Spaces with soul
Interior designers who craft tailored and timeless spaces
Beulah Hlatshwayo, Beautiful Spaces with Beulah.
Sipho Phiri, GLE Interiors.
Matthew Fogg Elliott, Design Collective.
Amanda Fogg Elliott, Design Collective.
Carin van Heerden, Carné Interiors.
Christelle Afana Fonkem, Christelle & Co.
Vinette Diab-Nicholls, Giava Interiors.
Beautiful Space with Beulah
Christelle & Co
Design Collective
Giava Interiors
GLE Interiors
Carné Interiors
Lara Fourie, The Goodspace.
Lindiwe Mabizela, Signature Room.
Lisa Swart, Oksijen.
The Goodspace
Elanie Van Niekerk, U IN IT DESIGNS
Tanya Solomon, Living Inspired.
Living Inspired
Oksijen
IN IT DESIGNS Signature Room
Haute Interior Design Studio
Living Inspired Interiors
Bespoke interiors that result in elegant, functional and deeply personal spaces
Why did you choose interior design as a profession? Interior design found me when I was searching for purpose beyond motherhood. I’ve always been drawn to creating beautiful, intentional spaces, but it was through transforming homes that I realised the deeper impact design has on how people live and feel. It became more than aesthetics; it became storytelling, healing and creating environments that truly support a lifestyle.
TANYA SOLOMON FOUNDER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Living Inspired Interiors is a full-service design studio specialising in bespoke residential and commercial interiors. The studio crafts layered, elegant spaces that balance functionality and beauty, working closely with clients from concept to completion. Living Inspired Interiors’ approach focuses on storytelling, craftsmanship and curating environments that inspire everyday living .
What inspires your design choices? My inspiration comes from my clients’ stories first and foremost. I also draw from global design influences, particularly Europe and Africa, blending timeless elegance with local authenticity. Texture, light and emotional connection guide every decision. I design spaces that feel layered, lived-in and deeply personal.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? I’m loving the shift towards sensory design, where spaces engage more than just the eye. This includes layered textures, intentional lighting and calming palettes that create a sense of wellbeing. It’s less about trends and more about how a space feels.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? I’m inspired by a combination of global design houses and local South African creatives, particularly artists. Collaborating with and curating art – especially from talents like Nelson Makamo – has deeply influenced how I approach storytelling within a space.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? A space must always reflect the client’s identity. No matter how beautiful a design is, if it doesn’t feel like them, it’s not successful.
Which project stands out for you and you consider your best to date? A full residential transformation in Morningside. What began as a simple update evolved into a complete reimagining of the home. From architecture to interiors and landscaping, it became a layered, cohesive lifestyle space that truly reflects the client’s journey.
What do you do to relax after a long day? I unwind by spending time at home in a calm, beautifully curated environment, this reminds me why I do what I do. I also enjoy quiet moments, socialising with family and friends, and being present with my family.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? The continued move towards authenticity, adaptability and wellness-driven spaces. The future is about creating homes that are not only beautiful, but also flexible, sustainable and emotionally connected to the people living in them. Q
CONTACT:
livinginspiredinteriors@gmail.com www.livinginspiredinteriors.com
IG: @livinginspiredinteriors
BEULAH HLATSHWAYO CEO, HEAD DESIGNER
Beautiful Spaces with Beulah finds its footing in the construction arm of the design industry. With a keen focus on renovations, new builds and client-centric project management, Beautiful Spaces with Beulah is known for managing projects from concept to handover, delivering timeless, high-quality end results.
WBeautiful Spaces With Beulah
Interior design company specialising in renovations and construction project management
hy did you choose interior design as a profession? It may sound clichéd, but I think interior design chose me. I’ve always had a knack for organising spaces and packing things in an appealing way. I only discovered later that my talent could be turned into an actual career.
