction
since having a personal interior
space designed by themselves
(Leeza, n.d.). According to Schreier
(2006), the enjoyment obtained from
Messing up
As people who participate in DIY
interior designing are not
professionals, they are likely to make
accidental damage during the
process (Albert, 2014). As stated, this
project takes a longer time since
there will be learning curves and
things about this interior designing
field they need to educate
themselves on (Leeza, n.d.). Thus,
the chances of having safety hazards
along the process is high due to the
inexperience of DIYers (Peng, 2013).
According to a nationwide research,
80% of people have had a go at DIY
but often with disastrous results (BT
News, 2015). Even so, DIY
practitioners understand it as part of

Page 17
the design act positively affects the
outcome.
the learning process and to learn
from experience (Wolf and McQuitty,
2011).
Diagram 3.5.1 shows that DIYers have to manage their time to decide
their ideal interior space (picture taken from www.homeownersconsult.com).
3.6 Advantages and disadvantages of hiring interior designers
Advantages Disadvantages
Skilled and experienced
A professional interior designer has
experience working with a wide array
of rooms, square footage and styles,
to get a fresh perspective on a house
interior space (Reagan, 2014). They
utilise the limited space into a fully
functional and aesthetic living area
as they understand spaces, trends,
basic construction concepts. People
can rely on the designer’s expertise
in order to bring their vison to life in
the most efficient and cost-effective
manner (Leeza, n.d.). Depending on
the extent of work which acquire
permits, interior designers could help
handle obtaining permits and
Costly
Hiring interior designers will definitely
cost a lot (Mastroeni, 2015). The
project comes with various types of
cost designers might charge,
including flat fee rate, consultation
fees, hourly rate, price per square
foot, commission of the entire budget
as well as retainer fees (Merrill,
2012). According to Fox News, an
estimation of $75 to $250 (RM332 to
RM1100) per hour is spent by most
homeowners on their professional
services (Merrill, 2012). Hence,
homeowners have to ensure that
they are getting their money worth
through the services and prevent

Page 18
paperwork with their knowledge of
the necessary permits (Reagan,
2014).
from having additional fees applied
by understanding the pricing
structure of their designer.
(Mastroeni, 2015).
Wide connections and resources
Hiring an interior designer allows
homeowners access to a large
selection of to-the-trade-only
furnishings, fabrics and wall
coverings that otherwise they’d
probably never see. Designers bring
in the services of workrooms and
tradespeople that the designer has
cultivated relationships with over the
years (Albert, 2014). You can
potentially end up with a beautiful
home tailored to your tastes and
lifestyle, and furnished with pieces
chosen by an expert for their beauty,
quality and durability (Albert, 2014).
They could also help in solving
problems when unexpected issue
arise (O’Mary, 2016).
Communication
Working with an interior designer is
an intimate process as details of the
homeowner’s life will be shared with
the designer. Well communication
and trust between designers and
homeowners is extremely important
during the renovation process, which
may take up for months, or even
years (Albert, 2014). People may find
it difficult and troublesome to
communicate with interior designers
as they have to convey their own
visions, ideas and budget to the hired
designers. As a result of bad
communication, the outcome of the
interior design might not be satisfying
to the objective and needs of the
homeowners.
Time saving
For homeowners who works full time
outside the home, DIY will surely be
out of their reach and patience.
Considering all the work during
interior design project, interior
designers are able to help in saving
their time and release all the worries
since it is a heavy workload to put the
design together into a cohesive,
stylish fashion (Reagan, 2014). They
will plan out the best layout for the
living space according to the
homeowner’s needs efficiently and
fast. As interior designers are both
Finding the right designer takes time
In order to ensure one’s interior is
designed by a professional who is
trustable and understanding in his or
her vision, they must ensure to get
the right interior designer. However,
searching for the suitable interior
designer takes some time and leg
work (Leeza, n.d.). Different
designers will have different
specialities, way of working, design
aesthetics and personalities. From
meeting with a few various designers,
checking references and reviews to
requesting for proposals, these

Page 19
designers and project managers,
They will surely guarantee a finished
job done on the deadline (Emily May
Interiors, 2016).
process takes much longer time than
expected (Leeza, n.d.).
Stay on budget
Hiring interior designers can save
money in the long run (Emily May
Interiors, 2016). They could help
avoid costly mistakes and establish a
budget that will not only help to save
money but it can increase the value
of a house interior. With their strong
relationships with industries top
suppliers and contractors, they work
with trusted experts which means no
costly expenses are overlooked and
the items can be factors in at the early
stages of a budget (O’Mary, 2016).
Therefore, they will work within the
set budget and will use their expertise
to source the best items available
within the given budget (Emily May
Interiors, 2016).
Delay in project’s due date
Even though designers are handling
the implementation and providing
deadlines for decisions, popular
interior designers may be having a
backlog of work to be done.
Therefore, while homeowners is able
to get a firm and exact date for the
completion of renovation project, the
deadline may be farther than the
confirmed date (Leeza, n.d.).
3.7 Factors causing DIY interior designing behaviour to increase
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) interior designing and home decorating have been
popular than ever since the recent economic downturn. People are willing to
spend time and creativity in order to work on the comfortability and aesthetic of
their own living spaces has increased significantly (Bosari, 2012). The following
the reason that contributes to the increasing of DIY interior designing behaviour.
1) Stretching the money
DIY was an activity born out of economic necessity (Mackay et al., 2007).
People are looking for ways to save money especially in these tough economic
times. Families are now staying put to rework and renovate their house even
though they have that might have decided to sell their homes and move up to a
bigger, better house ten years ago (Bosari, 2012). For some families with a low

