A feast for the eyes

PHOTOS: Mickey Hoyle

In Cape Town? Then don’t miss out on the Freeworld Design Centre’s first Design Centre exhibition – a fantastic showcase of work by leading South African decorators and designers.

In the first of the Freeworld Design Centre’s seasonal exhibitions, entitled “New African Elegance”, four showroom “pods” have been decorated to inspire Freeworld customers and visitors to the Centre until the end of April.

The first four spatial designers to display their talents are Tracy Lynch, Yelda Bayraktar, Mila and Source Interior Brand Architects. They’ve all created contrasting spaces, using furniture, accessories and Freeworld Coatings products such as Plascon, Midas and Earthcote.

“With its commitment to innovation, Freeworld is driven by the concept of the ‘decor effect’,” notes CEO André Lamprecht. “We want to demonstrate how, even with modest means, it’s possible to transform your life and the value of your property. Freeworld is on a quest to enhance and improve living spaces and lives through our products, ideas and actions.”

Four interesting interpretations

Renowned decor stylist and creative director, Tracy Lynch, explored Cape Dutch heritage through a fresh look at the Karoo, the “plaashuis kombuis”, printed cow hides and humble furnishings. Using local finishes and furnishings, and matte and muted tones, she has created a nostalgic setting that’s warm and inviting.

Yelda Bayraktar is an independent creative consultant, decorator and interiors stylist. Along with her team, she envisaged “New African Elegance” through a brightly decorated ‘shop’. The items on display have been wrapped in boxes with images – viewable with 3D glasses – on the outside.

Gerard Back and Philip Loxton of Mila create top South African window displays and installations. They’ve created a bright, summery pod that offers a retail design solution. Through the use of small and large yellow tables, an Alice in Wonderland effect is created. A multiplicity of heights, colours and styles bend the viewer’s perception.

The final pod, by Source Interior Brand Architects, displays a setting that shows the evolution of African design from curio to design that rivals the international market. A bold statement is made through the use of signature pieces against a shiny black shell.

Services offered

Apart from the Freeworld Coatings Design Centre exhibitions, also on offer are a reference library, bookshop, the Hemelhuijs Restaurant, an auditorium as well as offices, event space and meeting rooms for Freeworld Coatings customers.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 09h00-17h00, and Saturdays from 09h30-14h00. The Centre is closed on Sundays.

Freeworld Design Centre: www.freeworlddesigncentre.com, laurens.design@freeworldcoatings.com