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The Mefuta desk is designed as a working-from-home solution, with an aesthetic inspired by details of the architectural patterns and colours of South Africa, Egypt and New Mexico. -
The Mefuta desk is designed as a working-from-home solution, with an aesthetic inspired by details of the architectural patterns and colours of South Africa, Egypt and New Mexico. -
The Bahale bench celebrates African heroes who have made great change possible across the continent. -
The Lithaba server is inspired by the mountainous landscape of Lesotho and the natural tones of its sedimentary rocks, as well as the colours used in traditional Basotho architecture. -
The Lithaba server is inspired by the mountainous landscape of Lesotho and the natural tones of its sedimentary rocks, as well as the colours used in traditional Basotho architecture. -
The Semela couch helps to integrate plants and herbs into furniture, bringing you closer to nature. -
The Wili bench (a social distancing bench created in 2020) is inspired by the Khoisan people’s knowledge of medicinal plants and their healing properties (“wili” means “root” in Hadza). It’s a way of educating users about organic ways to keep strong and healthy, and about the Khoisan culture. -
The Wili bench (a social distancing bench created in 2020) is inspired by the Khoisan people’s knowledge of medicinal plants and their healing properties (“wili” means “root” in Hadza). It’s a way of educating users about organic ways to keep strong and healthy, and about the Khoisan culture. -
The Wili bench (a social distancing bench created in 2020) is inspired by the Khoisan people’s knowledge of medicinal plants and their healing properties (“wili” means “root” in Hadza). It’s a way of educating users about organic ways to keep strong and healthy, and about the Khoisan culture.
COMPILED BY Phendu Kuta
There is a warmth, softness and real sophistication to the work of this exciting young Joburg designer.
Multidisciplinary designer Lindiwe Gugushe is the creative director of Bōpa Mmuso, an Afro-minimalist, functional furniture design start-up. The 2022 Design Indaba Emerging Creative established the business with a human-centred design approach, prioritising functionality and sustainability.
Bōpa Mmuso, which translates to “creative kingdom” in Sesotho, is also inspired by Lindiwe’s Sotho and Xhosa cultures, fused with a minimalistic approach. Her work was showcased at Decorex Africa recently after she was selected as one of five creative talents who show great potential in contributing to the future of design in South Africa.
* A typical workday starts at 6.30am. Half of my day is dedicated to graphic- design work, the other half to product design. If I am not consulting with clients, you’ll find me researching and upskilling on furniture design. On weekends I spend time at the workshop, prototyping the designs I’ve created. I mainly work with pine and plywood.
* A well-designed product is easy to use, long-lasting and beautiful – in that order. These principles contribute to the essence of a product. An easy-to- use product is a functional product, and as user experience guru Don Norman says, good design should prioritise functionality over just aesthetics. It should have a clear sense of purpose, to aid our understanding of the range of activities that are possible, and how to use it. The product’s design should convey the range of potential actions and objectives rather than needing instructional materials for simpler objects.
* Soft edges, curves and colour will be trendy in 2023/24. I foresee more interior designers incorporating curvy furniture – such as sectional sofas, coffee tables and arched walls and doors – in homes. Likewise, fun, colourful wallpapers will add more texture and character to spaces.
* Japan offers great design inspiration. I have a profound appreciation for the work of miyadaiku (carpenters) and sashimono-shi (furniture makers). The simplicity of their work and the sole use of wood make their craftsmanship mind-blowing. It’s a dream of mine to visit the Horyuji Temple in Ikaruga one day.
* The Mefuta desk is a favourite among my designs. It was created to make work from home easy. The aesthetic of the desk is inspired by the details in architectural patterns and colours in South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and New Mexico. To me, culture is not the only indicator that we are connected – architecture and its details also tell a story of the similarities between the African diaspora across the world.
* You can instantly update a space by changing its lighting. Adding secondary lighting can take any room from being dull to warm and welcoming – especially if the space is small.
* I am inspired by several amazing designers, but my top two are Oki Sato and Mariam Kamara. I love Oki Sato’s versatility and work ethic. He does not restrict himself to only one medium as a designer, but rather shows up where a problem needs solving. I also love Mariam Kamara’s contributions to sustainable and post-colonial African architecture, especially in the civic space. She has inspired me to incorporate my own culture as a Mosotho/Xhosa woman, and the teachings of my mother and grandmother about the Basotho culture. This is why Bōpa Mmuso’s style is Afro-minimal.
* I love my living area; it reflects my style as a designer. It’s a combination of Japandi style and minimalism, with a touch of Mid-century. The neutral colours of my couch and rug create a homey feel, while my server, ornaments and record player are a nod to a timeless and classic retro aesthetic.
* If money were no object, I’d buy the TEMPO storage and display unit by Canadian design studio Origins. It has vertical dividers that glide in and out of the structure’s troughs, so the internal space can be adjusted to suit your needs.
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