Turning Houses into Homes - interior

TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES

MEET THE DESIGNERS AND DECORATORS BEHIND SOME OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

BACK ROW (from left): Lindiwe Mabizela from Signature Room, Lara Fourie from The Goodspace, and Cathrin Bolt, Ané Coertzen and Maryke du Plessis from Nowadays Interiors.

FRONT ROW (from left): Carin Van Heerden from Carné Interiors, Kirsty Langley from Design Hatch, Dhershan Naidoo from Dhershan Interior Designs, Schanè Anderson from Olala Interiors, and Lynne Blumberg from Lynne Blumberg Interior Design.

Carné Interiors

An interior design company creating innovative design solutions for tomorrow

CARIN VAN HEERDEN MANAGING DIRECTOR

Carné Interiors is a well-established, local and international residential and commercial company with ongoing exposure to contemporary and global trends. This benefits its clients, who receive expert advice, innovation, and relevant and worldclass service.

Why did you decide to become an interior designer? Interior design chose me. Working and creating spaces is not only my absolute passion, but also my talent, hobby and life. As the saying goes, “no passion, no point”.

Who would you collaborate with and why? Kelly Wearstler is an American designer. She founded her own design firm, Kelly Wearstler Interior Design, in the mid-1990s, serving high-end residential, commercial, retail and hospitality spaces. I love her work – not only is she always thinking out of the box, but her work is also very contemporary, yet always in layers of texture.

From where do you draw inspiration? I draw my inspiration from the best in the world. I try to keep up with and research the newest trends in the design industry, but then make them applicable to South Africa. Our climate and way of living are very different to most parts of the world, so South African design needs to be implemented differently. Organic and sustainable design is also very important. This may not be a new concept, but the passion for creating a natural and healthy space is very important to me and my business. Climate change, biodiversity, energy saving, the newest technology in interior spaces and the latest research regarding this also inspire me. What is your design philosophy? Wellness is one of my most important design philosophies. An environment that facilitates healthy living can make a huge difference. Wellness design can set the tone for slowing down and practising mindfulness. In turn, we can function at our utmost. This counts in our work as well as living spaces. And then, our commercial and residential spaces are becoming more sophisticated and more technology-driven and enhanced. So, designing them has become increasingly complicated and, as a team, we need to keep up with the newest products and processes being introduced to the market every day. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Be true to the artist within you.

CONTACT:

066 019 4074

admin@carneinteriors.co.ca

www.carneinteriors.co.za

Dhershan Interior Designs

A commercial and residential interior design company

DHERSHAN NAIDOO CEO

As a specialist in turnkey projects, Dhershan Naidoo takes great pride in his ability to render services. He has extensive experience in interior design in the residential, commercial and hospitality industries.

Why did you decide to become an interior designer? I have always been interested in art, but social media and small home renovations made me choose this career path.

What do you love about SA interior design? Its combination of the diversity of cultures, which creates a unique interest. SA interior design is multifaceted. The design world has experienced trend after trend, but there remains a fascination with South Africa. We are a diverse nation with a wide array of tastes, yet we build harmony. We are many things, but basic is not one of them. South African design is dynamic and innovative, and the best is yet to come.

From where do you draw inspiration? My inspiration varies, sometimes it can be from an object, at other times, it comes from the surroundings or just getting a feeling of the client’s likes. What is your design philosophy? Keep it simple. Add different accents to define the areas, this makes it easier to change with trends.

Your signature look is … Most clients say my signature is masculine. I don’t use a lot of colour. However, I always use different textures, wood, stone and metal. For example, mixed metals and greenery – an indigenous tree in a metallic-look pot can instantly elevate and update a space, adding that wow factor.

What’s the one thing that you want clients to know when looking for an interior designer? If you want your home looking like a magazine cover, always consult an interior designer.

Best piece of advice you have ever received … Never underestimate yourself. Each individual has potential, but not everyone knows it.

What is your favourite space in your home and why? I would definitely say the garden, getting in touch with nature and away from the interior walls.

CONTACT: Facebook: @dhershaninteriordesigns Instagram: @dhershan_interior_designs www.dhershan.co.za

Design Hatch

A leading luxury interior design company

Why did you decide to become an interior designer? I became an interior designer because of my inherent love for design, my desire to impact people’s lives positively, a passion for creativity and self-expression, the collaborative nature of the field and the ever-evolving nature of the industry. Interior design allows me to combine my skills, interests and values into a fulfilling and meaningful career that brings joy and satisfaction to both myself and my clients. I am excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead in my journey as an interior designer and the opportunity to continue making a positive impact through design.