What inspires your design choices? Timelessness, comfort and showcasing my client’s personality. This ensures spaces each client will love for years to come while allowing them to make small changes as and when needed, for example, updating seasonal looks and styles.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? Right now, I must say I am quite enjoying the boldness of colour drenching and the use of wraparound wallpaper. It’s very indulgent and helps create interiors that are unique and dramatic – the perfect statement spaces.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? I am a big fan of Alison Victoria’s style, and locally, Signature Room stands out for me and inspires my work. Both create spaces that are thoughtful and luxurious but still feel lived in.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? It may not seem like the most important, but curtains must go all the way up. This makes a world of difference in a room.
Which project stands out for you and you consider your best to date? In our portfolio, a property we completed in Bryanston (Johannesburg) stands out as the biggest transformation for us to date. A golden oldie with tons of space and large windows was renovated into an absolute modern masterpiece, showcasing warmth and character. Q
CONTACT: 060 997 0564 www.bswithbeulah.co.za IG: @bswithbeulah
Carné Interiors
Innovative
design solutions highlighting quality finishes and attention to detail
Why did you choose interior design as a profession? Interior design chose me. After three decades in this industry, I’ve realised that design is not a checklist; it is a physical and emotional reaction. There is a specific “spark’” that happens the second you see a plan or cross a threshold. I can feel the weight of the shadows and the energy of the layout, and I use that to create a design instantly. My job is to translate that feeling and the client’s needs into reality.
What inspires your design choices? Interior design is a deeply personal and multilayered process. While it often begins with a specific mood or functional need, the most compelling spaces usually draw inspiration from the following:
• Architectural integrity – the “bones” of a building often dictate the direction of the interior. I always look at the era the home/office was built, the height of the ceilings or the layout of the windows.
• The natural environment – nature is perhaps the most universal muse. This can manifest as biophilic design, which integrates natural light, plants and organic materials.
• Emotional resonance and lifestyle – design is becoming more focused on how a space feels rather than how it looks.
• Cosiness vs curation for some clients.
• Routine and how clients move through their day.
• Pulling from the past (historical) to create something new.
• Materiality and trends – sometimes a single fabric or texture can spark a whole project.
It is very important to stay on top of the latest trends and movements.
CARIN VAN HEERDEN MANAGING DIRECTOR
Carné Interiors is a well-established, local and international residential and commercial company with ongoing exposure to contemporary and global trends. This benefits its clients, who receive expert advice, innovation and world-class, relevant service.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? I love Kelly Hoppen, a British interior designer. But visiting the annual design show in Milan plays a big part in what I foresee and what I am looking forward to applying in future projects.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? Applying ‘balance’ and treating the focal points strongly and correctly.
What do you do to relax after a long day? I love reading and having a hearty meal with my family, where we discuss our day and the world’s problems. Q
Christelle & Co
Luxury design studio shaping a world of curated homes, elevated living and distinctive aesthetic experiences
Why did you choose interior design as a profession? I believe interior design chose me. It’s more than a profession – it’s a love so profound, it brings me complete fulfilment.
What inspires your design choices? My design choices are inspired by luxury institutions such as hotels, resorts, jewellery, incredible architecture, fashion, people, history and the space itself (which I believe speaks to me).
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? At the moment, I’m absolutely in love with the traditional, classic, contemporary and luxurious styles. I’m also very drawn to the Japandi and Scandinavian styles – both of which emphasise Zen principles and the use of wood and quiet luxury. I find these styles to be very restful.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? The influences in my design approach mainly come from luxurious lifestyles, emotional storytelling and the need to create visually powerful yet profitable spaces.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? When it comes to interior design, the number one rule that I will never break is “not completing the space with the absolute abundance of accessories”. Accessories, for me, are the most important aspect for the completion of any space: lighting, vignettes, plants, flowers ... they have the ability to turn a house into a home.
