SPECIAL SECTION: INTERIOR DESIGNERS
TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES
MEET THE DESIGNERS AND DECORATORS BEHIND SOME OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS
THIS PAGE: BACK ROW (from left): Daniela da Rocha from Da Rocha Interiors, Schanè Anderson from Olala Interiors, Frans Alexander from Frans Alexander Interiors.
THIS PAGE: BACK ROW (from left): Kim Williams from Kim Williams Design, Lynne Blumberg from Lynne Blumberg Interior Design, Charlet Roux from Studio Roux, Bilala Mabuza from Cocoon Lifestyle.
FRONT ROW (from left): Cathrin Bolt and Ané Coertzen from Nowadays Interiors, Kirsty Langley from Design Hatch.
FRONT ROW (from left): Dhershan Naidoo from Dhershan Interior Designs, Tessa Stonefield from Tessa Kim Designs, Dale Dennis from Ground Floor Interiors.
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Olala Interiors An international décor and design studio with a bespoke manufacturing division SCHANÈ ANDERSON FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Olala Interiors was founded by multiple international award-winning Schanè Anderson. Since 1993, the interior design firm has been undertaking unique and exquisite interior projects for high-end residential clients, luxe private lodges, and exquisite apartments across Southern Africa and the globe. Olala Interiors is a highly regarded business and prides itself on delivering original interiors.
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? Being a creative, interior décor and design professional was a natural fit for me. I have an innate sense of scale, tone and texture, and love tactile subtleties and functional form. What makes Olala Interiors stand out? Offering a complete decorating and design consultancy service, my team and I work with clients and architects, designing full spectrum interiors for the home. This includes the electrical and plumbing layouts, the specifications thereof, ceiling detailing, specification of floor and wall finishes, kitchen and bathroom design and sanware and lighting selection. Then we go a step further and manufacture almost everything from the front door to the back door. What we can’t make, we import or buy from local agents.
Our design office doubles up as our showroom, which offers a view into our work with furniture, soft furnishings, linen, lighting, accessories, art, objet and functional art on display. We have an extensive range of samples and carry many brands of fabulous fragrances and home décor items. What’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? Our objective is to curate layered, toned, comfortable and elegant spaces with easy and luxuriously contented living areas. We believe “Happy client, happy life”. Once this is achieved the project is a standout success for the team! Design has evolved. The early 90s interiors were voluptuous, cluttered and very colourful. From there, interiors morphed into almost restrained minimalism and monotones. We are now working with more contemporary designs with clean lines, pops of colour, and uncluttered but mindfully curated spaces. What should readers keep in mind when looking for an interior designer? Designing and decorating a home is a long and sometimes even a lifelong process, so make sure you engage an approachable and friendly professional in a reputable business who can walk the journey with you. Some home owners will acquire multiple properties throughout their lifetimes, and there is an easy comfort for
the client not having to re-introduce yourself. Your designer and decorator must be able to wear two caps – the technical and functional design side and the soft finishing décor hat. There must be capacity to assist over and beyond the initial brief, and the designer should be able to come back and contribute, even years after the installation, and be willing to happily renew and refresh your homes. What’s your signature design style? Layered and toned. Personalised. Where do you source inspiration? Through travelling and from the energy and aspirations of the people I encounter. My team is a huge source of inspiration – they are a robust, creative and hardworking bunch. We share big dreams and aspirations. Our collaborative successes are built on our fabulous team of magnificent people who give their best every day. I am thankful for their loyalty and am so grateful to have these amazing professionals behind me. Watch this space ... this is only the first 29 years! What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? Lighting, art, sculptures, beautiful textures. It is these elements that set homes apart. What’s most important when working on a home? The client is the most important element. We need to generously heed their wishes and edit their courses while respecting their expectations and tastes. They must walk in, love it and be delighted. They should immediately feel at home – they must believe it was all their doing. How would you describe South African design? Exciting, strong and dynamic. Good design is … Love for the object executed in a beautiful and joyful manner.