Page 20
household income, they have financial constrains as money are mainly spent
on daily needs. Therefore, paying a professional for home improvement tasks
is not the viable option for homeowners nowadays to save money (Mackay et
al., 2007).
This situation happened is usually due to economic terms and DIY was
often talked about as a method for raising the financial equity of the household
(Mackay et al., 2007). According to an interview done by Mackay et al. (2007)
in New Zealand, respondents linked their DIY behaviour to being influenced by
their particular life stage, one in which they were encountering a numerous
economic realities. As a result, DIY interior designing was introduced to
redesign their personal living space since many of them are looking for the
cheapest and easiest home renovation alternative to make their ideal interior
space into reality (Bosari, 2012).
2) Increase growth of home improvement stores
Aside from providing the homeowners with the necessary tools and
materials for DIY work, home improvement stores were also considered an
important source of inspiration, ideas and advice (Mackay et al., 2007) for DIY
interior designing projects.
The increasing popularity of accessible and affordable home supply stores
such as ACE Hardware, Home Pro, Craftsman, Mr D.I.Y, Lowe’s, Home Depot
and so on, are causing more people to engage in DIY projects. The stores
enabled the consumers to attempt an ever more complicated range of DIY tasks
as cheap tools were sold (Mackey et al., 2007).
DIY is a profitable business for those who supply the materials (Bosari,
2012). As a result, both Lowe’s and Home Depot, the world’s largest home
improvement retailers (Wolf & McQuitty, 2013), have experienced tremendous
growth in the past decade: Lowe’s had gross annual earnings of $65.02 billion
(RM287.87 billion) in fiscal 2017 (Market Watch, 2017), while Home Depot
earned $94.6 billion (RM418.84 billion) (Market Watch, 2017). While both
companies cater to corporate customers, much of their revenue is derived from
consumers (Bosari, 2012) who participates in home DIY projects.
Diagram 3.7.1 shows the DIY
products sold by ACE Hardware
store (picture taken from
www.gomiblog.com).

Page 21
3) Technology influences
Technology has profoundly impacted the $7.3 billion dollar (RM32.3
billion) per year (Anything Research, 2017) on home industry, specifically
within the areas of architecture and interior design, and it is still growing
(Wright, 2014). Together social media, mobile apps, television and digital
connectivity are changing the nature of one of the oldest businesses in the
world (Wright, 2014). As a result, the spurring of growing interest and decision
of to involve in DIY interior design projects among many homeowners could
be driven by a social network (Bikhchandani et al., 1992; Earl et al., 2007)
and technology effect.
Within the last 10 years, an increase in interest of interior design has sky-
rocketed and a majority of this interest is said to have come from an adequate
supply of television design programs (Moorman, 2008). Their initial
impression may be partly influenced by numerous popular TV renovation
shows in which a shabby house can be renovated in 30 minutes (Dunlevy,
2003; Finnerty, 2007). For example, HGTV network home shows, an
American basic cable and satellite television channel, and Asia’s lifestyle
channel, Life Inspired, are reflecting on the idea of saving renovation money
by DIY home interior designing (Moorman, 2008). More than that, shows like
Design on a Dime, House of Dreams, Bang for your Buck and Income
Property, focus on how to get the most out of your decorating dollar whether
you are involved in a major home remodel or simply replacing your window
coverings (Bosari, 2012).
Moreover, based on the observation of the researcher, YouTube is the
greatest platform where people is able to gather information to educate
themselves in various DIY activities in the correct manner, as YouTubers such
as LaurDIY, I Like to Make Stuff, KipKay and so on, constantly share videos
about DIY projects from distinct types of DIY (YouTube, n.d.). In addition to
this, there are many online websites and blogs which includes DIY Network,
Pinterest, Deviant Art and Houzz contributes in providing numerous of interior
design inspirations and hacks on the Internet.
Besides that, there are a variety of computer software applications and
mobile apps that can be retrieved online to ease the designing process for
DIYers. Some of these software can be obtain free while some comes at a
costly price. Interior design softwares such as Home Stratosphere’s Interior
Design Software, Planner 5D, Homestyler, HomeByMe, My Deco 3D Room
Planner and so on are free for permanent usage, while Turbo Floor Plan 3D
Pro, Total 3D Home Design and HGTV Ultimate Home Design costs in
between $19.99 (RM88) to $99.99 (RM440) (McCarthy, 2017). Also,

Page 22
BrightNest, Zillowdiggs, Like That Décor and Furniture, MyPantone (cost
$9.99) and Home Design 3D Gold (cost $9.99) are popular mobile software
applications that enables DIYers to design their living space interior with just
a tap on the screen (1stdibs, n.d. ; Home Stratosphere, n.d.).
Diagram 3.7.2 shows interior designing inspiration photos from Pinterest
webpage (picture is screenshotted from www.pinterest.com).
Diagram 3.7.3 shows that consumers are able to select materials, furnitures
for their interior design in Homestyler software (picture taken from www.
houseplanshelper.com).
4) Influx of affordable home furnishing stores
Families who redesign their homes will need something to occupy in
those newly-painted and newly-floored rooms, and secondary industries
such as furniture and accessory stores are seeing an increase in sales
(Nasdaq, 2017). While it is possible to create your own home fashions and
accessories, stores such as Pier One Import, Etsy and Ikea offer ready-made
and attractive pieces that seem to justify the cost of the purchasing (Bosari,
2012). Therefore, it saves time from making throw pillows, slip covers, and
other pieces which is also included as DIY projects. A unique personal space
can be created at a very low cost by combining purchased goods with your
own ideas (Bosari, 2012). In addition to this, small showrooms are even

