Durban designer Sam Boylan

As soon as you open his website, you know that Sam Boylan of Durban’s Re-store is not one to shy away from colour and eccentricity. It’s his adventurous approach to design that also gives him an edge.

With a background in the fashion and music industries, Sam’s creativity has always helped him pay the bills. But in 2003 he decided it was time to embrace his real passion – design and decor.

Taking on the prior premises of the notorious in70 design store, Re-store followed in the footsteps of the previous tenants, quickly becoming the go-to store for Durban’s trendy set. Offering retro pieces and design services like re-upholstery, bespoke furniture and accessories, this early venture solidified Sam’s name in the local industry.

In 2009 Sam closed the store as he felt he no longer had enough time to concentrate on his other design ventures, namely decor solutions for both commercial and residential clients. “I found it extremely difficult to concentrate on the store and dedicate my full attention to the now large client base and their design projects,” Sam says.

Under the same name Re-store has been creating furniture pieces and quirky accessories like bookends, magazine racks and toothbrush holders while revving up spaces in and around Durban.

We spoke to Sam to find out more about his work.

Why do you love design and decor?

Design and decor is in my blood. I have always loved art and design, whether it’s through fashion, art, food, music, theatre, furniture or technology. I have always had a passion and yearning for making things beautiful and turning ordinary things into something extraordinary from a young age.

How does your approach to design differ from the norm?

I’m not afraid to combine bright colours and be adventurous by using quirky elements to create a fun and exciting design. I also love combining old and new. So many people want everything to be brand new and can’t see the beauty, the character and history in an older piece, whether it’s furniture, art or an object.

How does KwaZulu-Natal inspire your work, if at all?

I think people in KwaZulu-Natal have a much more laid-back approach to life, especially people living at the coast because we are blessed with great weather for most of the year. It makes people happy. My work always has a fun and quirky element to it. I love bright colours and it’s great to be able to make people smile through my work.

How do you incorporate your clients into the work you do for them? How much do you involve them in the process?

 After the presentation and acceptance of designs and materials, I always encourage clients to be as involved as possible in the execution of the project. Unfortunately it’s not always easy to get clients involved in the process as most of them have very busy schedules and they ultimately trust me to achieve the desired result.

You still design furniture and decor items. Can you tell us a bit about your aesthetic and what you are currently working on?

I like design that’s fun but functional and makes you use your imagination. Best compliment is “Wow! That’s so clever! How did they do that?” I am working on a new range of functional, fun decor items like book ends, tablemats, lamps and simple, practical but stylish furniture pieces such as coffee tables and chairs.

Can you tell us about the inspiration and design of your magazine rack?

Being in the design industry, I automatically end up with loads of magazines all the time and with overflowing bookcases, I have nowhere to put them. After searching endlessly for some kind of practical solution without any success, I decided to contact a friend, Woody Meyer and design our own.  I wanted something that was super practical but made a funky, bright statement. Something that didn’t take up loads of space and was easy to install. Soon, the magazine rack was born.

Why did you decide to incorporate an online store on your website?

Everything is available online today. We have to keep up with the times. Since I no longer have an outlet I decided that an online presence would be the ideal place to sell my design products as well as items that I find trawling second-hand shops and auctions. I wanted to make it easy for people who really like these items to purchase direct.

More information: www.re-store.co.za, sam@re-store.co.za