Fresh Talent: Brandon Botha

PHOTOS Frank Nash, Brandon Botha and Justin Patrick WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

Interior designer Brandon Botha is our next Fresh Talent for Youth Month feature.

“Fresh, quirky and edgy elegance” is how Brandon Botha describes his interior design work for clients who include Vodacom, Lavazza Coffees and Native Digital Agency. Aside from commercial spaces, he also does private homes. We spoke to him about his journey.

What led to you opening your own company?
I spent four years in the film industry working for art directors on commercials. I then moved to London and worked as a stylist and decorator for event design companies. My passion always lay in interiors and architectural design however, and after moving back to Cape Town in 2004, I decided to take the plunge.

How does your approach between residential, commercial and office spaces differ?
Residential design can be far more challenging as I am often trying to realise someone’s personal dream home. In comparison, translating a brand into a three-dimensional space can be conceptualised much quicker, as most of the time there is a brand identity. Each process has its magic though and the best results come from situations where the client has considerable input.

What is the most common mistake homeowners make?
Thinking that doing things themselves saves them money. If you’re building or adding a room, consult, even at an hourly rate. It will save you a lot more money, every time.

Any personal design secrets when it comes to putting a home together?

• Choose a range of at least six tones or colour sample pots you want and paint them on to large cardboard squares. Choose the colour block that you love the most, in the light of the actual room. Once you’ve decided on the colour block, start shopping for the layers of the room. Never go shopping without your colour block.
• Steer clear of overly bold walls in a home, subtlety is your friend. Add punch with original artwork or objects, not wall colour. Subtle greens, greys and blues will show off a piece of art beautifully.
• Predominantly, colour must come from layering wonderful personal pieces that are original and full of character. Rather have nothing until you can get the real thing. 

What current hot trend do you think we will be tired off by the time 2014 is done?

Tretchikoff paraphernalia, reproduction glass chandeliers and fake artifacts – hopefully!

brandonbothadesign.com

Celebrate Youth Month with us and browse more of our Fresh Talent profiles here.