AFANA FONKEM LEAD INTERIOR DESIGNER
Christelle & Co is a design-led lifestyle brand that crafts elegant, immersive spaces that balance luxury, comfort and emotion. Services include bespoke interior design, creative direction, 3D design development, full project execution and styling, as well as specialised design for premium holiday homes and properties designed to captivate and perform.
Which project stands out for you and you consider your best to date? For me, it’s my marble house – the passion to create this was so strong, and I had no limits.
What do you do to relax after a long day? After a long day, I love to hang out with my babies and my husband and enjoy a good meal together. Q
CONTACT: 066 408 8694
support@christelleandco.com www.christelleandco.com
CHRISTELLE
Design Collective
A design-led interior architecture studio specialising in the seamless delivery of bespoke spaces, from concept to completion
MATTHEW FOGG & AMANDA ELLIOTT DIRECTORS
Design Collective is a Johannesburg-based interior architectural studio specialising in concept-driven design across residential, hospitality, retail and corporate projects. The practice works throughout South Africa and internationally, delivering tailored design solutions from concept to completion, with a focus on clarity, refinement and carefully considered spatial experiences.
Why did you choose interior design as a profession? For both of us, it was a natural extension of how we see and experience the world. We’ve always been drawn to how spaces influence mood and behaviour; how light, proportion and
material can completely change how something feels. Interior design offered a way to combine creativity with problem-solving and to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also genuinely improve how people live day to day.
What inspires your design choices? Inspiration comes from a mix of things – architecture, travel, materials and often the site itself. We pay a lot of attention to context: how a building sits, how light moves through it and how the client wants to live in the space. Rather than following a fixed style, we try to let each project guide the outcome – this keeps the work feeling fresh and personal.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? We tend to be cautious of trends, but if there’s one shift we appreciate, it’s the move towards more considered, timeless spaces. There’s a growing focus on natural materials, layered textures and interiors that feel calm and grounded rather than overly styled. It’s less about statement pieces and more about creating an atmosphere.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? We’re influenced more by a body of work than by a single individual. Architects and designers who prioritise simplicity, proportion and material honesty tend to resonate with us. That said, a lot of our approach is shaped by collaboration. Working with clients, consultants and craftsmen often pushes the design further than any single reference point could.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? Everything needs to feel intentional. Whether a space is minimal or layered, every element should have a reason for being there. When decisions are made thoughtfully, the end result feels calm and resolved – that’s something we don’t compromise on.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? We’re excited to see a continued shift toward more meaningful, well-considered spaces. There’s growing awareness around sustainability, longevity and designing with purpose rather than excess. We think the future of interior design lies in creating spaces that are not only visually refined, but also responsible and deeply connected to how people actually live. Q
CONTACT:
082 890 2794 083 228 6188
matt@designcollective.co.za
Giava Interiors
A
luxury interior design studio in Johannesburg creating bespoke spaces for residential and hospitality clients
Why did you choose interior design as a profession? It’s simple. I love beauty. I love how a beautiful space makes people feel. For me, interior design is about people. I transform how everyday environments make people feel; this is what I love doing.
What inspires your design choices? Without a doubt, it is my clients – how they live, their hopes and dreams, what they want from life and what they want their homes to feel like and represent.
VINETTE DIAB-NICHOLLS FOUNDER, HEAD DESIGNER
Giava Interiors is an awardwinning, full-service interior design studio serving residential, hospitality, retail and corporate clients across sub-Saharan Africa. The company’s approach combines elegance, functionality and craftsmanship to create layered, timeless interiors tailored to each client’s lifestyle and vision, complemented by custom furniture and bespoke décor.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? I am loving interiors that are not only beautiful, but also highly functional and comfortable. I don’t see this as a particular trend, but a principle of great interior design. The best spaces are those that invite you in and make you want to stay, not the ones you admire from afar.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? I admire many designers, whether it’s their confidence with colour, their understanding of scale or the way they create a magical atmosphere. I take constant inspiration from all these creative voices.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? Function first. A space should never be beautiful at the expense of how it feels. If it’s not comfortable, it doesn’t work.