Page 23
prepared to showcase an interior room space as a designing guidance to the
consumers.
An interview in New Zealand reported that participants enjoyed shopping
at home furnishing stores (Mackay et al., 2007). For many participants, a trip
to the local home decor store was viewed as an exciting venture, a chance
to look at and even try out some of the latest home improvement technologies.
Diagram 3.7.4 and 3.7.5 shows the ready-made home furnishing products
sold in the stores mentioned (picture taken from CBS Denver).
5) Social network and leisure
Besides looking for consistent and novelty-limited comfort including
safety and security in life, individuals also desire extraordinary excitement
out of their daily routine (Peng, 2013). Therefore, DIY was viewed as an
important hybrid leisure or work activity, one from which they derived a great
sense of personal satisfaction. As reported by an interview among New
Zealanders, many were surprised that DIY had taken such a central position
in their everyday lives (Mackay et al., 2007). Consequently, many of the
latest DIY obsessions are slowly replacing pre-homeownership hobbies and
leisure pursuits.
Beyond being a method for improving the material conditions house and
home, consumers saw DIY as an activity that brought a platform for
enhancing the networks and cohesion of family and friends together as DIY
is a common topic of conversation (Mackay et al., 2007).
6) Consumers lean toward environmentally-friendly repairs
A new consumer interest in sustainability is perhaps another trend
spurring growth in the DIY home improvement and designing industry. A study
out of Harvard predicted that “spending on homeowner improvements is
expected to grow at 3.5% annually” (Alexander et al., 2011). This growth may
be the result of home owners hoping to design their homes to be more

Page 24
functional and energy-efficient. The most common improvements would be
increasing insulation and installing more energy efficient appliances (Bosari,
2012). Also, repairing and maintenance for household electrical appliances
annually is able to reduce the energy consumption and increase the safety of
a household. Moreover, DIY practitioners are able to exercise their practical
skills to apply sustainability to their interior during the process (Mackay et al.,
2007).
7) Pursuit on challenging DIY tasks
Consumers have learned over the years as they can easily take on a
project that is far too difficult or too intense for your limited skills and knowledge
to save time and money. This may lead to more work done, however, many
homeowners decided to give DIY a try (Bosari, 2012). Some people started to
involve in DIY projects after observing close friends’ or neighbours’ DIY
activities which may make them want to give DIY a try (Phipps, 1983).
It was stated by Peng (2013) that the perceived ease of renovation
positively influence on DIY behaviour. Underestimation the uncertainty and
possible physical danger entailed in the DIY process may cause renovators to
pursuit in DIY challenges (Bedi and Goldbloom, 2008; Routley and Ozanne-
Smith, 1995). Even though it is widely reported that most DIY-renovators
without skills suffer from consequences such as accidents or injuries, ruining
materials, damaging an adjacent part of a house (Masia and Miller, 2006),
DIYers remain their interest and enjoy the process of challenging DIY tasks
since it is a very educational learning experience on arts and living skills.
The most popular home improvement projects tend to be painting,
moulding and trimming yard, which are those that can be completed in less
than a month working part-time and add immediate visual appeal. While few
DIY’ers attempt large technical projects, such as rewiring a home, which they
often ask experts to help do portions of a job while they do the rest (Bosari,
2012).
8) Trust and social dependence
Interior designing with professionals can be viewed as a co-ordination
game where trust is a far more important factor than conventional drivers of
choice such as income, prices or productivity (Granovetter, 1985, 2005). Earl
and Wakeley (2005) argued that the issues of capabilities and trust may
automatically impact homeowners’ decision to a preferable choice. Thus,
homeowners may choose to supply their own labour due to the lack of trust in
professionals (Peng, 2013).

Page 25
Trust is a key element that forges interaction and transaction between
individuals (Gransovetter, 1985, 2005). As a result, most of the people are
afraid to trust contractors or designers in designing their personal household
after understanding the possibility of contractual failure. Consequently, the
variable ‘level of trust in contractors’ is assumed to be negatively related to the
likelihood of DIY, while positively with the likelihood of hiring others (Peng,
2013). Which in fact, leads to increasing of people participating in different DIY
projects.
Some people prefer to rely on his or her own practical skills, resources
and know-how to overcome the challenges encountered doing DIY a constant
source of satisfaction and independence. The desire to avoid hiring
professionals was heightened by the perception that designers and contractors
could not to be relied upon (Mackay et al., 2007).
3.8 Ways to increase the role interior designers towards consumers
The profession of Interior Design is relatively new, constantly evolving, and
often confusing to the public, therefore, ways to
1) Price
“Interior designers are professionals, and this will come at a price”
(Williams, 2015). The issue of cost may be the biggest concern among
homeowners when hiring interior designers (Morrison, n.d.).There is no doubt
that most of the interior designers require clients to pay fixed fees, cost plus
fees, fees by hourly rate, fees per square foot, retainer fees and so on, and will
also ask for a contract. The average cost of hiring a professional is $5592
(RM25,000), as reported by HomeAdvisor (2017). As a result, homeowners
would not go for the option of employing designers when the price is more than
what they expect to pay.
In order to increase the role of professional interior designers towards
consumers, the price for hiring the designers should be lowered and the
additional charges mentioned should be reduced or eventually removed as it
was stated that not everyone is willing to pay the price for a quality interior
designer (Morley, n.d.). Designers must make sure to establish an affordable
budget and avoid making costly mistakes, plus demonstrate the best and
efficient option that will help maximise the client’s budget (Maurer and Weeks,
2010).
Other than that, interior design firms should provide online consultation
services for the homeowners who wish to get the help of interior designers in

Page 26
designing their living space but with an affordable price. Nowadays, most of the
interior design companies are increasingly going online, offering their services
at a fraction of the cost and time it takes to work with a traditional designer,
which includes design firms such as such as Laurel and Wolf, Homepolish and
Havenly. These online services eventually help consumers to save money as
they offer cheaper priced packages which includes consultation,
recommendation, providing ideas, shopping lists and designing services which
may cost up to $1299 (RM5700) depending on the design firm and package
chosen (Jao, 2016).
Diagram 3.8.1 and 3.8.2 shows the package given by Havenly Interior Design
Firm and the steps to get consultation from their designers (pictures taken
from www.havenly.com).
2) Communication
Effective and clear communication between interior designers and
homeowners is a key component during a design project (Clarida, 2012). In
other words, communication and transparency between the designer and client
from the "get-go" leads to trust, flexibility, diplomacy, collaboration, and
creativity. It is important for designers and clients to develop a partnership by
working together such as collaborating ideas and asking questions that explore
and specify all key factors, details, and goals of a project (Modlab, n.d.). It helps
to ensure the vision, goals and aesthetics required by the client is achieved and
is able to be created into reality effectively.

