Furniture Design: Umoya

PHOTOS Jono @ Pure Studio WORDS Amelia Brown

Manufactured in Durban by local cabinet-makers, Umoya is a range of simple, stylish furniture that has been designed with the integrity of indoor furniture but with the robustness to live outside.

“It’s a modular range,” says owner Jodi Robertson, “so pieces can stand alone or work together to make up a configuration, and it can be changed around continuously or added to over time.”

Jodi’s favourite piece is the sun lounger, but the most popular piece with customers is the single-seater armless chair. “It fits into any configuration or it can stand alone,” she says.

The range is made of iroko, a hardwood that can be exposed to the elements and weathers beautifully over time, or oak for furniture used in covered spaces.

Jodi, who is a partner in Durban branding agency ITI (International Trend Institute), says of outdoor-living trends: “Multipurpose outdoor spaces are becoming as important as indoor.” She foresees more hybrid indoor / outdoor furniture with soft luxury textiles.

For more information, visit umoyaoutdoor.co.za.