MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA
BERRY HOMEWARE
TRUEWOOD FURNITURE
BENT
DESLEEMATTEX
DESIGN TEAM FABRICS
MIXX CEMENT AND STYLE LITTLE ZULIK
MANGO SOOTOO METAL STUDIOS
Local craftsmanship
Smith takes a look at the renaissance of homegrown décor and design
S
outh African décor and design transcends mere opulence; it is a soulful lifestyle, where the art of design shapes our environment and tells the story of who we are and who we aspire to be. Today, true affluence is no longer defined by the presence of global labels only, but by the depth of personal experience and the authenticity embedded in the treasures we curate and create locally.
Luxury, once imported, is now carefully crafted within South Africa’s borders. The emergence of South Africa’s homegrown luxury market signals a paradigm shift that sees us embracing bespoke indulgence, exceptional craftsmanship and the art of refinement. South African luxury living is defining its own narrative, blending indigenous artistry with contemporary design.
Designers, artisans and visionaries imbue their work with a distinct Afrocentric identity, elevating traditional techniques to greater heights. Indigenous textiles are reimagined into haute couture, ethically sourced gemstones are transformed into bespoke jewellery and hand-carved furniture becomes a
“It is about designing an environment that tells your unique story, the story of the craftspeople and artists, and it is where luxury becomes an intimate expression of who you are.”
testament to the meticulous skill of the craftsman. Fine art, inspired by ancestral storytelling, further enriches the landscape of South Africa’s luxury market, where provenance is as significant as prestige.
A RENAISSANCE OF REFINED INDULGENCE
As South Africans redefine the art of handcrafted and local design and décor, the homegrown luxury market has evolved. This renaissance of refined indulgence is not just about luxury; it is a narrative that speaks to those who truly understand its intrinsic value. It represents more than just affluence; it is the creation of spaces and experiences that transcend mere aesthetic appeal. It is about designing an environment that tells your unique story, the story of the craftspeople and artists, and it is where luxury becomes an intimate expression of who you are.
“Designers, artisans and visionaries imbue their work with a distinct Afrocentric identity, elevating traditional techniques to unparalleled heights.”
Nicola
A striking Afrocentric portrayal that redefines spaces through art.
Local materials are featured more frequently in homes. Local products are designed for the climate and within context.
Couture woven with colours that narrate your unique journey.
SA Home Owner photo library
SA Home Owner photo library
DESIGN TEAM FABRICS
Fine fabrics for a striking look
Design Team Fabrics is constantly inspired by the rich culture, vibrant colours and diverse fauna and flora throughout the country. Using this inspiration, the company’s in-house designers create unique patterns for its fabrics, which are printed and crafted into products such as scatter cushions and décor items. Bring some local flavour to your interiors with a range of SA-inspired scatters guaranteed to add colour and excitement to your space. By shopping locally, you provide a platform for South African designers to display their creativity!
Contact: 083 461 6976 www.designteamfabrics.co.za
IG: @design_team_fabrics
DESLEEMATTEX
Where SA craftsmanship meets global excellence in sleep
For over 60 years, DesleeMattex has proudly manufactured premium woven and knitted bedding textiles in Cape Town, a city steeped in rich textile heritage. In partnership with global leader BekaertDeslee, DesleeMattex blends international design trends and innovation with uniquely South African inspiration. The latest sleep technology from DesleeMattex, SensIce®, features advanced cooling yarn that is cool-to-touch and actively regulates body temperature throughout the night. This ensures your body temperature stays perfectly in sync with your external environment, providing you with an optimal night’s sleep. The result is world-class fabrics made locally, for South Africa’s most discerning consumers.
LITTLE ZULIK
Luxury furniture for your little ones
Little Zulik crafts luxury children’s furniture that offers a playful edge and a touch of magic. The company also takes on bold, custom cabinetry and furniture projects – perfect for when ordinary just won’t do. Little Zulik’s designers are deeply inspired by South Africa’s rich natural beauty, including the vast landscapes, unique textures and organic forms. Living in a country renowned for its wildlife and wilderness shapes the way the company creates its products, resulting in pieces that are grounded in nature yet full of imagination. One such product is the Ocean Crib that features soft curves inspired by the sea. It is easy to assemble and created to grow with your child. Thoughtfully designed, the Ocean Crib is both beautiful and practical, making it perfect for newborns through
to toddlers. Little Zulik highlights that SA-made furniture blends world-class craftsmanship with a unique sense of soul.