CONTACT 032 940 0399 info@olalainteriors.com www.olalainteriors.com JUNE 2022 127
Cocoon Lifestyle
Da Rocha Interiors
An interior design studio focused on conscious, refined and effortless design and living
Luxury residential family-owned design and manufacturing firm
DANIELA DA ROCHA
BILALA MABUZA
INTERIOR DESIGNER AND STYLIST
FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR
As an interior designer, Daniela da Rocha specialises in high-end residential projects and offers her clients bespoke pieces and turnkey solutions with an emphasis on creating personalised spaces and guaranteeing satisfaction.
Cocoon Lifestyle’s Bilala Mabuza believes each project needs a bespoke approach and a refined sensibility in execution. With her team, Mabuza carefully collaborates with clients to enhance their way of life through design.
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? Growing up, I was drawn to how spaces look and feel, and loved design magazines, coffee table books and TV shows that showcased design in some form – they allowed me to dream and see how others lived across the globe. I was fortunate to be raised by my grandmother and my mother, who were both houseproud and meticulous about their home’s appearance. I always understood that a home is a critical form of self-expression and needs to be functional, comfortable and almost magical. My career path started in business and corporate, but design was always calling. I eventually started taking up design projects until I could no longer afford to treat them as side jobs and set up a design studio. I continue to straddle
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between my multiple interests, worlds and roles, but design gives me the most joy. What’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? My approach to interior design and décor is conscious, refined and effortless for the collected home. I love homes that are elegant, but do not take themselves too seriously. Design is supposed to be functional and comfortable, but also fun and intriguing. I believe conscious design infuses sustainability elements in some form and plays a part in how we approach projects. A clean blank canvas does not interest me much; I love incorporating collections from clients’ lives and travels into any new project. When I review some of the photos from our earlier projects, I notice how little colour featured in my work, and I’m still in awe of designers who commit fully to bright and colourful interiors. Balancing texture and colour has been an interesting evolution in my work. Where do you source inspiration? Our stories and heritage continue to inspire me. We also live in a naturally beautiful country abundant with inspiration. CONTACT studio@cocoonlifestyle.co.za www.cocoonlifestyle.co.za Instagram: @cocoonlifestyle
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? Design and furniture manufacturing are in my blood. As a descendant of many generations of woodworkers, craftsmen and designers from Portugal, my destiny was exactly this. I love all things beautiful. Interiors became a passion from a young age, from designing my room as a young girl to working in our showroom during school holidays and watching my parents grow in this field. Design is just part of my everyday life, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I also enjoy interacting with clients, meeting new people all the time, evolving, and sharing ideas, and most importantly, creating new beautiful spaces that make people happy. What’s your design philosophy? I believe in acquiring quality pieces that you won’t tire of and accessorising in a way that can be interchangeable and used in various ways and in different places. Neutrals are key in big pieces. Accessorise with colour only. Timeless and elegant. Comfort and function must also always be part of the design. What’s your signature style? Luxury modern with a classic contemporary twist. I create spaces with beautiful neutral bold pieces consisting of timber, soft-toned marbles, stone and metals. I accessorise with metallics, black and white. Sculptural pieces are a must. Moody hues and textures are everything. I love a moody sexy aesthetic. What’s most important when working on a home? For me, a home should be a reflection of the owners and their lifestyle. Function meets style is key. Listen to your client and surpass their expectations. Top interior designer Nate Berkus’s words hold true for me: “Your home should tell the story of who you are and be a collection of what you love.” Good design is functional, aesthetic and long-lasting.
CONTACT 081 434 8065 www.darocha.co.za Instagram: @darochainteriors Instagram: @daniela@darocha_atelier JUNE 2022 129
Design Hatch A turnkey interior design and décor firm specialising in luxury interiors
Dhershan Interior Designs A commercial and residential interior designer
DHERSHAN NAIDOO
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER As a specialist in turnkey projects, Dhershan Naidoo takes great pride in his ability to render exceptional service. Naidoo has extensive interior design experience in residential, commercial and hospitality.