Page 27
Interior designers have to be patient, understanding and always listen to
a client’s objectives, budget and style direction which are considered as the key
elements to the outcome of any project. Additionally, understanding more about
personal lifestyle, schedule and personality in clients’ allows an interior designer
to make suggestions beyond what is requested, and that will reinforce the value
of the designer incrementally (Mahoney, n.d.). Designers have to work with the
clients to develop an alternate plan for the space that relates to client’s objective
(Maurer and Weeks, 2010). Besides that, during the consultation process, it is
important for interior designers to inform the client about their preferred mode
of communication such as by phone, email, text or perhaps weekly meetings,
in order to prevent any misinterpretations or misunderstanding which may lead
to arguments (McCarthy and Hinder, 2012).
3) Professionalism
Interior designers are known to skilled professional individuals who
combine extensive training with creativity to become qualified (IDNL, 2017).
They undergone legal education, experiences and examinations to be certified
and qualified as professional interior designers. In Malaysia, interior designers
are required to be certified and recognised by joining as a registered member
of MIID (Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers) to ensure that they are
qualified with the skills of an interior designer.
In order to increase the confidence and to encourage homeowners to
hire interior designers, interior designers have to ensure themselves to be
licensed in that particular country. This certificate is able to verify that the
designer is owns the necessary skills to oversee the complex tasks of designing
and managing the construction or renovation of interior environments (IDA, n.d.).
It is definitely not an easy job in achieving both putting together a room that is
visually good and is functional (CreativeTouch Interiors, 2016). There are
certain amount of challenges and issues related to building design
fundamentals, principles environment, building technology and so on during the
home renovation or construction process which requires the knowledge of
professional interior designers, therefore, homeowners will be encouraged to
hire designers when the designer is certified with the necessary skills.
Designers may be surprised to find that clients are less concerned with
referrals and more focused on professionalism. Therefore, when presenting
credentials and work, interior designers must make sure to relate specifically to
the client’s need to assure them that designers are responsible for integrating
all the aspects of the design process along with client’s requirements (Maurer
and Weeks, 2010).

Page 28
4) Outcome
A visually appealing design is often able to impress the clients. An interior
designer must own an excellent design skills in order to create interior spaces
that clients will be happy and satisfied with (Fehl and Clark, 2006). Designers
are hired for their expertise in a variety of categories, and clients would usually
expect their designer to be the facilitator of their own personal style in order to
translate it into reality (Mahoney, n.d.). Other than just having an end product
that fulfils clients’ needs and aesthetic visual appealing, interior designers have
to combine them with the interior functionality that provides comfort for the
occupants since the space may be permanent and is playing an important in
one’s daily life, physically and mentally.
Designers should be well trained as they are required in thinking
differently, spatially by seeing an overall picture that clients often cannot
(Freshome, 2012). In addition to this, other than offering the clients with the
interior design space according to their requirements, designers should provide
the “wow” factor in their design by applying some design elements or principles
to enhance the living space. Therefore, clients are able to experience the “wow”
and exciting final outcome as they work with interior designers during home
improvement projects. Subsequently, a designer’s reputation is a result from
the positive, personal experience with the clients (Mahoney, n.d.), therefore,
consumers will be influenced after understanding that professionals are able to
provide satisfying end results which is worth the price paid for.
Diagram 3.8.3 shows the before and after pictures of a dining room makeover
(picture taken from www.pinterest.com).
5) Convenience
Homeowners would usually hire interior designers due to convenience
and time saving factor in this hectic society we live in. From researching,
planning, buying materials to locating the furniture into an interior spaces,
interior designers will make sure that none of these will be the concern of their
clients. Designers will abet in solving these time consuming issues with their
knowledge and experiences.

Page 29
Majority of interior designers would offer on-site visits and meet ups that
is suitable according to their clients’ time availability, however, costly charges
will be applied on this service, known as the hourly rate fees. As a result, interior
designers are recommended to provide these consultation services online, also
mentioned in the price factor. Other than saving costs, homeowners who find it
to schedule face-to-face meetings with interior designers (Decorist, 2016) are
able to save their time by working with an interior designer anytime, anywhere
through the interior designer online website. Such convenience offered will
definitely increase the likelihood of hiring interior designers among homeowners,
especially those who are busy with work.
6) Creativity and Ideas
“Thinking outside of the box is what designers do all day long”, stated by
Michelle Cortizo of Cortizo Interiors in Boston, Massachusetts (Freshome,
2012). Most of them were trained to think critically and creativity to fulfil the
needs of clients. Therefore, interior designers should always provide ideas and
solutions that would save costs and space, as well as increasing and enhancing
the health, well-being, safety and productivity of the household occupants,
through sufficient combination of design principles and elements.
According to Mahoney (n.d.), people often hire professional interior
designers to design their living space because they have an innate ability to
imagine spaces that homeowners usually could not. In addition to this,
designers are able to analyse clients’ specifications, compare them with the
actual space and purpose of the space, and visualise what is feasible and what
will not work. For example, designers can transform an existing compact interior
space into a visually wider, spacious area or even design an unwanted space
into a fully functional area to fully utilise an interior space, as shown in Diagram
3.8.4.
Diagram 3.8.4 shows the transformation of a storage into a study area to save
space (picture taken from www.pinterest.com).

