The women of South Africa’s design industry stand as beacons of creativity and vision, constantly redefining the landscape with their innovative ideas.

This Women’s Month, Decorex Joburg and 100% Design Africa celebrate the incredible contributions of women in design. “Our country’s rich cultural diversity should be reflected in its design industry, and championing women ensures this is accurately and fully represented,” comments Bielle Bellingham, Decorex Africa Executive Creative Director. “Often, women design with a focus on community and social impact, leading to projects that benefit society as a whole. By supporting their work, we foster a more inclusive and forward-thinking industry.”

The participants in these two shows, including engineers, architects, interior decorators, ceramicists, furniture designers, and textile artists, showcase remarkable expertise across diverse fields, emphasising the need to recognise their exceptional contributions.

Lexus ‘Making Luxury Personal’ Spaces

For the Lexus ‘Making Luxury Personal’ spaces, respected South African designers Anna Correia, Kgomotso Malope of MoTSO DeSIGNED and Sihan Wiid of Mink Interiors will create feature spaces informed by the latest Lexus car models, demonstrating how to capture the personality of luxury cars in interior design.

Plascon Colour Design Pods

Living Inspired Interiors, founded by Tanya Solomon, will create a room set inspired by Plascon palettes. The Plascon Colour Design Pods aim to push designers to explore and showcase the diverse and dynamic possibilities of colour using the Plascon Colour Forecast for 2024.

100% Design Africa

This year’s edition of 100% Design Africa will host an unparalleled display of product design, furniture, decor, lighting and art. Kalki Ceramics, co-founded by multi-disciplinary artist Nindya Bucktowar and her partner Nikhil Tricam, will be at the showcase. Kalki was the winner of the annual Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search in 2022. 

Former Design Indaba Emerging Creatives and sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen of Ananta Design Studio will also be showcasing their unique beaded lighting and decor pieces.

Local surface brand Infinity Surfaces will be displaying an exciting collaboration with four visionary local designers, including Mpho Vackier of multi-disciplinary furniture and product design company TheUrbanative, and Tanisha Neill of Cape Town-based furniture design studio N I S H. 

Design brand Coote and Wench, founded by Storm Coote and her husband Philip, will be returning to 100% Design Africa with its unique range of upcycled lighting, handmade furniture and home accessories.

Ashlee Lloyd of the internationally acclaimed lighting design studio Studio Lloyd will stage a designer room set at 100% Design Africa. The studio’s impressive catalogue of functional art pieces has been featured in British Vogue, VISI and Dezeen, among others.

100% Hospitality by Belgotex

Named earlier in 2024 as the ‘Women Shaping the Future of Sustainable Hotel Design’ by Condé Nast Traveller, Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of HesseKleinloog Studio and Anatomy Design will demonstrate their industry brilliance at 100% Hospitality by Belgotex, an exclusive exhibition showcasing the future of luxury hospitality design.

100% Design Africa Café

The 100% Design Africa Café, located in the centre of the 100% Design Africa hall on Level 2 of the convention centre, is designed by Wolkberg Casting Studio. Wolkberg, a proudly African industrial design studio, was co-founded by creative entrepreneur Ramielle de Jager – a regular Future Talks contributor – who has established a name for herself as a leading product innovator in the industry. 

Future Talks

Future Talks’ dynamic hosts for 2024 include creative multi-hyphenate and the co-founder of interior design studio MOEA Design, Cassandra Twala, creative director Jana Hamman, Andrea Kleinloog and spatial design educator and interior architect Audrey Nanjala. 

Decorex Joburg

Experience this active shift towards impact design for yourself and join the designers and creatives paving the way to the future at Decorex Joburg (1 to 4 August 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre). | decorex.co.za

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As the first in its Guest Curation series, Always Welcome invited interior design company HK Studio to reimagine their Cape Town showroom. VISI editor-in-chief Steve Smith sat down with Andrea Kleinloog to find out more about the project.

It’s basically a South African interior design match made in heaven. Take a brand like Always Welcome, whose collective approach showcases SA’s independent designers though their stores in Joburg and Cape Town; add that to interior design experts Andrea Kleinloog and Megan Hesse of HK Studio, who have long been champions of local design – and you can expect some retail design magic.