KIRSTY LANGLEY DIRECTOR
Years of experience and the Design Hatch team’s attention to detail and passion for all things design enable them to turn every space into a timeless masterpiece, ensuring it’s a stress-free experience for clients.
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? Initially, I fell in love with interior design for the level of technical detailing. Design Hatch has evolved into a design firm offering a wealth of knowledge on all the technical aspects of building. We love taking a client’s vision from design to completion. It is extremely satisfying working with a client who trusts us to materialise their dream. What’s your design philosophy? Striving for our client’s satisfaction, we invest in producing quality work with design trends that are dynamic. We ensure we form a
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personal relationship with our clients, which allows us to understand exactly what the client needs while taking it to the next level. What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? We always try to include some structural focal points. These would be signature areas that make a big impact when walking into the space. This could be a staircase, fireplace, sunken lounge, etc. Thereafter, we always make sure to layer design elements. This can come through in a mixture of textures or colours (on walls and floors, with fabrics and materials, among other things), but it is key to ensure continuity throughout the space. What’s most important when working on a home? The most important phase is ensuring the overall layout is correct. We take the shell/initial architectural drawing and work out new layouts with moving interior walls to ensure that every space works and all the client’s requirements are met. The flow must make sense, and the spaces must accommodate all the requirements to ensure maximum usability and satisfaction for the client. Good design is … timeless. A successful designer can take a client’s interest in the latest trends and adapt them so that the space will not date when the trends go out of fashion. CONTACT 082 707 0955 kirsty@designhatch.co.za Instagram: @design.hatch
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? I grew up on a starryeyed diet of magazine-lifestyle television shows – the kind that offered a glimpse into the most lavish homes across the world. I was captivated and compelled enough to pursue a part-time formal education in design and learn how to unpack these looks. Add to this years of experience, and you have a well-trained eye backed by knowledge. What’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? I want people to live well. The interiors I create are functional, yet the forms are luxurious and effortlessly sophisticated. I aim to curate elegant, timeless spaces while remaining aware that the definition of luxury and sophistication shifts with time. I have learned, particularly with residential clients, that one person in a couple may dominate. When I enter the scenario, I am able to see both perspectives and, ultimately, create a balanced interior. I have a design-savvy male perspective and an in-depth understanding of the feminine. I do bring a masculine sensibility to my interiors. My evolution in design is about harmony, and I continue to work at being able to articulate the masculine and the feminine to achieve spaces where both energies happily co-exist.
What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? Mixed metals and greenery. An indigenous tree in a metallic-look pot can instantly elevate and update a space, adding that wow factor. How would you describe South African design? It’s 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 isn’t one of them. South African design is dynamic and innovative, and the best is yet to come. CONTACT 083 777 9942 dhershan@dhershan.co.za www.dhershan.co.za JUNE 2022 131
Studio Roux
Lynne Blumberg Interior Design
An interior design company specialising in high-end residential properties
A well-established international interior studio that prides itself on design excellence and great service
CHARLET ROUX OWNER AND HEAD DESIGNER
LYNNE BLUMBERG
Charlet Roux has been in the interior design industry for 15 years. Seeing a gap to provide a value-based client-centric interior design offering, she started Studio Roux two years ago from a corner of her lounge and has never looked back.
FOUNDER AND OWNER
Synonymous with exceptional design, Lynne Blumberg and her team won the prestigious International Design et al Award (2019) in the high-end residential category and have just been shortlisted for the 2022 awards.