Page 30
In other words, finding creative design solutions for interior environments
to increase clients’ quality of life with their designing skills and knowledge is
important in order to increase the role of interior designers among homeowners.
During the process of designing an interior space, interior designers have to be
logical and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
solutions, then provide conclusions or approaches to problems for their clients
(MyMajors, n.d.). Subsequently, having the creative thinking skills to solve
homeowners’ challenges and issues is able to gain their trust.
Data Collection and Analysis
4.1 Survey Analysis
A survey on approximately 100 Malaysian respondents was carried out
to understand the factors affecting their perceptions and behaviours in
preferring DIY interior design. With the combination of convenient random
sampling and judgemental sampling, researcher distributed the Google Forms
online survey link (https://goo.gl/forms/2jGZ5eHunRVU2E942) through social
and mobile software applications, including Facebook and WhatsApp to the
respective respondents. The required age range of respondents to answer the
survey form is 20 years old and above, as the researcher believes that this
selected population has a high opportunity in having the financial income to own
a residential house in Malaysia and have done renovation to the interior of their
house.
4.1.1 Respondents’ demographic data
18%
16%
24%
35%
7%
AGE GROUP
20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60 and above

Page 31
In this survey, the age range of respondents are 20 to 29 years old, 30
to 39 year old, 40 to 49 years old, 50 to 59 years old and 60 years old and above.
There are 18 respondents for the age range of 20 to 29 years old, 16
respondents for the range of 30 to 39 years old, 24 respondents from the age
of 40 to 49 years old, 35 respondents who ages from 50 to 59 years old and
lastly, 7 of them who are 60 years old and older.
Among 100 respondents who answered the survey form, female
respondents are at the majority as compared to male in the gender segment. In
this survey, 32% of them are male while 68 % are female.
As for the current status among 100 sampling individuals from survey
conducted, researcher has collected 67 respondents who are currently
employed, 16 of them who are students, 11 of unemployed respondents who
may be housewives, while 6 of them are from the retired status.
32%
68%
GENDER
Male Female
16%
67%
11%
6%
OCCUPATION / CURRENT STATUS
Student Currently employed Unemployed Retired

Page 32
4.1.2 Question 1: In your opinion, do you think interior design is important
for a residential living space?
This question is to find out and understand the perceptions of the 100
respondents towards the importance of residential household interior design.
According to the results shown, more than half, which is 78% of the
respondents agreed that interior design is essential for a living space, while 15%
of them chose maybe and 7% of the respondents do not find interior design is
an important element or occupies as the primary need in a residential household.
Therefore, based on the results found from the question, majority of
respondents believes that interior design is definitely playing an important role
and has been given high attention in residential living spaces.
Most of the respondents agrees to this statement since other than being
the aesthetic look of a building’s interior (Transedit, 2013), interior design
introduces people to beauty, relaxation, function and modernism (Abboud,
2014). From interior elements such as lighting, materials, furniture, pattern,
texture, forms colour to interior principles which includes rhythm, flow and
balance, the ambience of an interior would highly affect the health, well-being
and productivity of the occupants (Mizell, 2009). Also, a poorly designed interior
space is visually constrained even though with a big space. In Wolf and
McQuitty (2013), it was mentioned that one’s household interior design would
directly correlate and reflects with the impression of its owner. Therefore, results
show that people nowadays are inclining towards the preference of a healthier
lifestyle through a comfortable residential living space and most of them are
also interested in the interior design of private or public buildings.
Yes
78%
No
7%
Maybe
15%
Yes No Maybe

Page 33
It was proven that Malaysian citizens are prone to understand the
importance residential interior design as they show their interest in participating
interior design related exhibitions and events. Exhibitions such as ARCHIDEX,
REX Home Improvement and Renovation Expo, BIG HOMExpo, HOMEDEC
Home Design and Interior Exhibition were organised annually in collaboration
with Malaysian Institute of Architects (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia or PAM) or
Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID), and the response by
Malaysians was overwhelming. These exhibitions are platforms for
homeowners to get fun, inspirational design ideas through life-size show home
themes and forums. Also, they play a prominent leading role in creating relevant
awareness about future living spaces (HomeDEC, n.d.).
Diagram 4.1.2.1 shows the overwhelming response of Malaysian in Malaysia
home interior design and renovation exhibitions (pictures taken from
HomeDEC).
For respondents who do not think that residential interior design is
important, the reason behind it may be influenced by their perception that
interior design do not have any impact on their daily life or the behaviour of not
neglecting to notice their residential or surrounding interior design. This may be
due to lack of presence in their home since the modern day society lifestyle is
hectic and fast in pace. Therefore, the remaining 22 respondents who are not
totally agree with the question should spend more time discovering the
importance of residential design as it has a great and positive effect on one’s
lifestyle.

