Mono Online Shop

INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring

If you turn to online shopping whenever you feel like treating yourself (or if you need to buy a gift), make sure you take a look at the Cape Town-based Mono Online Shop. We chatted to founder Petro Vivier about Scandi design, her love for monochrome and 5 products she simply can’t get enough of.

How did Mono Online Shop start?

The idea began after we started renovating our new home. We had already decided on going with the Scandinavian look and started making our own scatter cushions, pallet furniture, prints, etc. We then realised that others might also appreciate our products (especially because Scandinavian-style interiors are so popular at the moment) and the idea turned into an online business. Ever since then we have been using our home for taking photos and we make sure that every new product we add fits into our look.

What made you choose to focus on Scandinavian-inspired design?

Because we went with this style in our home, it was only natural that the online shop would be inspired by this kind of design. It really is something that I can’t get enough of – I love how Scandinavian interior design is focused on functionality and I’m really drawn to the serene lifestyle it reflects.

Why monochrome?

I love decorating/designing with black and white. Playing with textures and patterns (as opposed to different colours) makes for really interesting designs. I always start off with black and white and add colour as an accent (and only if necessary). It’s not that I don’t love a bit of colour now and then – it is just that black and white is the only combination I never get tired of.

Where do you get your products from? Are they locally sourced or imported?

Even though our products (and our store) are all inspired by Scandinavian design, we want to keep things local, so our products are either designed and made by us or sourced from South African suppliers.

Don’t forget to sign up to our weekly newsletter for the latest architecture and design news.