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? Both my parents were involved in fabric. My mom owned and designed clothing for her store, Lady Cotton, and my dad imported fabrics. I was introduced to fabrics as a toddler. As a young mom, 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. What’s your design philosophy? My philosophy is simple: work with your eyes and your heart. Your heart has to be in every project you take on no matter the size. I work with my soul. I believe every client I encounter deserves the best from me and our designers. It is a privilege to be asked to design someone’s home or office, and we need to be respectful and give the client an
experience of a lifetime. People say interior design is only for the superwealthy; I say good design is for everyone. What’s most important when working on a home? That it remains a welcoming home and not a showpiece. It must be skillfully designed and, although beautiful, must be lived in without fear that it could be spoilt. Where do you source inspiration? I love travelling to design shows in Italy and Paris – these shows are always so inspiring. Fabrics and great design are inspirational too. People never fail to inspire me. How would you describe South African design? South African design is edgy and adventurous. We have amazing artisans. Our work is not ordinary and boring. Good design is … anything that makes you feel good. Great design will always stand the test of time. CONTACT 083 440 9234 enquiries@lynneblumberg.co.za www.lynneblumberg.co.za Instagram: @lynneblumberginteriors
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? After an aptitude test at school recommended I take a creative or technical direction, I was confused. I then did some research and discovered interior design. I loved the idea that I could create spaces for people to make memories in; I love that clients can walk into a space I designed and that it sparks joy; I love that every day is different and each client’s needs are different. What’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? I believe a space should tell the client’s story. I believe a space should tell a client’s story. After all, we’re creating homes, not just spaces. When you start out as a designer, you have all these grand ideas of putting what you want into a space rather than what your client wants. Through the years, I have definitely realised that the client’s happiness and what they want are most important. What should readers keep in mind when looking for an interior designer? A good portfolio and presence
in the industry are important when looking for an interior designer. Find a professional who you know can do the work required. Creating a home is very personal, and your designer needs to get you; look for someone who resonates with you. What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? I like playing with different textures to create visual interest and a comfortable, cosy ambience. I always try to carry an element through from space to space to create one consistent theme for a house. What’s most important when working on a home? To create functional spaces. Every selection needs to be in line with how the client will use the space. Good design is … capturing the spirit of the client and the essence of the space. CONTACT 073 185 4833 www.studioroux.co.za Instagram: @studio_roux JUNE 2022 133
Frans Alexander Interiors
Ground Floor Interiors
One of South Africa’s leading interior design and custom furniture manufacturing firms
A boutique interior design studio that provides a memorable experience
Kim Williams Design Nowadays Interiors A prominent interior creative studio in Cape Town that transform spaces
An interior décor and design firm specialising in residential, hospitality and commercial spaces
CATHRIN BOLT AND ANÉ COERTZEN
FRANS ALEXANDER
OWNERS
OWNER AND INTERIOR DESIGNER
Cathrin Bolt (Johannesburg-based) and Ané Coertzen (Tzaneen-based) have built their design studio on a strong set of values and relationships with their clients and industry partners. The duo produce fresh ideas and unique designs, creating solutions that reflect their client’s personal style while enhancing their lifestyles.
Representing his interior design firm, Frans Alexander infuses each undertaking, from initial vision to final realisation and installation, with sound business knowledge and creative inspiration gained over 20 years in the industry.
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? I love all things related to interiors and décor, especially colour and texture. I enjoy the process of selecting items according to each client’s style and brief. What’s your design philosophy? Creating a space that’s unique and reflects the client’s personality while still being functional, timeless and comfortable. What should readers keep in mind when looking for an interior designer? Clients should look for a designer whose signature is what they love. They need to ensure that the signature will complement their home’s style and architecture. What’s your signature design style? My signature is timeless combined with classic contemporary. What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? I love texture and natural elements such as wood, marble and iron. I believe that it connects one to nature and calms your soul. What’s most important when working on a home? Planning – this ensures all goes smoothly. You always have to think two steps ahead to ensure all is cohesive. How would you describe South African design? South African design is very eclectic and draws inspiration from many designs globally. Where do you source inspiration? I take inspiration from nature and the elements surrounding me.