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4.1.3 Question 2: Do you own a residential house in Malaysia (any state)?
The question is asked in the survey form to seek for the qualification of
respondents in the survey conduction as researcher used judgemental
sampling which targets on Malaysians above 20 years old with the financial
income to own a residential house. Among 100 sampling individuals collected
throughout Malaysia, 80% of them is reported to possess their personal
residential building in any state of Malaysia, while 20% of the respondents does
not own a house in Malaysia.
From the finding collected from this particular question, researcher is
able ensure the validity of the analysis made from the survey as respondents
who owns a residential house is the preferred sampling segment. As
respondents with a personal household stands in majority compared to those
without, it is a good sign for the research finding as they are more relevant and
qualified in answering the survey questions. People who owns a house of their
own is known to be having more experience in house renovation, which the
homeowner may engage in DIY activities or chose to hire a professional for the
interior design.
Even though there are 20 respondents who do not own a residential
house or did renovation, these particular respondents remains eligible to involve
and fill up the survey form as they may have plans to purchase a house in the
future and apply home interior renovation. Therefore, opinions on the decision
to hire a professional interior designer or DIY (Do-It-Yourself) can be given by
the following individuals.
80%
20%
Yes No

Page 35
According to the survey results shown, majority of Malaysians who ages
above 30 years old owns their private residential house while respondents who
are non-homeowners are from the age group of 20-29 years old. The reason is
that the respondents from the age group of 20-29 years old are mostly students
without permanent source of income as compared to employed respondents
who are 30 years old and above. According to a research done in America by
Census Bureau, it was reported that one’s financial income differs with the age
and sex demographic (Census Bureau US, n.d. cited from Financial Samurai,
2015).
Diagram 4.1.3.1 shows that salary differs with age and sex demographic
(graph taken from Financial SamuraiI, 2015).

Page 36
4.1.4 Question 3: Which category best describes your annual household
income?
A question based on the annual financial income of respondents was
designed to get a further analysis in identifying whether the decision of
homeowners in DIY activity or hiring a professional interior designer for their
living space is affected by their income. This question will also be used to
examine if economic financial income will influence on their preferred amount
of money spent while hiring interior designers for home renovation. The
relationship between financial income and preferred alternative in home interior
designing as well as financial income and the budget to hire interior designers
is further discussed in 4.1.14 and 4.1.15.
Among 100 respondents who answered this question, majority of
respondents, which is 43% of them have an annual income of RM75,000 and
below (less than RM6,250 per month), followed by 36% of respondents who
have yearly income that ranges in between RM75,000 to RM150,000 (RM6,250
to RM12,500 per month) and 16% of them reported that they have an annual
income amount between RM150,000 to RM300,000 (RM12,500 to 25,000 per
month). As for having an annual income of over RM300,000 annually (more
than RM25,000 per month), it is the least chosen category that describes the
respondents’ income, as low as 5%.
According to the table of Malaysian’s monthly household income by
Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey (HIS& BA) in year 2014, the
median and mean income of Malaysians are RM4,585 and RM6,141
respectively (DOSM, 2014). Therefore, based on the survey finding, the monthly
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Less than RM75,000 RM75,000 to
RM150,000
RM150,000 to
RM300,000
More than
RM300,000
Annual Income Range (Number of Respondents)

Page 37
and annual household income of Malaysian sampling respondents is more on
average segment, as majority of the sampling individuals have the yearly
household income of RM150,000 and below, which is less than RM12,500 a
month.
Diagram 4.1.4.1 shows the median and mean income of Malaysians in year
2012 and 2014 (table taken from DOSM, 2014).
The results of both HIS&BA survey and CEIC’s economic data proved
that Malaysian households appeared to be doing better in 2014 as compared
to a few years before that as there is a noticeable increase in their salary. From
the data given by CEIC (2016), the Malaysia annual household income has
grown rapidly since more than a decade ago. The annual household income of
Malaysian citizens was $2100.51 (RM9302.95) back in year 2002, but has been
increasing constantly and rapidly until it reaches $5131.31 (RM22726.06) in
2014.
Diagram 4.1.4.2 shows the data on Malaysian’s annual household income
from year 2002 to 2014 (data taken from CEIC, 2016).

Page 38
4.1.5 Question 4: Have you done any renovation for the interior design of
your house?
This question is also to examine if the 80% of respondents who are
homeowners applied renovation for their living space. Respondents who do not
own a residential house is therefore, not qualified for answering this question
and was required to answer question 7.
According to the 80 respondents who answered this question, 75%,
which is 60 of them reported that they did renovation for the interior design for
their residential house. As for the other 20 respondents, which is 25% from the
particular segment of respondents said they did not apply home improvement
or renovation for their living space interior.
Home renovation, also known as home improvement or remodelling, is
defined as the process of renovating or making additions to one home. Home
improvement. The activities may include projects that upgrade an existing home
interior, such as electrical and plumbing or for home exterior which includes
roofing, siding and masonry. Other than that, other improvements to the
household property such as garden work, landscaping and garage maintenance
are also included as home renovation activities (Litchfield and Harley, 2012).
“A house may be the largest investment in one’s life”, stated by Lim
(2013). Even though renovation may not come cheap these days, people may
still prefer to renovate their property. Majority of respondents chose to
undertake home renovation activities to improve their house interior would be
also to improve their lifestyle and the value of their living space. According to
Yes
75%
No
25%
Yes No

Page 39
Joyce Chuah, Success Concepts Life Planners chief executive, she shares that
Malaysian residents would usually allocate 5% to 10% of the house value as
home renovation budget, which is considered feasible for Malaysian
homeowners (Lim, 2012).
Moreover, since home renovation is a common and basic activity among
homeowners, this maybe the reason behind most of the respondents stated that
they undergo home improvement for their household. Home renovation
includes the activity of changing wall paint colours, lighting, wiring, adding
partitions, drop ceilings, furniture, materials and so on (HomeDecoMalaysia,
2017). With such variety of home remodelling activities, homeowners would at
least involve in one of these activities mentioned, either to doing it themselves
or hiring professionals to do so.
As for the 25% of respondents who did not undertake home renovation
activities, the reason behind it may be due to the increasing price of renovation
costs. This was proven by Joyce Chuah that renovation cost has increased
about 12% over the past eight years (Lim, 2012). Besides that, home
improvement spending is expected to reach $325 billion (RM143.3. billion) by
early 2017, according to Harvard University’s Joint Centre for Housing Studies
(Hoak, 2016). Therefore, people are afraid to spend more on home renovations.
Diagram 4.1.5.1 shows that money spent on home remodelling are on the rise
(graph taken from Hoak, 2016).
Furthermore, respondents did not do home renovation may also because
they purchased a house which is fully furnished. When homeowners are
satisfied with the existing house interior design, therefore, they will not further
renovate their household and spend more money on it.

