Words: Belinda Mountain | Images: Decorex SA & Plascon
The 20th edition of Decorex Cape Town, sponsored by Plascon, will take place at the CTICC from 27 April to 1 May. Sian Cullingworth, portfolio director, Decorex SA, tells us what visitors can expect.
Which designers are you excited to see at this year’s event?
One design team we’re very excited to announce is the talented Mariano Rossouw, who will be designing this year’s Decorex Designer Spotlight feature with a focus on the #rhythmoflife theme. We’re also looking forward to the work of Moorgas & Waldron Interiors, as well as Andrea Brand in the exciting new Design and Textile Elements features.
What are you looking forward to at the exhibition?
I always look forward to the trend home feature, but there are really so many exciting new features, including Plascon’s incredible installation, the She Sheds, Rooms to Grow and the Tasting Room Wine Bar.
Tell us more about the “She Sheds” feature.
While the “Man Cave” trend was really popular in past few years, we’ve seen the emergence of a more feminine version – the “She Shed”, the conversion of any traditional shed or unused home area into a woman’s space. Here, the woman of the home can relax or enjoy some time doing hobbies. It’s a space just for her. We’re excited to have Vanessa Haywood onboard for this feature, a leading South African actress who featured in the Oscar-nominated film, District 9. Vanessa will lend her inspiration to the three chosen designers who’ve been tasked with decorating three unique She Sheds. Each space will incorporate a touch of pink in support of the breast cancer awareness NGO, PinkDrive. There will be a donation box to encourage on-site donations and all Decorex members will wear a pink ribbon in support of the initiative.
Are there any specific trends you think will flow through the show this year?
There are so many exciting trends working their way into the South African landscape, such as the Danish “hygge trend”, elevated organics (tactile, earthy materials being used in the home), as well as mixed metallics, jewel tones and room dividers. I particularly like the psychotropical trend, which emanates from the psychedelic movement and is defined by vibrant palettes, vivid tropical patterns and digitised prints, as well as lush, botanical themes which take on a near-synthetic form, and motifs with a hallucinogenic quality.
For more information on Deorex Cape Town, visit their website.