Local designers bring meticulous attention to detail while capturing the warmth, character and life of real, inspired design.
Contact: 076 226 0986 sales@littlezulik.co.za www.littlezulik.co.za
Insist on DesleeMattex fabrics for your next bed purchase!
TRUEWOOD FURNITURE
Wooden furniture for a warm aesthetic
Contact: 021 590 1800 087 353 8120 www.desleemattex.co.za
Proudly South African brand, Truewood Furniture designs and handcrafts high-quality, made-to-order wooden furniture using locally sourced materials. Each piece is created by South Africans for South Africans, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern functionality.
Known for its iconic Four Drawer Bed, Truewood Furniture offers a fully customisable range made from Saligna and Meranti wood, available in 10 wood finishes, 14 full-grain leather options and a designer fabric collection that includes over 50 curated textiles.
Truewood celebrates local design, community and sustainability, manufacturing furniture that lasts a lifetime while supporting local artisans and keeping South African heritage at the heart of every home. South African décor is bold yet grounded, luxurious yet honest. Truewood Furniture loves the way local design celebrates raw materials, artisanal skill and layered storytelling. It’s this fusion of heritage and innovation that inspires Truewood Furniture to keep evolving while staying true to its roots.
Contact: 067 390 6498 sales@truewoodfurniture.co.za www.truewoodfurniture.co.za
BENT
Locally crafted bathroom and home accessories
Focusing on simplicity, functionality and timeless elegance, BENT is a proudly South African brand. Each piece is crafted at the company’s Johannesburg-based workshop from premium local materials and finished in a sleek powder coat. BENT’s products are manufactured using sustainable practices. Look out for the company’s toilet accessory range, made from stainless steel with hidden fastenings. BENT believes local products are designed with our lifestyle in mind, offering better quality, durability and sustainability.
Contact: sales@bentco.co.za
www.bentco.co.za
IG: @bent_coza
SLEEP BETTER, LIVE BETTER
BERRY HOMEWARE
Specialising in sensational home fragrances
Berry Homeware creates elegant home fragrances inspired by South Africa’s rich natural beauty, including stain-free room and linen mists, enduring reed diffusers and 100% soy wax candles that blend sustainability with sensory luxury. Every scent is crafted for conscious living. Choosing South African-made products supports community, creativity and quality. Transform your space with products rooted in heritage and made with heart. Shop the range online or visit the SOKO District in Rosebank Mall to discover more from Berry Homeware.
Contact: hello@berryhomeware.com www.berryhomeware.com IG: @berryhomeware
MIXX CEMENT AND STYLE
Premium thin-film coatings for floors and walls
MIXX Cement and Style is a proudly South African brand producing premium thin-film cement coatings for floors and walls that are durable, easy to maintain and designed to deliver a seamless aesthetic that moves effortlessly from indoors to outdoors – just the way South Africans like to live. MIXX is inspired by the fusion of cultures in local design, where modern minimalism meets authentic African soul. Whether you choose the Easy Floor or Designer Wall Coat, you’ll get a finish that’s both functional and beautiful.
Contact:
081 329 2773
orders@mixxcement.co.za
IG: @mixxcement
MANGO SOOTOO METAL STUDIOS
Creative metalwork
For complete in-house steel fabrication to suit the style or design of your home, visit Mango Sootoo Metal Studios. The company designs and creates steel and metalwork, including custom designs, lighting, furniture, gates and balustrades – all uniquely South African and manufactured for the local climate. Mango Sootoo Metal Studios believes shopping for locally made items enables pure sustainability and enrichment for local communities, allowing creativity to thrive –something the company excels in.
Contact: 082 323 7235
rory@mangosootoo.co.za www.mangosootoo.co.za
GENESSI believes true luxury begins with how you live and how you rest, and as a proudly South African bed brand, GENESSI is committed to crafting sleep experiences that honour both innovation and intention. The latest advancement from GENESSI, Snowdrop™, brings intelligent temperature regulating technology to every night, seamlessly supporting the company’s mission to help you live well. Rooted in design, guided by restoration and made for those who seek more from their rest, GENESSI is where craftsmanship meets calm and where every detail whispers the language of considered luxury. genessi.co.za