More is definitely more in the happy Bo-Kaap home of Tracy Rushmere, where riotous colours and patterns abound, and every carefully curated corner tells a story.

In the three decades that Tracy Rushmere has watched over Cape Town from this vantage point on the slopes of the historic Bo-Kaap, her Victorian home has seen almost as many alterations as the bustling city below. Initially, when she moved into the neighbourhood in 1995, she occupied one half of the semi-detached house with her photographer husband and baby son, while their architect friend, who bought the property with them and helped them renovate it, stayed in the other.

Walls were knocked down to open up poky rooms, original sash windows were re-installed, and bathrooms relocated (Victorian homes seldom had inside bathrooms). When Tracy’s daughter was born, the family took occupation of the entire property, getting rid of the dividing wall and turning the two houses into one. And, most recently, with the kids all grown up, the home’s staircase was moved to create another bedroom and bathroom downstairs. “At the age of 19, my daughter finally got her wish of her very own bathroom,” says Tracy with a laugh.

Through the years, one constant has always been the home’s warm and welcoming energy, largely brought about by Tracy’s gregarious, hospitable personality, but also thanks to its singular aesthetic infused with colour, humour and storytelling. At first glance, it might seem a lot – industrial meets vintage meets pop art meets curio – but there’s a clever curatorial eye at play. A vignette of pink flamingos in the front courtyard speaks to her family’s connection to the US (“Some people come back from America with clothes from GAP;I’ve always brought back flamingos…”), while a miscellany of hand-painted barbershop signs dotted throughout the house harks back to a period when she was a partner in a merchant store of African artefacts. Add to that a tableau of religious statuettes and iconography, from a jade Buddha and porcelain Mary Magdalene to vintage prints of Ganesh and Shiva, and you have an unconventional snapshot of some of her travels.

READ MORE: Monochromatic Cape Town Loft

“I have a strong aesthetic opinion, and I’m very specific about what I like – but I couldn’t tell you what it is,” says Tracy, smiling. “I think colour looks best on colour, and pattern on pattern. Yes, there’s a lot of stuff in my house, but I get what I love, you know what I mean?”

One could argue that the beating heart of this abode isn’t the kitchen, although it does cut an arresting figure with its vermilion lacquered cupboards, stainless-steel countertops, retro appliances and collection of curios. But it’s the space off to its side that has a stronger claim – a work-from-home office from which Tracy runs her African-inspired textile business Shine Shine.

Crowding around an altogether unassuming desk are bolts of fabric, scatter cushions, bucket hats and tea trays in riotous colours, emblazoned with pop-arty illustrations inspired by her travels throughout the continent. “I’ve always loved the textiles, wherever I travelled in Africa – the political cloths, the commemorative cloths, the religious cloths,” she explains. “And the work of Malian portrait photographers Malick Sidibé and Seydou Keïta has also been highly influential.”

Shine Shine’s design DNA is undeniably – you might even say inextricably – spliced with that of the home’s interior. The volume of both aesthetics is turned all the way up to 11, and unapologetically so. But there’s nothing deafening about it. In fact, it’s quite a joyful symphony – and Tracy is one masterful conductor.

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Africa is a melting pot of rich and diverse cultures, a continent filled with design talent and incomparable skills. Out of Africa Living, celebrates Africa’s exceptional design originality and dynamic energy, unique style, reflecting the immense continent.

The vitality of the African colour palette simply bursts with rich yellows, burnt oranges and reds paying homage to the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the deep indigo blues of the Atlantic Ocean, the ominous greys of an African thunderstorm to the rich earthy browns reminiscent of the lands inspire their collections.

Gorgeous textures and bold patterns are the signatures of beautiful African design and can be found in many of the traditional and locally woven or printed textiles that they source. From vibrant patterns that create bold vivid statements to crisp white textures that pair comfortably with most furniture finishes.

Embracing the natural beauty of the African landscape and love for natural materials; clay, grass, wood, botanicals & essential oils…these elements are reflected in the product selections; basketry from across the African continent, handmade ceramic tableware, exquisite photographic images, sumptuous bath and body care and captivating aromatic candles.

Out of Africa Living collectables and objet d’art are sourced from across the African continent, authentic and rare pieces that will add a touch of originality to your home or office, combining exceptionally well with both classic and contemporary design style. The store is the ideal place to visit for extraordinary home décor items and unique gifts, from the affordable to the luxurious.

For more information, visit Out of Africa Living Facebook and Instagram.

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A product of collaboration and curation, the new TOTEM Collection by Design Afrika is a celebration of functional art from Africa.

Design Afrika’s newest collection – TOTEM – is a celebration of community and draws inspiration from West Africa with its graphic, bold patterns and earthy tones.

“Totem draws inspiration from the many cultures that I meet whilst working in Africa. The respect for the land, the honouring of the ancestors and the huge respect for the elderly,” says founder Binky Newman.

TOTEM is about rebirth. It’s about coming back from the fire. It’s about grieving and rebounding. It’s about surrounding ourselves with objects that have meaning and bring comfort.

The collection includes artisans from Cape Town, as well as in Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. Contributing makers include:

The collection will be on show at Union House, 25 Commercial Street, Cape Town from 8 October until 3 November, weekdays 10:00-17:00.

For more information, visit designafrika.co.za

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This range brings a more authentic touch to their fabric collection with two brand new standout patterns designed to steal the show. The Mill Fabrics‘ soft launch of their “Tribal Chic” range offers a new upholstery and throw quality. The first – Suri Echo (Upholstered) and Sheko Tide (Throw) – sees a pattern resembling finger painting woven throughout the roll with an ombre effect. This is also the feature fabric in their latest photographic photoshoot.

The second design – Tribal Ivory (Upholstered) and Kelemi Flint (Throw)–  is a consistent pattern resembling a brushstroke style with a steady repeat.

Both designs are reminiscent of a classic African Mud cloth in terms of design. As a pair, the two patterns connect through their contrasting styles to create the Mill’s newest addition to their artisanal Tribal Chic range.

View the Tribal Chic range here.

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Striking the perfect balance between minimal and bold, Gold Bottom Pots designs are an ode to Africa’s rich cultural landscape and a beautiful addition to any space.

Gold Bottom Pots is a Cape-Town based brand that specialises in hand-cast and hand-painted African planters, which we first caught sight of on their Instagram page. Whether you are a minimalist or a prodigal print lover, this brand offers the best of both.

Mixing innovation and design right down to the manufacturing process, we were immediately interested to know who the people behind the brand are and how it all came to be. We spoke to Nikki Schomer to find out more.

For more information, visit goldbottompots.co.za or email info@goldbottompots.co.za.

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Cole & Son is pleased to present their latest collection of wallpapers, The Ardmore Collection, in collaboration with Ardmore Ceramics.

The colourful and vibrant designs by Ardmore Ceramics that celebrate Africa’s birds, big cats, rhinos, elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, exotic flowers and Zulu patterns can now find their way onto your walls in this new exciting range of wallpapers.

Ardmore Ceramics is the first African design studio to be approached for a collaboration with the world-renowned Cole & Son and the collection features a range of vibrant, conversational, pictorial wallpapers and borders that add a new, African dimension to the extensive Cole & Son library.

The Ardmore Wallpaper Collection is available through St Leger & Viney and via the Cole & Son website.

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