Working with Always Welcome’s product designers, HK Studio’s curation is all about taking you on a room-by-room journey of southern African design, providing a fresh perspective on and context to the exceptional craftsmanship and design of our local independent furniture, lighting and decor accessories talent. Located in a historic building in the Mother City’s Heritage Square, Always Welcome’s space has been enlivened by Robin Sprong’s wallpaper designs, rich colour combinations and daring contrasts that create a bold, contemporary design aesthetic within a beautifully preserved architectural space.

We had a chat with HK Studio’s co-founder Andrea to find out more about how they tackled the project.

How did the whole project start? What was the brief, and how did you approach it?

“It started with a phone call from Always Welcome’s CEO, Stephen Wilson: ‘I’m thinking of doing this thing. We want you to curate the spaces at our Heritage Square store in Cape Town.’

“We obviously knew the products well, and this was an opportunity to show them differently and shake up people’s perspective. We worked closely with the Always Welcome team, using existing stock and some new pieces, and got to play with elements like wallpaper and art. It was really about re-curating the spaces to how we see things.”

Were you designing these spaces with a potential customer in mind, or did you want to put your own stamp on them?

“It’s a bit of a combo deal. I struggle with too much eccentricity, so our spaces tend to err on the side
of restraint. That’s HK’s natural aesthetic. Having said that, we have become a little more experimental in some of our recent projects. There’s such a nice combination of art, graphics and furniture in the Always Welcome spaces… Let’s call it restrained eccentricity.

“There’s a playfulness in it all – for example, I love seeing artist Paul Senyol’s work that big, blown up as a wallpaper. In a very siloed creative world, where art is art, design is design, furniture is furniture, it’s quite nice to see the lines blur a little. People also tend to get visual paralysis. It’s like when you walk into Woolies, and there’s just so much food that you don’t know where to look. You get that in any cluttered retail space. So we tried to create more focus for potential customers; often, it became a case of removing things to make the spaces look less cluttered.”

You’ve also used some raw materials as decor elements in the spaces you have curated.

“Yes – because we wanted to show the source of the materials used here. So for Houtlander’s Hlabisa bench, for example, I wanted to showcase the woven-grass element. And again, it was just a matter of one phone call. What’s amazing about the local design community is that everyone is so generous.

I called Rowenna Rood from Botanica Flowers, and said, ‘Rowenna, hi, I’m in Cape Town next week – can you do a grass installation on the ceiling of this heritage building for me?’ And she was like, ‘Sure!’

“There’s something magical about being able to show people that something beautiful has been made out of these raw blocks of wood, or this piece of sheet metal, or those bundles of grass. Someone has shown commitment to develop these materials, and we should acknowledge that – acknowledge that they are doing the right thing, that it is good, and that they should keep going.”

We’re witnessing a real golden era of South African design, and it’s great to see an initiative such as Always Welcome showcasing that.

“I totally agree. I think Always Welcome can be the driving force behind this – because the reality is that the industry is made up of bunch of small, independent brands that can’t always afford to market and retail themselves. It’s just not realistic. It’s great to see support behind the smaller, independent furniture designers. I think Always Welcome is taking huge strides towards a more collaborative effort.” hkstudio.co.za | alwayswelcome.store

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Joburg’s much-loved Anatomy Design has brought some City of Gold glitz to Cape Town with a bijoux new showroom.

Andrea Kleinloog and Megan Hesse’s award-winning furniture brand Anatomy Design now has a delightful spot in the De Waterkant’s mini design hub. Situated next door to cool children’s haven Kids Living, across from pot-plant people Folha and just down the drag from Roche Bobois’s huge design showroom, it’s in good company.

This exact location is not a “by the by”. “We’ve learnt that having a store isn’t just about geography – it’s about who your neighbours are… and we have excellent ones,” explains Andrea. VISI spoke to this half of the dynamite duo between her trips to oversee interior projects in Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and across South Africa. (Hesse Kleinloog, the studio part of the business, handles these sorts of gigs.)