Which project stands out for you and you consider your best to date? This would have to be a home in Johannesburg where the client gave us the freedom to achieve real statement and real comfort. So, we ended up with this visually gorgeous space that feels deliciously warm and inviting. That’s what we’re all about.
What do you do to relax after a long day? I unplug from all the online noise. Chatting and laughing with my partner and playing with my children refuels me.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? I am excited to see and experience the move towards less, but better. Quality over excess. This will be key, and will result in interesting and intriguing spaces. Q
CONTACT: 084 753 9578
info@giavainteriors.com www.giavainteriors.com
GLE Interiors
Specialists in high-end residential and commercial turnkey projects
WSIPHO PHIRI FOUNDER, MANAGING DIRECTOR
GLE Interiors is a full-service firm offering turnkey interior design, architectural design, furniture manufacturing and sourcing, on-site consultations, space planning and furniture arrangement as well as design concepts, full interior design and architecture services, technical drawings for construction and joinery, purchasing, delivery and installation project management, and construction management.
hy did you choose interior design as a profession? Interior design didn’t feel like a choice so much as a vocation. From childhood, I was drawn to architecture and beautiful spaces. After 16 years in finance, I finally followed that pull, trained as an architectural technologist and turned a lifelong affinity for space and detail into a profession.
What inspires your design choices? Time is my greatest inspiration. The way it patinas materials, accumulates stories and endows objects with memory. I see time as a library of elements and narratives that inform texture, proportion and materiality.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? I don’t chase trends, but I’m enjoying projects with a modern, neutral abstract aesthetic, restrained palettes, sculptural forms and layered textures that feel both contemporary and timeless.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? Sophie Patterson. Her mastery of luxury and lifestyle continually informs my approach. She’s a touchstone for refined design.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? Balance. It is the anchor of every successful space. It embodies proportion, scale and harmony, which create that intangible sense of completion and wonder.
Which project stands out for you and you consider your best to date? Our standout project is one called Waterlake House, which is still to be completed and unveiled. It’s been a joy; our client has given us creative freedom to collaborate deeply with the architectural team and articulate a bold vision.
What do you do to relax after a long day? I paint! Oil on canvas is my solace. My home office always has an easel and a sketchbook. Creating by hand helps me unwind and reconnect with intuition.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? I look forward to authenticity and original creativity – spaces that leave an indelible mark, challenge conventions and celebrate meaningful, unexpected moments. Q
CONTACT: 010 313 0600 074 589 6483
info@gleinteriors.com
Haute Interior Design Studio
Creating bespoke interiors that result in elegant expressions of modern luxury and personal style
DIANNE GOVENDER CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Haute Interior Design Studio offers a full-service design experience, from concept development and space planning to material selection, custom furnishing and final styling. With Kevin Lloyd Architects as a liaison between the firm and leading architectural practices, Haute Interior Design Studio brings thoughtful design, precision and elevated living together.
Why did you choose interior design as a profession? I chose interior design because I’ve always been drawn to the way a space can influence how we feel, live and connect. What began as a natural eye for detail and beauty evolved into a passion for creating spaces that are both intentional and inspiring. For me, design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about crafting environments that reflect individuality, elevate everyday living and tell a meaningful story.
What inspires your design choices? My design choices are inspired by the way people live and the stories they want their spaces to tell. I draw inspiration from a blend of textures, natural elements and timeless aesthetics, always balancing beauty with functionality. I’m especially inspired by how a space can evoke emotion – whether it’s a sense of calm, warmth or understated luxury. Every project is an opportunity to create something unique, guided by my client’s vision and elevated through thoughtful, intentional design.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment?