KIRSTY LANGLEY DIRECTOR

Design Hatch is renowned for its impeccable attention to detail, unparalleled creativity and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. The team, comprising highly skilled designers, creates breathtakingly beautiful spaces that exude sophistication, elegance and opulence.

What do you love about SA interior design? In South African interior design, socialising and gatherings are often considered an essential part of the lifestyle and culture. I use this aspect to create welcoming and open-plan layouts in my projects. I prioritise creating spaces that encourage interaction and socialisation among family members, friends and guests. This could involve designing open-concept living areas that flow seamlessly into dining spaces or outdoor areas, creating communal seating arrangements, or incorporating conversational nooks that encourage people to gather and engage in meaningful conversations.

What is your design philosophy? My interior design philosophy centres around creating spaces that are not only visually stunning, but also functional, meaningful and tailored to my clients’ unique needs and preferences. A well-designed space should enhance the quality of life, promote wellbeing and reflect the personality and lifestyle of its inhabitants. I strive to create inviting, warm, comfortable spaces that are visually captivating and inspiring. Collaboration and communication with clients are key components of my approach, as understanding their vision and needs is essential in creating a space that truly reflects their individuality. Overall, my interior design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that are beautiful, functional, timeless and deeply meaningful for those who inhabit them.

CONTACT:

082 707 0955

kirsty@designhatch.co.za

Instagram: @design.hatch

Lynne Blumberg Interior Design

An interior design company with core values including service, teamwork, integrity, professionalism and excellence

LYNNE BLUMBERG FOUNDER AND OWNER

Lynne Blumberg Interior Design is an award-winning, well-established national and international brand synonymous with excellence, quality, great design and superb service. It is considered one of the top interior design companies in SA.

Why did you decide to become an interior designer? Both my parents were involved in fabric. My mother owned and designed clothing for her store, Lady Cotton, and my dad imported fabrics. As a toddler, I had any early introduction to different fabrics. As a young mum, I decided that I needed to work and chose a career in interior design, which has always been and still is my passion, my business, and my life.

Who would you collaborate with and why? It would be with Dolce and Gabbana. I adore their clever use of colour and pattern.

From where do you draw inspiration? People never fail to inspire me. I love travelling to design shows in Italy and Paris, which are always very inspiring. Fabrics and great design are inspirational. The bush, sunsets and the colours of nature in all the seasons are always inspirational.

What is your design philosophy? People say interior design is only for the super-wealthy! I say that is untrue – good design is for everyone! I live and breathe interior design. My philosophy is simple. Work with your eyes and your heart! Your heart must be in every project – large or small – you undertake. I work with my soul. I believe that every client deserves the best of me and my designers, be it a huge project or a small one. It is a privilege to be asked to design someone’s home or office, and one needs to be respectful and give the client an experience of a lifetime. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

To not sweat the small stuff … it will all work out in the end.

CONTACT:

011 447 6016

enquiries@lynneblumberg.co.za www.lynneblumberg.co.za

Olala Interiors

An

international award-winning, trendsetting décor and design studio with a bespoke manufacturing division

Why did you become an interior designer? As a creative, interior décor and design was a natural fit for me. I have an innate sense of scale, tone and texture. Fortunately, I am also methodical, empathic towards clients and staff, extremely detail orientated, a conceptual thinker, and after 30 years in the trade, know most of the pitfalls. I have a real love for people and believe in collaboration, generosity and authenticity. What is your design philosophy? People come to us because they want to be wowed. We live to deliver gorgeously appointed, uplifting, thoughtful, personalised, functionally welldesigned and, very importantly, quality interiors that result in joy-filled living.

What is the one thing you want clients to know when looking for an interior designer? This process needs huge leaps of faith from the client. It is exhilarating; it can fill you with fear, anxiety and anticipation. It can be frustrating; you can doubt your decisions, but this is all just the start. You need to trust your designer and the process. Designing and decorating a home is a long and unique process, so make sure you engage an approachable and friendly professional with a reputable business who can walk this intricate journey with you. Your designer/ decorator must be able to wear both caps – the technical design side as well as the soft finishing décor hat. There must be capacity to assist over and beyond the initial brief. The result needs to reflect who you are and a space that you connect with and where you will be happy, safe, proud and grounded.

SCHANÈ ANDERSON FOUNDER AND CEO

The best piece of advice you have received is … Deep breaths are like little love notes to yourself.

What’s your favourite space in your home and why? My patio – it is where my soul starts to quiet and relax after a full and demanding day.