It helps that Anatomy’s new store is also a stone’s throw from tourist-trappy V&A Waterfront. In December, and days into opening, it was swamped by overseas holiday-makers. “One international visitor bought our Christmas tree straight off the shop floor,” says Andrea.

Megan, Andrea and their team have had various retail spaces in Joburg over the years (today you’ll find them in Kramerville), so they know what works. “We pay the same rent as say, a T-shirt or trainers company, but we’re never going to be able to move the stock they do,” Andrea says. “You can sell a thousand T-shirts but not a thousand high-end couches.” Anatomy’s Mother City space is, as Andrea calls it, a conceptual jewel box for the considerate customer. In it, you’ll find some of their bigger pieces (like said couches) – but also smalls such as mirrors, vases, lights and scatter cushions. Want any of the large items not on display? They’re one quick website purchase away.

READ MORE: Design Journey: Anatomy Design

And speaking of those mirrors: they’re part of what the team see as their mission to bring some real Joburg glam to Cape Town, albeit the good-taste kind. Think reflective surfaces and loads of mixed metallics, and you get the gist. Business brains aside, “We are also trying not to be just another sensible furniture shop,” says Andrea. “We want to have some fun!”

Mixed into the fun for 2023 will be some new items and collections that have largely come about because of the big interior developments they’re working on right now – new lighting and an outdoor range included.

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The rugs that a dream team of South African Designers and contemporary artists have created for luxury lodge Molori Safari are almost too gorgeous to tread on.

The ultra-cool series of rugs that now electrify the living spaces of the exclusive Molori Safari in the North West’s Madikwe Game Reserve originated in the height of Covid.

It was during the constrained days of early lockdown that Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of design outfit Hesse Kleinloog decided it was time to create carpets as part of the interior revamp they were doing at the bush escape.

Not long into the refit, the team realised that round statement rugs would be a brilliant addition to the space. They’d work with the bones of the place, and complement the artworks going into the lodge from owner Ivor Ichikowitz’s impressive art collection. But round rugs are hard to get at the best of times in South Africa, let alone during a pandemic.

Never one to turn down a challenge, and working with Koos Groenewald of creative studio Jana + Koos, Andrea and her team elected to have the rugs custom-made by Brabetz Carpet Mill in Durban. They also roped in five other major artists to help them bring the huge pieces to life.

In hindsight, the task seems almost farcical: no-one was able to visit the mill during lockdown, and everything was done over video and phone. But thanks to some seriously hard work, ingenuity and graphic-design savvy from Koos and the carpet crafters, the result is six sensational works by Athi-Patra Ruga, Cameron Platter, Jody Paulsen, Maja Marx, Nabeeha Mohamed, and Koos too.

“We started this project in the deepest, darkest depths of Covid uncertainty, and it was such a spark of joy during such a dark time,” says Andrea. “In many ways, the absolute fun and frivolity of colour, and the joy of engagement, were so welcome in the disjointed, masked-up world.” Over the next few pages, the artists weigh in on this jump from canvas to carpet.

Nabeeha Mohamed’s Rug

“I thought the rug was way better than my original watercolour artworks!” says Nabeeha of a finished product that brilliantly captures her trademark bold work, which often depicts domestic scenes. “It’s a combination of three different artworks, and it’s been translated beautifully,” she adds, noting that, prior to this project, she’d never worked with carpets and didn’t understand the skill set that goes into turning a flat paperwork into a luscious and colourful artwork of this kind.

Athi-Patra Ruga’s Rug

Of this practical manifestation of his “Future White Women of Azania” performance art series and his 2013 tapestry work The Votive Portrait of Her, the much-celebrated artist says, “It has been a pleasure to see a work that was live performance art move into two-dimensional petit point. With the Molori collaboration, it moved into a large-scale beauty that employed elements of texture and colour. This stays true to our studio’s ethos of stretching ourselves over various media to access all audiences.”

