WORDS Celeste Jacobs
LIM owner and designer Pauline Mutlow has no regrets about taking a chance and changing her career path at 39. LIM’s doors opened in 1997 – and, 24 years later, the brand still operates from the same location.
2014: ADINKRA MARRIAGE CABINET
In celebration of my 40th wedding anniversary, I designed a small range that incorporated the West African Adinkra marriage symbol as an engraved pattern on the doors. The units were manufactured in walnut, which represents a mature yet contemporary material to me. It also celebrates the concept of commitment and longevity.
2019: POPPY LAMPS
Inspired by the seasonal poppies sold by flower sellers at the side of the road, the Straight and Curved Poppy lamps combine to mimic the form of a bunch of flowers. These joyful lights are manufactured from steel tubing and black-coated epoxy. I feel happy every time I see them.
2019: CHEVRON DESIGN SERVER
With its geometric design, this server was originally created for a client’s dining room. Its minimalist nature doesn’t stop it from drawing the eye, particularly to the pattern on the doors. This four-door version is available to order in a variety of spray colours – we offer the option of customising it in-store and on our website.
STORAGE TOWEL RAIL
A customer wanted a towel rail with a storage facility included – that was the inspiration behind this piece. Square steel tubing and a flat tray top are joined by black-coated epoxy to produce a piece that pleases, both in function and in form. It’s always satisfying to design something that’s practical and fulfils a client’s needs.
2021: SHORT BENDIE LAMP
This lamp is another product inspired by meeting a customer’s needs. The client wanted a bedside lamp for reading that wasn’t imported, so we created this piece, which offers a great angle and affords the necessary light. It’s a quintessential LIM piece, honouring the sentiment that “less is more”.
For more information, visit lim.co.za.
Looking for more on South African design? Take a look at Egg Designs journey over the last 24 years.
