Beautiful Spaces: Basalt

PHOTOS Micky Hoyle and Graeme Wyllie WORDS Sandiso Ngubane

We chatted to Jacques Erasmus, who recently opened the doors to homeware store Basalt.

The chef, designer and artist behind Cape Town dining institution Hemelhuijs recently launched a new venture in Parkhurst. Basalt is a homeware store that features a huge display unit with flavour compounds, hand-blended spices and exotic finds. This, part of Jacques’s flavour library concept, promises to be in keeping with his dedication to craftsmanship and obsession with aesthetics and quality.

What is the idea behind your flavour library concept?

We designed a range of flavour compounds to cook with and serve with food. This includes spices, flavoured salt, honeys and other flavour compounds. The product is packaged in brown laboratory bottles to give it that apothecary feel. Brown glass also helps to preserve the volatile flavour compounds better than clear glass.

How did you choose the name Basalt?

The word refers to the organic matt black volcanic compound that inspired my first collection of black ceramic tableware.

What sets your homeware apart from other brands?

We do not sell just another plate or cup or bowl. We provide our clients with the service of craftsmanship, the pride of quality over quantity and, most of all, the passion for a product entirely made by the human hand.

What is your approach with regards to the store interior?

The store is all about creating a sense of everyday luxury – ordinary things done beautifully.  My design approach is that it should be simple, timeless and, most of all, comfortable.

Basalt is situated at 22B 4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Joburg. For more information, visit their Facebook page.