Ethiopia’s traditions in interior design and furniture-making are steeped in cultural symbolism and ritual heritage, turning everyday objects into expressions of identity, spirituality, and artistry. Far beyond function, these designs serve as tangible narratives of the country’s past and present—echoes of a civilization shaped by the Axumite dynasty and centuries of trade with Arabia, India, and the Roman Empire.

A detailed study on Ethiopian furniture design highlights the deep historical roots embedded in style, materials, and craftsmanship. Local artisans often incorporate “Shabian Art” motifs and a symbolic “reversal gaze,” creating pieces that are as meaningful as they are visually striking. Much like the iconography in Orthodox churches—where color and imagery tell sacred stories—these household items embody cultural memory and communal values.

Nowhere is this synthesis more alive than in historical centers like Harar and Lalibela. Harari homes, in particular, blend function with ritual: symmetrical layouts, intricately carved wooden furnishings, woven mats, and basketry all adhere to traditional codes that reflect social status and spiritual order. Meanwhile, objects like jebena coffee pots and handcrafted coffee tables—many etched with delicate patterns and inlaid with metal—are essential elements in Ethiopia’s cherished coffee ceremony, a daily ritual that doubles as a communal rite.

One modern design firm embracing and evolving these traditions is Debisha Interiors, located on a busy street in the Gerji neighborhood of Addis Ababa. Founded in 2016 by architect Biruk Debebe, the firm has carved a niche for itself by merging traditional Ethiopian techniques with contemporary interior aesthetics.

“We adopt styles from foreign countries,” Biruk told The Reporter. “But we infuse them with Ethiopian cultural lifestyles and ritual practices to bring them to life.”

Debisha Interiors offers a comprehensive range of services—from client-centered interior design and furniture modeling to 3D visualization and full-scale implementation. Its portfolio spans commercial spaces, restaurants, offices, retail shops, and private residences. More than just decorating rooms, Debisha seeks to tell stories—crafting furniture collections that reflect clients’ personalities while honoring Ethiopia’s artistic heritage.

What began as a small startup has evolved into a national presence. The company now employs over 150 people, operates two branches in Addis Ababa, and has expanded to Hawassa and Wolaita. Notably, more than 90 percent of its raw materials and equipment are sourced locally, reinforcing Debisha’s commitment to homegrown innovation.

This dedication was on full display during Debisha’s second chair exhibition, held on June 19th at BMA Plaza in Gerji. The event featured over 30 unique chairs—both ornamental and functional—crafted in diverse materials and styles. In a strategic move to broaden its impact, the exhibition also featured four other businesses from unrelated sectors.

“A multi-sector exhibition speaks louder than one focused on a single industry,” Biruk said. “It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a space that shares lessons and showcases quality craftsmanship for art lovers.”

Over the past eight years, Debisha Interiors has built a robust portfolio, designing dozens of private residences and taking on major institutional clients. Its work spans government projects—such as furnishing health centers—and contracts with diplomatic and cultural offices, including the Italian Cultural Institute and the Dubai-based, art-focused firm Elite.

Though its furniture appeals to international buyers, Debisha’s primary market remains Ethiopia’s growing middle class. “We feel a shared responsibility as part of this community,” Biruk said.

Price points for its designs range from 12,000 to 120,000 birr, making high-quality, locally made pieces accessible to a segment of the population often overlooked by high-end design houses.

Despite its accomplishments, Biruk describes Debisha as a work in progress—an evolving enterprise steadily integrating new technologies while acknowledging that innovation and capacity still have room to grow. Even so, he is confident in Debisha’s standing. “I can confidently say we are one of the strongest and most competent interior designers and furniture makers in the country,” he said. “We don’t compromise on quality at Debisha Interiors.”

One of the company’s major hurdles, however, is space. Currently operating from rented premises, the firm faces rising costs and logistical constraints—especially when tackling large-scale projects. Biruk cites the lack of support from both industry regulatory bodies and local authorities, though he admits the company itself has not aggressively pursued permanent solutions.

“Our warehouse is just 400 square meters, which is very small for our line of work,” he explained. “At one point, we asked the sub-city for an additional facility, but it didn’t meet our operational needs, so we dropped the effort.”

Looking ahead, Debisha Interiors aims to upscale its brand by creating high-end, branded product lines tailored to more niche clientele. A key part of this strategy includes launching exports within the next two to three years and securing a larger, more purpose-built space to meet growing demand.

“Our vision is to not only enrich Ethiopian homes with quality and personalized designs,” Biruk said, “but also to take our unique blend of heritage and modernity to the global stage—becoming a recognized international name, while expanding into a space that allows our creativity to flourish.”

In a design landscape where furniture is often reduced to function, Debisha Interiors insists on a different truth: that artistic craftsmanship can be a vehicle for storytelling, cultural preservation, and national pride.