CONTACT 087 238 1000 info@fransalexander.com www.fransalexander.com 134 JUNE 2022
DALE DENNIS
CO-FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dale Dennis and team provide personalised interior design with complete CAD layouts. Offering professional project management, Ground Floor Interiors guides the client throughout the process.
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hat’s your design philosophy, and how has it evolved with experience? Design is not merely a profession; it is a way of life – and being a designer is not about what we are, it is about who we are. Clients trust us with their interior spaces; they trust that we will provide the best design for them, and we should always remember that. Originally working as an employee and younger soul, it was extremely easy to take on my employer’s ideologies and what I thought an interior designer was supposed to do and be. Over the years in the industry (and years in adult life), my philosophy has changed to creating personal sanctuaries for my clients while trying to be as sustainable as possible. This means trying to create long-lasting spaces filled with quality pieces, and reusing and revamping existing pieces where possible – working against a throwaway society. What’s your signature design style? Adaptable, classic and comfortable. I love working in a contemporary style and try to embrace trends and even inspire new innovative ones. How would you describe South African design? It’s highly under-rated. The masses tend to always gravitate to internationally produced products. With exposure to global media it is very difficult not to, but I think we all (clients and designers) should try and research more of what is available locally – South African design has a sort of unique happy vibe that engulfs it. Good design is … balancing the scale of aesthetics and function. Also, good design should, in an ideal world, be available to everyone.
CONTACT 082 940 3793 dale@groundfloorinteriors.co.za www.groundfloorinteriors.co.za
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? My love for interiors started when I was a young girl. I was born with a clubfoot, and my disability slowed me down tremendously in my early years. I spent a lot of time indoors and became fascinated with how when I changed the layout of my bedroom it changed what people did and how they moved in a space. My yellow bedroom became my first interior strategy focused on shaping behaviour and creating an experience in that space for myself. This continued to evolve over time as I began to study the people around me, what they did with their spaces and why. I love how a space can change the way people feel and experience things; that it can enable us to be the best possible version of ourselves. What is your design philosophy? It’s quite strategic and mindful. It’s about understanding the reason for the change, the experience we want to create and the impact it should have. The behavioural strategy feeds the interior design, the materials we use and how we then craft the space. Understanding first becomes the source of inspiration for the interior concept and the impact it must have. This is relevant to all our projects, no matter the size or the type. Good design … engages you, takes you through a space and evokes something in you.
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hat’s your design philosophy and how has it evolved with experience? We design spaces that align with our clients’ needs and values. To do this successfully, we get to know our clients while communicating the process and end result in a language that’s relatable to them. We have learnt so much from our clients over the years. Most important was the change in our approach, learning how to communicate and explain why some things work and others don’t. Today, we have the confidence and insight to say no to ideas or designs that we know won’t have a desirable end result and tie in with the client’s vision. This is a key element in the success of each project. What’s your signature design style? Our style combines high-end quality materials and finishes with a relaxed yet curated aesthetic. We call it toned-down luxury. It’s more than a style; it becomes a way of living that reflects our clients’ personalities and what they value most. What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? We love the comforting rhythm of repetition. Whether we repeat the same colour tones in different textures or add small design details to each room, there has to be an invisible thread that pulls the look together. Good design is … more than what you see; it’s how you feel and live.
KIM WILLIAMS
FOUNDER AND OWNER As one of Cape Town’s top interior designers, Kim Williams has carved a niche for herself as a creative behaviour strategist focused on designing interior spaces. The studio has an impressive portfolio of building and construction projects, working alongside developers and architects on residential and commercial projects.
CONTACT info@kimwilliams.co.za www.kimwilliams.co.za Instagram: @kim_williams_design
CONTACT www.nowadaysinteriors.co.za Instagram: @nowadaysinteriors Instagram: @nowadaysinteriorslimpopo JUNE 2022 135
Tessa Kim Designs
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An interior design studio specialising in residential and commercial design
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Home professionals share their insights
WHY NATURAL HARDWOOD LOOKS? OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF INOVAR SANDTON
JAYSHREE NAIDOO
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TESSA STONEFIELD
FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tessa and her team offer a full turnkey interior design service from new builds and construction to interior architecture, structural design, finishes and furnishing. They provide a personalised detail-driven service ensuring high and exacting standards from concept to completion.
