ML Selects: Decorex Cape Town 2019 highlights

Since its inception in 1994, Decorex has grown to become the premier showcase for all things décor in the South African design scene, with exhibitions in Cape Town, Joburg and Durban. From Wednesday the 1^st until Sunday the 5^th of May, Decorex Cape Town 2019 is taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. At the time of publishing, there are still two more days left to visit the stands. Depending on what you’re looking for, it might be a hit or a miss for you: big homeware and speciality materials companies are showcasing their latest ranges – some might feel déjà vu – and smaller, more artisanal businesses have new products on display; on the peripheries of the exhibition hall, you’ll also spot kitchenware and appliances, as well as art galleries. If a new, fresh and quirky approach to home décor is what you’re after, your best bet would be to focus on the smaller stands featuring local designers and artisans. Below are some of the pieces that piqued our interest; make sure to check them out if you go this weekend. ML

1. Minima

Minima started in 2012 as a timber lighting venture. Fast forward a few years later, their “lights hang in RocoMamas stores countrywide, select Exclusive Books, several Nando’s, retail malls in PE and Cape Town, Visa’s head office, Galito’s in Kenya and Zambia.” At this year’s Decorex, they presented their new Radius chair collection. Instagram: @minima_design

2. Danela Conti

Having launched her interior design practice two decades ago at Decorex, Danela Conti returns to this year’s expo as part of the show’s “Designer Spotlight” category. Instagram: @dc_design_inc

3. Osterwald & Sons

Cabinet makers Osterwald & Sons’ gilded nesting tables created in collaboration with Michou Bowls are a must-see for the effective combination of wood and gold. Instagram: @osterwaldandsons/@michoubowls

4. SHF

Furniture and homeware retailer SHF presented a couple of themed exhibition stands showing some of their key trends. Although not exactly the newest looks, their trend presentation is quite beautiful and features pieces that would be easy to incorporate into a contemporary home. Instagram: @shf_ontrend

5. Fundi Light & Living

The lighting presentation by Fundi Light and Living is a hard one to miss, as it is right by the entrance, and rightfully positioned too – it is a treat.

6. 100% Design South Africa

If you attend the Joburg edition of Decorex, you’ll get to see 100% Design’s carefully curated selection of South African design in a much bigger space. However, in Cape Town, the presentation is a much smaller capsule within the expo. This year, they chose to present a conceptual office space that looks at the changing nature of work: the office is as intimate, comfortable and welcoming as one’s apartment, albeit one filled with carefully crafted South African art and design. Even if you’re not thinking about the office, the pieces here are incredibly stunning to bring into your home. When you get to the stand, make sure to ask for the backstory behind David Bellamy’s hand-drawn textile design on one of the armchairs.

7. 8 Degrees South

Last but not least, although technically not an exhibition stand, our favourite highlight at the show is the décor elements of ‘The Harvest Table’, which refers to the functional café installation at the exhibition hall. They are decorated by 8 Degrees South, who describe themselves as “Purveyors of handmade homeware and apparel.” And indeed, they have some outstanding pieces. Make sure to go sit for a coffee and enjoy the stunning chairs and mirrors. Instagram: @8degreessouth