Decorex Cape Town breathes new life into décor

“2010 signals the beginning of a new decade of design,” says Melanie Robinson, exhibition director for Decorex SA. “The show theme ‘Breath of fresh air' is guided by the move towards softness and beauty, which will leave visitors energised for a fresh new start.”

While factors such as the recession and more mindful living may have contributed to a slowing down of trends, the interest in new design directions and innovation is livelier than ever, she adds. “People are curious by nature; we love the novel and the new and are intrigued by what lies on the design horizon.”

Influences such as a sluggish economy, combined with the green movement gave rise to new trends such as frugal chic, thrift decor, re-cycling and up-cycling, salvage design and cutting-edge DIY. ‘Reuse the past, recycle the present, save the future' has become the mantra of our era. Now ‘Recuperation design' is the next big thing, which is all about going back to basics, developing exciting new green design materials and reconstructing spaces with a new, leaner, greener attitude.

Breathing buildings

As part of this theme, the opening day seminar of ‘Conversations on Architecture' has as its theme ‘Building for a breath of fresh air: Imagine the difference.' Imagine buildings that can ‘breathe and sweat and think and grow and change;' an earthquake-proof building inspired by the honeycomb or a massive stadium inspired by the wings of a dragonfly. While taking inspiration from nature is nothing new, the level of design inspiration taken from it is different through modern science, technology and fresh thinking.

The one-day seminar for architects and trade professionals, which carries 1 CPD credit, is convened by Les Aupiais and sponsored by CaesarStone has international speakers John Sofio from Built Inc, Los Angeles and Nina Maritz (Namibia) who join Jo Noero (Noero Wolff), Derick Henstra (dhk Architects), Jeremy Stewart (Source. Interior Brand Architects) and Andy Horn.

Green Living House

A first for Decorex Cape Town, the Pick n Pay Green Living House, supplied by Greenstuff.co.za, comprises five rooms complete with landscaping and a vegetable garden by the award-winning Paarman Landscapes, showcasing good living with aesthetically pleasing and affordable green solutions.