Page 40
Diagram 4.1.5.2, 4.1.5.3 and 4.1.5.4 shows a fully furnished apartment for sale
in Tropez Residences, Johor Bahru (pictures taken from www.iproperty.com).
4.1.6 Question 5: If yes, how often do you change your household interior
design?
When respondents were asked how often did they change their
household interior design, among 100 respondents, majority (71%) of them
seldom change their interior design while 26% of them change their living space
design between once every two years and once every 5 years. Only 3% of
respondents who change their household interior design more than once every
2 years, which is quite often, stands the minority in this question.
According to this survey question, there is no doubt that most of them do
not change their living space interior design as often. The main factor that
contributes to this situation includes the rising of house prices in Malaysia even
though there is an economic downturn situation due to Malaysian ringgit’s weak
3%
26%
71%
More than once every 2 years
Between once every 2 years and once between 5 years
Less often

Page 41
performance. Results from GPG (Global Property Guide) showed that the
national house price index in Malaysia rose by 5.36%. As by property type,
Malaysia terraced house average prices rose by 5.6% to RM299,012, high-rise
residential properties' average price rose by 6.6% to RM320,782, detached
house average prices were increased by 3.7% to RM560,987, while semi-
detached house average prices increased by 5% to RM500,943, as compared
from year 2016 (Global Property Guide, 2017).
In this economic situation where house prices are increasing,
homeowners usually will prefer to do monthly housing or mortgage payment to
afford the price of the property. As a result, more money was spent on the
purchasing of house or monthly payments, causing homeowners having limited
budget and could not spend much on house renovations and interior design.
Just as in the rest of the world, many people in Malaysia are engaged in
stressful professions and they often work long hours (Tan, 2015). As most of
the Malaysian homeowners are employed, they are often busy pursuing their
career at work which leads to neglecting their household interior design.
Furthermore, homeowners may have installed permanent and fixed furnitures
during their house renovation and it would be a hassle and inconvenient to
remove, replace or reposition them in order to change their household interior
design. Consequently, they will not change their existing living space’s design
often to preventing mistakes or trouble, time consuming and also, they may be
more than happy and satisfied with their current household interior design. Also,
homeowners do not change their interior design often because they would only
do so when the materials or furniture are old and needed maintenance or
replacement.
Diagram 4.1.6.1 shows the change of
house price in Malaysia according to
the percentage change compared to
the previous year (graph taken from
Global Property Guide, 2017).

Page 42
4.1.7 Question 6: Did you hire an interior designer or did you DIY (Do-It-
Yourself) the interior design for your house interior? Choose one.
This question was answered solely by respondents who owns a
residential house in Malaysia and did renovation for their house to identify if
they hired an interior designer or did DIY for their interior design. The choice of
if they applied both DIY and hiring a professional to design their living space
was given in this survey question for the respondents in order to obtain more
information on the reason they preferred these both house renovation
alternatives.
Among these respondents who did renovation for their living space, 60%
of them did DIY (Do-It-Yourself) for the design of their household interior. 22%
of the respondents said that they hired a professional interior designer as well
as applying DIY for their living space design. Minority of the respondents, which
is the remaining 18% of them stated that they hired professional interior
designers to abet them in designing their living space.
18%
60%
22%
Hire a professional DIY the interior design Both

Page 43
4.1.8 Question 7: If you plan to renovate your house in the future, which
option will you go for, hiring interior designers or DIY (Do-It-Yourself)?
Choose one.
Respondents who did not do home renovation were required to answer
this question about their decision on hiring interior designers or DIY for any
future home improvement activities. The option of applying both DIY and hire
professionals were also given to gather more information for the following
questions in understanding the reason behind their preferred interior designing
method.
According to this survey question result, 52% of the respondents prefer
to apply DIY (Do-It-Yourself) for future home renovation activity, followed by 27%
of them stated that they would prefer both DIY and hire professional interior
designers. Lastly, among 25 respondents who did not apply any home
improvement for their house, 21% of them said that they would hire a
professional interior designer when they do home renovation in the future.
52%
21%
27%
DIY the interior design Hire a professional Both

Page 44
4.1.9 Analysis of Question 6 and 7
According to the results shown from question 6 and 7, DIY (Do-It-
Yourself) interior designing is the most preferred home renovation alternative
among both respondents who did home improvement and those who did not
undertake home renovation activities.
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) activity has been a popular trend among Malaysians
over the last couple of decades ago. According to Euromonitor International’s
(2016) research on home improvement in Malaysia, this was due to the
mounting service fees charged by skilled labourers due to inflation and the rising
cost of living, which also led business to predict DIY activity as a growing home
improvement trend in Malaysia. Also, the learning about and engaging in DIY is
feasible as the urban population and internet uptake rate in Malaysia is growing
tremendously (Euromonitor International, 2016).
Majority of respondents’ decision in preferring the alternative method to
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) in designing their household interior space may be
influenced by the factors that contributes to the growth of DIY interior design as
well as the advantages of DIY interior designing in the literature review 3.5 and
3.7. The advantages of DIY interior design such as able to be in control of their
living space design, save money and having the satisfaction after the DIY
interior design project is completed and factors which includes economic
downturn, increasing of home improvement and home furnishing stores,
technology, leisure hobby, social network, a lean towards environmental
friendly repairs and also, their intention to pursuit on challenging tasks due to
their great interest plus having problems with trust and social dependence on
professionals are the reason behind why respondents prefer DIY interior design
compared to hire interior designers. Along with the growth of DIY behaviour
among Malaysians, there is no doubt that majority of residential homeowners
will be affected by this culture that is also the cheapest option to go for in home
interior improvement. It was stated by Ralf (2017), with the recent GST
implemented in Malaysia on April 2016, many people were heavily affected by
the growing cost to design their little sanctuary called home, resulting more
Malaysian homeowners engaging in DIY projects and ditch the idea of hiring a
designer.
As for respondents who prefer both hiring professional designers and
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) their household interior design, they are also affected by
the advantages of DIY interior design and the aspects that caused an increase
in DIY behaviours to engage in DIY interior design projects, however, for some
cases such as encountering DIY interior design projects that are difficult and
challenging to be mastered in or having insufficient research, resources or