Jody Paulsen’s Rug

Molori Safari’s main lodge features the riotous carpet version of Jody’s 2013 felt collage, Eat Me (Bananas). His focus on textile-based art meant that Jody had always wanted to try his hand at creating a carpet – and so the Molori project ticked that box. He hopes that this vivid and mesmerising yellow-and-black piece triggers “a feeling of joy and happiness”, and that in it, guests experience the same sense of charm evoked by the original artwork.

Majamarx’s Rug

A painter who has been working with visual language for many years, Maya found it interesting to “see an artwork transformed”, and was thrilled by the request to turn one of her pieces into a rug.

The inky-hued artwork that the rug riffs off was inspired by ribbons and the way they fall to the ground. “It’s about the power of line,” she says, adding, “I really love the way in which the quality of the line and the embossed quality of the rug came together.”

Koos Groenewald’s Rug

For his carpet, Koos put on his hat as an artist – “an official side hustle” to his job as one half of Jana + Koos. He used a mixedmedia artwork that incorporated cork, and which was lying around his studio, as the springboard for his flooring masterpiece. “I would love everyone to see the cheeky side of this rug,” says the mind behind the rug project of his textured creation. “It’s a little bit naughty and has a little bit of nudity in it.”

Cameron Platter’s Rug

The acclaimed KZN-based visual artist is used to working with various craftspeople to realise his pieces, but admits he was amazed and thrilled by the end result of the Molori endeavour. His rug depicts “a deconstructed lion going crazy on a dance floor”. “When I was approached to work on this project, I was over the moon,” he says. “Based on an artwork called A Night of Bliss, the rug takes from the original and makes it better!”

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Oggie’s new showroom in Parkhurst forms a supremely good-looking backdrop against which to admire the brand’s lustworthy product line.

Parkhurst’s 6th Street has become a bit of a haven for design in Johannesburg, and the arrival of the spectacular new showroom for Oggie has taken the suburb’s design status to a new level. Created by Carl Jacobsz of architects C76, and with interiors by Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of HK Studio, the sprawling structure of wood, glass and abundant vegetation is the perfect setting for Oggie’s marvellous wooden flooring options.

The building, which faces 6th Street, rises up from the street in a series of brick and glass boxes that are framed in a connected façade of shoji screen-like wooden apertures, shielding yet also ever so elegantly revealing what might be going on inside the interior spaces. Inside it is a glorious expression of light, and Parkhurst’s abundance of trees and other greenery creates the sense that the building has become part of the suburban canopy itself. Wall cladding, flooring and ceilings all made from Oggie products add another layer of natural texture, connecting you back to the landscapes outside the windows.

“We wanted a space and building that reiterated what Oggie flooring’s products stand for, so we focused on nature, light, simplicity and warmth,” Carl explains. “The brief was simple: originally, Oggie wanted a showroom space on the ground floor with rentable office space for like-minded people on the first floor. But as we moved along, it became clear they needed the entire showroom for Oggie products. After that, they pretty much left it up to us to do our thing, and design a building that complements the Oggie brand. The company believes in the professionals they appoint, and trusts in them, which is a wonderful philosophy to hear from a client when starting any built project.”

The interiors continue to explore the material qualities of natural products, while also complementing the organic textures with metallic accents that bring the space squarely on trend, giving it a fresh feel. “We were lucky to have a beautiful, interesting base to work off from the architects,” says Megan. “We were also lucky to be able work with the incredible product that is Oggie, and apply it to floors, ceilings, walls and furniture, which instantly imbued the space with warmth and sophistication. We focused on detailing throughout, as well as on the use of materials that are authentic in principle, such as marble, stone, brass, steel and, of course, timber.”

The space offers a rare opportunity to experience the full product offering from one of VISI’s favourite local brands. Oggie’s new home is the perfect place to explore ideas for your own home or office, and immerse yourself in a building and decor approach that pushes the boundaries of how we connect with traditional showroom spaces.

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It’s been 10 years since Andrea Kleinloog and Megan Hesse joined forces at Anatomy Design in Johannesburg. These timeless furniture pieces are ingrained in their decade-long success story.

