What does a South African interior look like?
In South Africa, just like our food, we don’t have one single aesthetic to call South African. Our diverse society is reflected in our interior design choices. The individual freedoms we enjoy in our country is not limited to our public lives but find expression in our homes. From the humblest of dwellings (see “Shack Chic: Art and Innovation in South African Shack-Lands ” by Craig Frasier) to the most opulent mansions, every home is a reflection of its owner. We’re not bound by tradition but by celebrating aspects of our own culture, and borrowing from others what resonates with us, we create something uniquely ours.
How are we creating interiors that reflect the landscape of South African homes?
Every project we take on is tailored to the individual client. People sometimes say I don’t have a fixed aesthetic; that’s because each home is an expression of the people living in it. My goal is to craft spaces that reflect the personalities and lifestyles of my clients. But if you want to create a space that feels South African, there are ways to achieve that inclusive, personalised look and feel I often see in South African interiors.
What are the essentials to include in an interior inspired by South African design and décor?
The most “South African” interiors I’ve been in have one thing in common, they’re always interesting. To achieve this incorporate in your design a few talking points like:
Deeply personal art Books Unique South African designed and manufactured furniture Heirloom pieces, whether your own or carefully acquired Something exquisite that doesn’t quite “match” A well-curated collection of anything, objects, artefacts, or curiosities
What are the some of the locally sourced materials that home owners can include in their interiors?
Natural stone, granite or brick flooring Rammed earth walls Different types of locally made wall cladding like lightweight cement or breeze blocks
Do’s and Don’ts for getting the South African-inspired interior look correct so that it looks curated.
Do:
Include South African art. Make it interesting. Don’t stick to a particular style or artist but find different pieces that resonate with you. Embrace colour. Even if just in accents like pillows, patterns in rugs, wall art, throws or furniture. Shop local! Support South African designers and artisans. Mix vintage pieces with modern designs for a layered, authentic look. Bring the outdoors in. Make use of outdoor spaces. Treat outdoor spaces like extensions of your interior and keep them accessible and inviting all year round. Don’t: Overdo it. The goal is to create a curated, balanced look, not clutter. Stick to just one style or artist. Mix and match to keep things interesting and personal. Be afraid of colour or bold choices, these are part of what makes South African interiors vibrant and alive.
I hope you enjoyed this Heritage Month's top 5 questions, and I'm excited to share many more tips and tricks with you in the coming months. As always, I'm so grateful for your support and love having this opportunity to serve you in the inbox.
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