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hat first drew you into the world of interior design? The endless possibilities of design drew me into the world of interiors, as the saying goes “a work of art is never finished”, design today is constantly reinventing itself. Creating spaces that enhance ones lifestyle is what I love most. What’s your design philosophy? My design philosophy has remained constant but progressive, adapting to global trends and changes. I believe in making it simple yet significant.Simplicity in design is what makes it so complicated, finding the balance between understated and overdone and, most importantly, creating beautiful spaces that stand the test of time. What’s your signature design style? My signature style is a combination of natural and neutral textures and finishes accented with a layered colour palette and subtle prints. Where do you source inspiration? International lifestyle trends, nature and my surroundings. What elements do you always try to include in your interior design? I use a combination of different textures, finishes and layering. What’s most important when working on a home? For me, a key factor is creating consistency throughout the home. Storytelling through design is a compelling element in achieving a successful end result. How would you describe South African design? Eclectic, forward-thinking and on par with global design.
CONTACT tessa@tessakimdesigns.co.za www.tessakimdesigns.co.za Instagram: @tessakimdesigns 136 JUNE 2022
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ow it all started … Jayshree Naidoo, a well-known and respected industry supplier originally from the steel industry, where she worked for 23 years overseeing the manufacture of lighting, chandeliers and security solutions to design professionals, was looking for new opportunities. With her passion for interiors, she joined Inovar Floor Sandton as the general manager in 2020 and witnessed the franchise grow from strength to strength. In January 2022, Naidoo purchased the Sandton franchise. “During the pandemic, we noticed home owners renovating and improving their interiors. I bought the business because I have always had a keen interest in interior finishes and saw an opportunity to grow the Inovar brand,” says Naidoo. The pandemic radically changed the way people use their homes, significantly increasing the time spent working, studying and playing at home. This shift continues to affect residential design, and going into 2022, consumers are showing more interest in creating spaces that speak to personal style, longevity and authenticity. Naidoo says: “As home owners look to elevate their spaces and add value to their homes, hardwood is the natural choice and a coveted visual. Nature-inspired designers and consumers are
Right: Authentic herringbone Sun-bleached oak Size of panel: 606 x 101 x 12mm
Below: XXL Black forest Sun-bleached oak Size of panel: 2200 x 239 x 12mm
For KZN advertising, contact Pravitha Roopchand on 084 777 1227 or pravithar@sahomeowner.co.za
Above: Inovar Jukskei Size of panel: 1216 x 196 x 8mm
moving back to more natural hardwood looks, away from previous fads of extremely pale species or dark espresso stains. Following this trend, Inovar offers a wide range of prefinished oak wood flooring. For those that prize durability and performance above all else, we are pleased to introduce more affordable and natural looking laminate colours, Jukskei, Sun-bleached oak and Sun-bleached herringbone, our most popular trending colour for 2022. Available in three variations and plank sizes to suit your style and budget.” What sets your work apart from the rest? “Our service delivery. We run and manage installation teams, and we take pride and great care in our craft with a full range of quality products from reputable suppliers with whom we have longstanding relationships. We offer a two-year installation warranty on all our work. Originally only offering wood and laminate flooring, we now offer a full range of vinyl SPC and glue-down vinyl.”
Inovar Floor has been installing flooring across South Africa for over 20 years. With a national footprint of owner-run businesses, you are assured great service and a full basket of quality finishes, including wood, vinyl and laminate flooring and cladding.
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CONTACTS: Website – https://inovar.co.za/ Email – sandton@inovar.co.za Tel – 011 262 2720 JUNE 2022 137