I’m deeply inspired by personality-driven interiors – spaces that refuse to conform and instead celebrate individuality in its purest form. Design is not about following trends, but about curating environments that are rich in character, layered in meaning and
unapologetically unique. Every element is intentional, every detail tells a story, resulting in a space that feels authentic, elevated and entirely its own.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? I’m profoundly influenced by visionaries like Kelly Wearstler and Peter Marino, each known for their distinct ability to create spaces that are both timeless and emotionally resonant. Their work inspires me to push beyond trends and focus on designing layered, intentional and character-rich interiors.
What do you do to relax after a long day? After a long day of curating luxury, refining details and bringing visions to life, I come home to my own kind of elegance. Low lighting, a quiet atmosphere and smiles and laughter with my family. No decisions. No revisions. Just an afternoon filled with stillness and love because true luxury isn’t only what I create for others … it’s the peace I allow myself to return to. Q
CONTACT: 031 705 5482 062 390 9275 admin@hauteinterior.co.za
Oksijen
Johannesburg-based, internationally minded high-end interior design firm
What inspires your design choices? I’m guided by the space and the client. You always need a sense of place when you design, an understanding of what the space is asking for. And, you have to actually listen to the client. Not just hear them, but understand what they need and how they want their environment to work for them.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? I’m not much of a trend follower. But if I have to choose one, it’s something I’m seeing more of lately –designing spaces that genuinely influence how people feel and behave. Not just the aesthetics, but the way natural light, spatial layout and sensory detail can reduce stress, support focus and influence how people feel and act. It’s design that takes the human experience seriously.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? It varies, and it changes. Mostly, it comes from my own exposure to the world and whatever I’m paying attention to at that moment. It could be art, a designer doing interesting work right now, something I’ve read or something I’ve seen on a trip.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? I don’t follow rules. I follow the space, the client and my instincts.
What do you do to relax after a long day? Watch a great series with my partner. Snuggle in bed with dessert and tea.
LISA SWART INTERIOR DESIGNER, FOUNDER
Founded in 2007 and working across residential, commercial and hospitality projects in South Africa and beyond, Oksijen provides interior design services from concept to completion, and everything in between. Rather than a signature look, Oksijen delivers a point of view, shaped by decades of living and working across different cultures.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? I’m most interested in where design and human behaviour meet. There’s growing research on how our built environments affect mental health, productivity and connection, and I think we’re only at the beginning of designers taking this seriously. I’d also like to see more honesty about materiality and sourcing, less aspiration-speak and more accountability for what we’re putting into spaces and where it comes from. Q
CONTACT: 071 440 4606
info@oksijen.co.za www.oksijen.co.za
LINDIWE MABIZELA OWNER, HEAD DESIGNER
Signature Room, based in Witbank, crafts turnkey bespoke and functional design solutions, embodying sophistication and elegance, and tailored to enhance residential and commercial spaces. The company’s expertise lends itself to seamless, refined experiences for every project, providing peace of mind as it elevates investments to unparalleled standards of design excellence.
WSignature Room
Top-end residential, corporate and hospitality design and décor
hy did you choose interior design as a profession? Interior design is, in fact, my second profession, and in many ways, it actually feels like the path I was always meant to follow. Coming from a highly technical industry, I felt drawn to the creative side of life. Design was a passion that continuously beckoned me, and after the success of my first project, I knew I had found my true purpose. It became clear that interior design was not just a career choice, but part of my destiny.
What is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? At the moment, my favourite interior design trend is monochromatic Neoclassical design. I appreciate its timeless elegance, sophistication and the way it creates a clean yet bold statement within a space.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? One rule I would never compromise on is the proper use of natural light. Natural light has the power to transform a space, making it feel warm, inviting and alive. I always aim to maximise it wherever possible.
What do you do to relax after a long day? I enjoy cooking with my children, who share my love for the kitchen. It’s such a special and relaxing bonding experience that allows us to connect, unwind and create memories together.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? I’m excited to see the new trends and fresh perspectives the next generation of designers will bring. I’m also looking forward to how advancing technology will continue to shape smarter, more efficient and beautifully designed homes.