1. THE LAB LIGHT (2009)

Although Megan joined Andrea at Anatomy Design in 2010, Andrea had already designed their first piece, the Lab Light, in 2009. “This design was chosen by Design Indaba as the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa in 2010, which gave us wonderful recognition. In 2010 we also opened our first store at 44 Stanley. The Lab Light is now sold through Danish company Karakter, who launched it internationally at Maison&Objet and the Milan Furniture Fair in 2014 and 2015.”

2. THE SG CHAIR (2013)

The SG Chair was designed for Southern Guild, who included it in a Christie’s London exhibition and auction in 2017. It’s simple and comfortable, but big enough for two people – almost like a love seat. “We used traditional materials: solid walnut, brass detailing and a fabric specially designed by Nicole Levenberg. Although this piece is a statement, we never try to be avant-garde, which has allowed all our pieces to date so beautifully.”

3. THE TENGILE SOFA (2017)

“A year after moving our shop to the Trumpet Building in 2016, we designed the elegant Tengile Sofa. Often, simple shapes and pure forms such as this design lead to the most interesting work, allowing a focus on detailing and craftsmanship. The sofa has wide arms that can be used to rest a plate or drink. This is a piece that holds an essence of timelessness.”

4. THE JANIS DRESSER / THE ROBERT WINGBACK (2018)

“Andrea’s dad, Robert, would secretly have loved to be a designer, so we named the Robert Wingback after him. He’s six-foot-four so it’s big enough for him. We wanted to design a wingback that was less “boys’ club” but still has the luxury of a big presence despite its skinny frame. The glossy black lacquer was a new technique for us. We also launched the Janis Dresser that year, named after Megan’s mum, who is passionate about furniture and is also an antiques collector. It’s an Art Deco-inspired, feminine version of our David Desk, with a focus on the brass accents seen on the delicately turned oak legs. We wanted to create a practical piece that was classically beautiful.”

2019 -2020

“Last year we took a hiatus from releasing new product as we wanted to pay attention to what we had already made over the years. We moved our shop to Kramerville and focused on our production chain, refining every detail in every piece. Megan also relocated to Cape Town, so we hope to open an Anatomy Design showroom there post-COVID-19, and will be launching an exciting new range soon. We’ve definitely evolved as a brand over the past 10 years, but our core values of the simple use of honest materials as well as designing timeless products with function have stayed the same.”

See more from Anatomy Design at anatomydesign.co.za.

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Thirty Keyes, the new flagship residential development within the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, Joburg, is a collaborative partnership between developers Tomorrow Co, architects StudioMAS, interior designers Hesse Kleinhoog, and multidisciplinary designers Fieldworks.

The building, which joins the neighbourhood’s existing architectural landmarks including the Circa Gallery and The Trumpet, also designed by StudioMAS, offers residents access to the restaurants, galleries, boutiques, stores, showrooms and all-round energy of Joburg’s creative high street.

Central to the development is the concept of courtyard living. Drawing on classical precedents of open-air arcades, atria and colonnades, residents can escape from the urban bustle into a lush shared space that is “primed to encourage community, yet invites privacy and pause”.

According to the team, this dialogue between public and private space is at the core of Thirty Keyes’ architecture, interior design and lifestyle. “Thirty Keyes is the essence of a traditional courtyard, reimagined in a contemporary guise. It’s a means for us to connect the public and the private in a way that is both poetic and practical,” says Pierre Swanepoel, partner and architect at StudioMAS Architecture and Urban Design, of the courtyard, which will be planted with indigenous highveld grasses, shrubs and perennials.

Thirty Keyes comprises an initial release of 55 units, followed by 85 second-phase apartments, that cater to different lifestyle and budget considerations. There are compact single-level apartments with a master bedroom and balcony or an additional library room or guest bedroom; others that are double level and have courtyard access; some that feature private roof top gardens and uninterrupted views; and an “Atelier Series”, which facilitates living and working by combining a studio or showroom space with a solo apartment.

The interiors are described as graceful, function-friendly and primed for personal expression. Andrea Kleinloog, partner and interior designer at Hesse Kleinloog, says, “Above all, the interiors have been designed to respond to the everyday realities of living now. These are spaces intended to invite sanctuary, creativity and community.”

