Essential Life

WORDS Helen Herimbi


Softening the homes of Joburg’s concrete jungle one beautiful local design at a time is Essential Life, the brainchild of Adrian Lombard.

More than a store, Essential Life – based in the trendy Parkhurst suburb – is a hub for lovers of local furniture, luggage, clothing, homeware and art. It also includes the Essential Concepts creative studio, which is based in Houghton, and another retail outlet in Pretoria.

Armed with a love for lifestyle products and experience from the overseas corporate sector, Adrian began supplying blue chip companies such as Sun International with a gifting service in 2000. By 2009, the company had become a distinctive player in the furniture production and design world. 

One of the passions of this entrepreneur is to bring an aspect of intelligence into the way people view design. He believes that design can be meaningful and improve the process of life if one pays attention to it.

The store now houses 12 collections of products that are inspired by all things South African – everything from the Johannesburg skyline to Mzansi’s proteas and fynbos. Our homes are better for it. 

Visit essentialliferetail.com for more information.