CONTACT: 064 908 8194 www.signatureroom.co.za IG: @Signatureroom_
The Goodspace
Personalised,
turnkey residential design services every step of the way
WLARA FOURIE OWNER, LEAD DESIGNER
For The Goodspace, interior design is about creating a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality, where every element serves a purpose, and every detail enhances the experience of the space. The Goodspace sees each project as a unique opportunity to tell a story, express a vision and enrich the lives of its clients.
hat is your favourite interior design trend at the moment? Right now, I am in love with what simplicity can bring to a home. The way clean lines and a mix of textures can create such a complex feeling of joy, given that they are so effortlessly put together.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? Definitely my clients. I always say to my clients, “At the end of the day, you are the ones who will be building a life in this home, and as much as I ‘want’ it to look a certain way, I am here to guide you
as best as I can based on who you are as an individual, as my client and as a home owner”, while simultaneously creating the best version in terms of design of what that might be.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? Remembering that my clients all worked hard to be able to take on this project, and that is what should inspire me every time I look at their design plans.
Which project stands out for you and you consider your best to date? We are currently working on a project in Tzaneen, and it is almost complete. This client really trusted our design input and has let us guide them blindly, trusting our skills and knowledge. It’s been such a breath of fresh air being able to work with such grace.
What do you do to relax after a long day? After a long day, I usually take off my shoes, then enjoy a glass of good red wine.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? I feel like even though AI is creeping up on our industry, we still have so much to offer our clients in one-on-one interactions. This makes way for so many job opportunities and growth for everyone willing to take on the challenge. Q
CONTACT: 076 059 7618
079 872 4095
lara@thegoodspace.co.za
U in it Designs
Turnkey interior solutions tailored to each client’s lifestyle and vision
Why did you choose interior design as a profession? Interior design chose me. It has always been more than a career – a true calling, as I like to say. What I do is driven by passion and shaped by a deep sense of purpose. Living this gift is a privilege, allowing me to bring light, love and meaning into every space I create.
As a designer, who influences your design approach the most? My clients – their way of living, their needs, their personalities – along with the character of the space. Travel and lived experiences also play a meaningful role, adding depth and perspective to projects. At the heart of it all is a desire for connection: creating spaces that invite people to slow down, reconnect and spend quality time with family and friends.
What’s the one rule that you would never break when it comes to interior design? I will never compromise on creating spaces that are merely beautiful but lack practicality. For me, true design lies in the balance between aesthetic appeal and liveability, ensuring every space is not only visually refined, but also comfortable, functional and curated to be truly lived in.
Which project stands out for you and you consider your best to date? For 17 years, we’ve had the privilege of creating beautiful, meaningful spaces, each one shaped by incredible clients along the way. While every project holds a special place for us, our standout favourite is a recently completed luxury four-storey home nestled in the bush. Designed with a refined resort-style look and feel, it truly pushed creative boundaries.
NIEKERK FOUNDER, INTERIOR DESIGNER
U IN IT DESIGNS, established in 2009, specialises in turnkey interior design across corporate, residential and retail sectors. Recently, the company’s focus has shifted more towards luxury bespoke, high-end residential homes, where it crafts tailored, timeless spaces that reflect refined living and personal expression.
While we value every client we work with, this project felt like the perfect alignment – a dream client and a dream brief brought to life.
What are you looking forward to in terms of the future of interior design? The evolution of innovative new materials for both indoor and outdoor spaces is something I am excited about. I’m particularly inspired by the rise of more modular solutions and the continued blending of indoor-outdoor living. It’s an era where flexibility, sustainability and seamless connection to nature are shaping how we design and experience spaces. Q
CONTACT: elanie@uinitdesigns.co.za www.uinitdesigns.co.za
IG: @U in it Designs
ELANIE VAN