From security and smart access control to dedicated concierge support and high-speed connectivity, the Thirty Keyes’ team has considered all aspects of modern city living. To find out more, go to 30keyes.co.za. 

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The latest Nando’s restaurant, or “casa”, features the brand’s familiar zest and African design in a contemporary and sophisticated interpretation and execution by interior design studio Hesse Kleinloog Studio.

“This project provided us with the opportunity to illustrate our take on the narrative of quintessential African design in a sophisticated manner,” says Hesse Kleinloog Studio’s co-owner Megan Hesse of the eleventh Nando’s casa the studio has designed. “Our use of natural materials and rich colours helped create a warm and inviting environment in keeping with the spirit of the Nando’s brand.”

Location plays a key part in giving a project context, Megan explains of approaching the design of a casa. “Functionality of the space is another priority,” says Megan’s partner Andrea Kleinloog. “This helps dictate areas of interest.”

A lot of consideration also goes into achieving the correct balance of texture, colour and warmth; vital elements of a successful Nando’s interior. The duo chose an earthy palette paired with pops of colour, and layered textures and pattern through fabric, tiling and screen designs. This casa is also a celebration of local design and craft. Hesse Kleinloog Studio included work by James Mudge, Pedersen + Lennard, Mash T Design Studio, Studio 19 and NM Design, amongst others, as well as art by Daniella Mooney.

“Being able to support our colleagues in the design industry is one of the best parts of the job,” says Megan. “That, and watching the magic of the space come to life.”

Follow Hesse Kleinloog Studio on Instagram and check out some of Nando’s other exciting, creative collaborations here.

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Anatomy Design has opened their new flagship store in Rosebank’s vibrant Keyes Art Mile precinct.

This local brand, headed by Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog, was founded in 2010 and focuses on detailed and well-crafted products in a bespoke retail setting.

The 250 m² showroom will display the brand’s curated selection of homeware and furniture, which includes various new ranges and iconic statement pieces.

In conjunction with the launch of the showroom, Anatomy Design has also released a brand new logo and relaunched their website, making online shopping an effortless experience.

For more information, visit anatomydesign.co.za.

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Nando’s Hot Young Designer Talent Search saw two local creatives sharing first place for their lighting designs.

The competition brief was to design an African-inspired pendant light with a contemporary edge. Each of the winners received an order to produce 50 lights that will be installed in Nando’s restaurants across the globe. Seven finalists received mentorship from top designers during the process of planning and assembling their lights, which were launched at Design Indaba. All the lights can now be ordered from the designers.

Thabisa Mjo (28), Tutu 2.0 Light (R6 680 for 71 cm x 70 cm light). Mentors: Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog of Anatomy Design. Thabisa is the owner of Mash T Design Studio in Johannesburg.

Samantha Foaden (23), Buhle Bulb (R2 000 for 45 cm and R2 400 for 65 cm light). Mentors: Greg and Roché Dry of Egg Designs. Samantha is the owner of interior design studio SF Interiors in Durban.

Candice Lawrence (27), four designs: Necklace Light, Woven (R2 800), Painted (R980) and Beaded (R850); and eKhaya Light (R1 450). Mentor: Luke Pedersen of Pedersen + Lennard.

Tulsha Booysen (17), Can Beam (single pendant from R1 050, cluster from R4 997, excluding bulbs). Mentor: Liani Douglas of Douglas & Company.

Lara Hooper (35), Mbali Pendant (small R3 200 to large R3 800). Mentors: Rob Walker and Monique Friedlander of Ashanti.

Yesheen Singh (35), Weaver’s Nest (from R2 475 each). Mentors: Gerhard Swart and Anthony Harris of Ceramic Matters.

Etienne du Plooy (31), imbewuPOD (R4 800). Mentor: Interior architect and product designer Conrad van der Westhuizen.

Thabisa Mjo (28), Skyline (her second entry) (R10 500 for a three-building cluster). Mentors: Georg and Rhone van Gass of Goet.

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