Not all of us have the midas touch when it comes to interior design, and that’s why Marchelle Abrahams enlists an expert to show us how it’s done.
Do you sometimes envision how you want your living space to look, but the finished project never quite turns out that way?
It’s the age-old dilemma where vision and reality collide. That happens, because, let’s face it, not all of us have the right touch when it comes to interior decor.
Later this month, those lacking in this regard will be able to go some way towards upping their game when Decorex, one of South Africa’s premier decor exhibitions, comes to Cape Town.
The annual event gives some insight into what’s hot in global trends, and shows how ordinary South Africans like ourselves can incorporate these elements into our homes through the showcasing of curated installations.
“One of the overwhelming themes among this year’s trends is a closeness with the natural element, and we’re seeing this in prints, textures and materials,” says Anita Bloom, creative director: lifestyle, design and retail portfolio for Decorex SA.
“This earthy aspect always resonates with the local market, but we have a way of making it our own.”
READ: Start a green revolution in your garden
Got it. But how do we integrate these lovely themes into our homes? Bloom has a few suggestions.
The Scandinavian ‘hygge’ and ‘lagom’ trends
Hygge (“hoogah”) is the Danish version of coziness and serenity, and lagom is the Swedish practice of balance and moderation with the unifying element of simplicity.
With the Danish, “hygge” focuses on cosy serenity.
In furniture, this is translated into practical, quality items that are built to last, such as soft rugs and stuffed couches and pouffes.
Elevated organics
This is directly connected to the hygge trend - creating comfort through incorporating warm materials, inviting textures and neutral tones in the home. The home must be a refreshing haven that soothes all the senses.
Room dividers
There has been a re-emergence of room dividers, which separate a space into inviting different sections. Generally constructed out of solid, wooden materials, room dividers retain an open-plan feeling while not creating a cluttered atmosphere.
Metal design furniture can take the form of chairs, tables, bookshelves and mirrors.
Mixed metallics
This enticing trend allows for the fusion of all types of metal furnishings - brass, matte gold, matte black, and iridescent pieces.
Such items can be subtly incorporated even though they appear to be mismatched, for example different types of cutlery, vases and wall displays.
* Decorex Cape Town runs from April 27 to May 1. Times: 10am to 6pm daily. Ticket prices: R110 for adults, R100 for students and pensioners, and R20 for children under the age of 12. Visit: www.reedexpoafrica.co.za/decorex/