From corner to corner, the Cape Town International Convention Centre was awash with the vibrant energy and creative splendour as leading designers, décor and lifestyle experts shared their take on 2017’s most inspired trends at the Decorex Cape Town exhibition, which ran from 27 to 30 April.
Visitors to the expo were immediately immersed in décor and design inspiration that transformed 2017’s trends into something tangible, using quality South African products and furnishings, all connected to this year’s ‘Make your space your living dream’ theme.
The Decorex Cape Town audience was also exposed to this year’s exquisite colour range at the perennially popular Plascon Colour Forecast. Every element of décor and design, from fashion to architecture, incorporates the annual colour trends with Decorex SA co-sponsor and Award of Excellence winner, Plascon, providing unending guidance on colour combinations and contrasts to work for the individual.
The Decorex SA Trend House was a winner of the Decorex Award of Excellence, all curated by Anita Bloom, Creative Director: Lifestyle, Design and Retail Portfolio. This feature managed to transport visitors out of a convention centre and directly into a home. Using a range of sponsored products, including @home furniture and finishings, the Trend House provided a glance into the popular ‘unplugged’ movement, disconnecting from electronics while incorporating the Urban Jungle Trend which empowers the occupant with nature’s energy.
Using Libra Flooring and a range of locally-crafted items, Cape Town designers; Wunders, NM Design and Leon at CCXIX interpreted the trends and #livingdream theme into various room settings at the Décor District by Libra Flooring. This feature, which won a Decorex Award of Excellence, further showcased the accessibility of interior design for the individual.
Running alongside Decorex Cape Town, and another recipient of the Decorex Award of Excellence, was the incredible We Are Cape Town installation, conceptualised and curated by 100% Design South Africa’s Creative Director, Cathy O’Clery. Here, some 36 local enablers, curators, collaborators, studios and designers, all with an international footprint, gave the audience a taste of their artful creations. Among the design elite was ceramicist, Clementina van der Walt with studio mate, Peta Becker of Projekt; as well as Laurie Wiid van Heerden, working with Anthony Harris and Gerhard Swart of Ceramic Matters.
Taking to the Decorex Designer Spotlight was the incredibly talented Dylan Thomaz of Studio Dylan Thomaz. This young designer – also a Decorex Award of Excellence winner – stimulated the senses of all who visited his living and dining room space, which created an accessible narrative, fusing old and new worlds together in one harmonious setting. Thomaz also shared his marketing insights, promoting previously unknown artists by creating brand awareness and consumer items. He also skillfully re-decorates holiday homes, using the brands of these emerging artists, and then manages short-term letting for Airbnb.
Christina Wiese Interiors, in collaboration with Ernst H. Interiors, took the Decorex Themed Feature to heart, curating a chic living room area set at a beachside villa, with the central focus on Decorex SA’s #livingdream theme. The pair brought out the best of their aesthetics, with Christina leaning towards the classic contemporary and Ernst embracing minimalism, while also bringing in the on-trend ‘green’ that harkens to the natural world.
Design inspiration continued into the kitchen arena where leading Western Cape kitchen designers; Hollywood Kitchens, Unique Kitchens and Gardner Interior Concepts, all took on the Franke ‘Simplicity in Design’ Kitchen Design Project, crafting aspirational kitchen models using quality products supplied by Franke SA. Each kitchen area was assessed by judges from Franke SA and the Kitchen Specialists Association with Unique Kitchens being named this year’s winning design while Hollywood Kitchens, as well as Franke, received Decorex Awards of Excellence. The incredible Unique Kitchens team walked away with R10 000 worth of Franke SA products as well as invaluable ongoing support after the exhibition.
Once visitors were satiated with kitchen design inspiration, it was over to the Gourmet Cooking Theatre – sponsored by Hirsch’s and Whirlpool – where the modern kitchen was put to serious use by local chefs. These included the likes of food entertainer, Claire Allen; Jeremy Borg, food connoisseur and the owner of Painted Wolf Wines and the innovative executive chef of Benguela on Main, Jean Delport. Impressive demonstrations were also performed by representatives from the mobile beverage industry, Thirst for Life; Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream (N2ice Cream) and renowned tea merchants, Nigiro Tea. The delectable meals were all created in a trendy kitchen installation with classy countertops sponsored by Caesarstone and the stunning sink and tap installations sponsored by Franke SA.
Taking some time out for a refreshing beverage was a pleasure at the Painted Wolf Wine Bar where the quality local vintages were suitably enhanced by the exquisite bar design. The talents of Petra Vonk Design Studio were evident at the Noir Restaurant + Bar presented by Bavaria where the Black on Black Trend – identifiable in items such as the custom-made, modern and reclaimed furniture pieces – all added to the high-end look and feel that underscores the Bavaria brand. Illy’s signature range of coffees and other warm beverages, available at The Coffee Cup by Illy, were the perfect on-the-go option for those who wanted to keep visiting the enticing stands.
Another feature which overflowed with pastel colour, craftily contrasted with black and white, was the Milk JUG Café. Here, complimentary visitors could indulge in the beautiful stylings of Simply Child and their gorgeous children’s furniture range. Children took full advantage of the chalk walls and colouring-in pads – expressing their inner designers – or enjoyed one of the many delicious treats on offer.
Well done to this year’s winners!
Decorex Cape Town Awards of Excellence
1. We are Cape Town by 100% Design SA
2. Neolith
3. Décor District by Libra Flooring
4. Designer Spotlight
5. Crab Tree
6. Patio Warehouse
7. Caesarstone
8. Franke
9. Plascon
10. Hollywood Kitchens
11. Decorex SA Trend House
Individual Awards
Franke Kitchen Project Winner: Unique Kitchens
Marketing Award: Perfect Grass
The most Interactive Stand: Johnnie Walker
The Best Innovative Product: Fenix Stone on Burl Collective
The Best Collective Stand: Petra Vonk Design
The Best in the Cooking and Cuisine: Johnnie Walker
The Best Newcomer: Petit Love
The Best Use of Shell Scheme: Design Team
The Best Small Stand: Steel Form
The Best in Build and Plan: Rudi’s Choice
The Best in the Bathroom and Kitchen Category: Kitchen Studio
The Best Décor Stand: Mr Price Home
The Best Overall Stand: Belgotex
Photography Decorex SA