Decorex 2016 focuses on indigenous design

Being showcased at the exhibition which takes place from 29 April to 2 May at the CTICC, the purpose-designed Trend Pod installations will “draw on the organic glamour of Africa, but reinterpret it to display both an edgy now-ness of form and an ancient handling of materials,” says Sian Gutstadt, portfolio director of Decorex SA.

Defining a new African design language

At the forefront of the task of defining a new African design language are Nicky Tyers, a well-established interior designer whose consultancy, Lion & Tyers, is based in Wynberg, Cape Town, and Dorothy van’t Riet whose eponymous design and décor consultancy is located in Parkmore, Johannesburg, but has wide experience in Africa.

“African design has unique sculptural and natural influences and relies on both artisanal skills and unusual materials. With this in mind, my Trend Pod showcase will recreate the modern explorer’s studio, drawing on natural elements such as exotic timbers, rare crystals, sculptural plants and indigenous textiles,” says Tyers, who adds that her palette will tend towards the charcoal and bone spectrum, with touches of tropical green and flashes of beaten metal.

According to Tyers, globally, both fashion and interior design are heavily influenced by the rich cultural diversity of the Mother Continent. “Current African design is unashamedly modern and has seduced the west with its contemporary, sculptural and geometric signature qualities,” she says. “Interiors, in particular, are inspired by the aesthetics of hot-climate living, which is conducive to a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle.

“Cape Town continues to attract international fashion and design pacesetters,” she continues. “I hope that those experiencing the Trend Pod installation will be inspired by the ever-changing trends emerging from this remarkable continent.”

Mixing modern and organic materials

Equally awed by the Africa, Dorothy van’t Riet explains how modern African design is set apart from its traditional predecessors: “By mixing modern and organic materials in a more minimalist way, interiors are clean and contemporary with a focus on unique items that add pattern, colour or texture to the scheme.”

Van’t Riet rates African design high on the global style scale: “African style harmonises design with the human element and the environment in perfect symbiosis. The international market is fascinated by the soul, colour, passion and rhythm of this sprawling continent, so steeped in tradition and culture. It is real – a rarity in this technology-driven world.”

For Decorex Cape Town, Van’t Riet has drawn inspiration from the colourful markets of Kigale and the art and craft of Rwanda, where she once completed a hotel project. “I was particularly fascinated by the unique geometric patterning and black and white motifs of the traditional Imogongo, an art form unique to Rwanda,” she says, adding that she is also very excited to be showcasing a magnificent Pierre Cronje-designed table, crafted from the fork of a 500 year-old yellowwood tree that died in the Outeniqua forest.