Page 45
information on a particular project due to lack of experience and profession such
as electrical or plumbing work, may lead them to hire a professional interior
designers during their home renovation process. Other than that, even though
respondents may prefer hands on and they have a great interest in DIY interior
designing, most of them are employed and they are lack of time, therefore, this
leaves them with no other option but to leave the their household interior design
project for professionals designers (Tan, 2015).
According to both of the questions asked on respondents’ preferred
home interior renovation alternative, minority of respondents prefer to solely hire
interior designers. This situation may happen due to having the disadvantages
and risks stated in the literature review, which includes having to spend more
money as fees charged tend to be relatively expensive (Euromonitor
International, 2016), communication problems among homeowners and
designers, time consuming in searching for the right designer and the risk of
delay in project’s deadline, resulting Malaysians to prefer the other alternatives
instead of hiring a professional. The conventional approach among many
Malaysians has been to hire skilled labourers for home improvement tasks, as
fees charged tend to be relatively expensive. However, fewer respondents
understand and acknowledge that hiring interior designers for their living space
design is able to help them to stay on budget, save time, convenient and
designers are more creative, experienced and exposed to wide resources and
connections compared to DIYers.

Page 46
4.1.10 Question 8: Why did you choose to hire a professional interior
designer? Choose the top 3.
In this question, respondents who preferred to hire interior designers to
design their living space. Majority of respondents (23 respondents) has chosen
both interior designers are professional, skilled and licensed as the reason for
hiring professional interior designer and that designers are creative and able to
generate ideas, followed by designers have more resources and connections
(22 respondents), able to translate clients’ vision into reality (21 respondents),
Time saving and convenient (20 respondents). In this survey question, 16 of the
respondents said that designers are able to provide satisfying outcome when
they hire interior designers while only 10 people stated the reason is to be able
to save money in the long run as well as to help consumers to stay within the
given budget. Other than that, 2 respondents stated that there are other reasons
that influenced them to hire professional interior designers
Based on this result, interior designers are more professional, licensed
and skilled plus being creative and is able to generate ideas during the process
of designing residential interior are the main reasons that influenced their
intention to hire an interior designer because designers have the education and
experience to oversee the complex tasks of designing and managing the
construction of interior environments (IDIBC, 2009). Besides creating a visually
pretty space, interior designing a process to provide solutions and interior
designers are the individuals who have the critical and creative thinking skills to
be the problem solvers. Therefore, many people would entrust their household
0
5
10
15
20
25
Timesavingand
convenient
Professional,licensed
andskilled
Savemoneyinthelong
run
Designershavemore
resourcesand
connections
Abletotranslate
clients'visioninto
reality
Creativeandableto
generateideas
Satisfyingoutcome
Helpstostaywithinthe
budget
Others
Reasons to hire professional interior designers
Number of respondents

Page 47
interior design for designers since they receive training from building technology,
ergonomics, environmental issues, to local building and fire codes, in addition
to studying design fundamentals (IDIBC, 2009). With their profession and
experiences, designers get to the heart of the issues and design spaces that
have the function, aesthetic and quality that the client is looking for in a short
time.
During the process of interior designing, either a small or huge project,
there are many challenges and issues that may come with design such as
accessibility, compact spaces and aging-in-place (Alpine Custom Interiors, n.d.).
By understanding their client’s needs, requirement and characteristics by
through communication, designers are able to search for the best possible
solution for the issues encountered for their client. Usually, they will bring
together technical expertise and a comprehensive understanding of design to
enhance the function and quality of interior spaces and ensure the safe,
successful completion of a project (IDIBC, 2009).
As seen from the results of this question, majority of respondents do not
find hiring interior designers would them help in saving money in the long run
as well as able to help them to stay on budget and make sure that they do not
over spend. People usually think or interpret and have an impression that hiring
designers is too expensive and is only a luxury reserved for the very wealthy
(Dauray, 2014). Other than that, respondents may have experienced in hiring
professionals that requires expensive pays due to a variety of extra charges
such as flat fee rate, consultation fees, hourly rate, price per square foot,
commission of the entire budget and retainer fees as stated in the
disadvantages of hiring interior designers in the literature review.
According to Thomas (2013) and HomeAdvisor (2017), homeowners will
be charged with consultation fees, which is a flat fee for the designer to visit the
property ranging from approximately $200 to $300 (RM880 to RM1320).
Moreover, some designers charge with cost plus method as they purchase
necessary products and then charge clients with a mark-up fee that is usually
around 20 to 40 percent of work cost for the designer's services. Also, they may
charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $50 to $200 (RM220 to RM880). As
a result, even though hiring interior designers may be affordable than expected,
however, these extra payments may lead to more money spent during the home
renovation project.

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