For 30 years, the world-class designers and craftsmen at Olala Interiors, have been installing unique, exquisite interior projects for high-end residential clients, luxe private lodges and exquisite apartments across Africa and the Indian and Atlantic oceans. CONTACT: 087 550 5200

Signature Room

An interior design and décor company focused on high-end residential commercial and hospitality design

LINDIWE MABIZELA CEO AND FOUNDER

Witbank-based Signature Room takes on projects throughout South Africa and the rest of Africa. It prides itself on providing unique, practical interior design curated most tastefully and elegantly.

Why did you decide to become an interior designer? I have always had a love and eye for beautiful spaces. From a very young age, I enjoyed window shopping in furniture shops and thinking how I could have done the set-up differently. However, I found myself in the world of engineering and project management before I could pursue my one true passion – design. I started a career

that I thought was the right one for me, unfortunately I wasn’t passionate about it. As the years went by, my passion for design pulled me closer and closer to it. I finally decided to pursue it professionally and never looked back. I believe that this is my place of grace.

What do you love about SA interior design? South African design is so diverse due to the diversity of our people and cultures, so, as designers, we approach our designs differently.

I love that South African interior design is influenced by our rich habitat and climate. This is seen especially in how we design our spas, hotels and lodges – these are the authentic elements that set us apart from the rest of the world.

From where do you draw your inspiration? I am inspired by simple things. It could be a view of the sea, the city or a mountain range that inspires me to design a space in a certain way. Sometimes I get inspired by fabrics or a textured wall to take a design in a certain direction. The natural design of a space also influences a lot of my design decisions.

If you weren’t an interior designer, what would you be doing professionally? I would definitely be a chef, I love cooking and turning that into a form of art.

CONTACT:

082 428 4100

Instagram: @Signatureroom_ www.signatureroom.co.za

The Goodspace

A full-service interior design studio that enables clients to tastefully express their sense of style

Why did you decide to become an interior designer? I studied for a business degree, but felt I needed creativity as part of my daily work life. Creativity also needs the business aspect to be successful, so I thought it was the perfect combination for me. But apart from that, I love to “faff” around the house.

LARA FOURIE CO-FOUNDER AND LEAD DESIGNER

The Goodspace believes a client’s home is their refuge where they can escape today’s fast-paced life. It aims to create meaningful, bespoke spaces that are uplifting and appealing to the senses.

What is your design philosophy? Even though I am the designer, my client will live in the home. So, I always try to give them what they desire and dream of while still keeping to the theme and style of the architecture, as architecture is where it all starts for each client. Your signature style is … Simplicity. I love working with soft neutral colours. I love walking into a space and feeling utterly calm. Some might find this boring, but I find my mind is so much clearer when my thoughts are not competing with too many patterns and colours in the same space..

If you could collaborate with any local or international designer, who would it be and why? Country Road – I know they are not a design company, but they have designers behind the brand. I love their style of simplicity, yet they have kept a very classical feel to all their products and the entire brand.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Business/industry-related: It is not your hard-earned money you are spending whilst working on a project.

Your favourite space in your home is … My bedroom. It is the only space in our home with just plain fabrics and textures. No patterns, no bright colours – just calm. I designed it this way so I can just walk in and feel calm and relaxed. The world and our city are so busy with lots of stimuli so we need a space that feels and looks quiet.

CONTACT:

079 872 4095

082 445 1652

lara@thegoodspace.co.za

Nowadays Interiors

A turnkey studio that integrates interior design with interior decoration

CATHRIN BOLT OWNER JHB ANÉ COERTZEN MARYKE DU PLESSIS

Nowadays Interiors offers services to the residential, hospitality and corporate sectors. The company is committed to providing personal and tailor-made services for each project.

Why did you decide to become an interior designer? The love for design has always been in our blood. As sisters, we (Cathrin with a studio in JHB and Ané with a studio in Tzaneen) grew up with our mum and her interior decorating business. We added the interior design division after seeing a gap in the industry, where interior decorating and interior design were often conflicting and not planned together. A room was either “overdesigned” with no space for personalisation or “overdecorated” to compensate for poor design.

What is your design philosophy? To accomplish a result where interior decoration and interior design are integrated perfectly to create spaces that reflect our clients’ values and enhance their lifestyles. What is your signature look or style that is immediately recognised? It is funny because people always recognise our work, even though our projects are all so very different. Even our Instagram account does not have a signature look or aesthetic. We aim to reflect our clients’ styles and tailor each project for a unique look that celebrates them rather than pushing it to conform with our personal styles. The best piece of advice you have received … You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no.

083 234 0765

083 233 4372 www.nowadaysinteriors.co.za