Several housing types were surveyed in Osun and Ogun States, South West Nigeria, in two studies
focusing on housing design and domestic space use. These types- public and private sector housing
(multiple and single household dwellings) - provided real opportunities to investigate the prevalence
of the use of dwellings for commercial activities. The results of the analysis of 612 households
showed that despite differences in the educational and cultural ‘capital’ that generally result in
distinct differences in domestic practices, the use of the domestic dwelling for small scale
commercial and business activities remains a prevailing component of Yoruba housing. This was
most prominent in dwellings occupied by low and average income residents. The findings suggest
the need for architects/designers, planners and policy makers to focus on its implications for housing
policies and architectural and urban design solutions; particularly in relation to housing schemes
aimed at lower income earners. Consequently, this paper proposes policy options and design
solutions that accommodate home based enterprises within the domestic domain.