furniture Archives | Visi https://visi.co.za/tag/furniture/ SA's most beautiful magazine Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:02:25 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://visi.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-ICO-32x32-Black-1-1-32x32.png furniture Archives | Visi https://visi.co.za/tag/furniture/ 32 32 Where Craft meets Comfort https://visi.co.za/where-craft-meets-comfort/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:01:40 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=651266 SPONSORED: Generously proportioned, luxuriously textured, and designed for moments that matter – Weylandts’ The Big Chill Modular Sofa is an invitation to slow down, relax, and celebrate the art of living well. Chris and Anna...

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SPONSORED: Generously proportioned, luxuriously textured, and designed for moments that matter – Weylandts’ The Big Chill Modular Sofa is an invitation to slow down, relax, and celebrate the art of living well.


Chris and Anna Weylandt have spent decades travelling the world, forging lasting relationships with artisans, and sourcing materials that tell a story. Every piece in the Weylandts collection is informed by this journey – from textures discovered in distant lands to the knowledge and craft passed down through generations.

Designed with both intimacy and scale in mind, The Big Chill Modular Sofa embodies the Weylandts ethos. Generously scaled yet intimate, it’s perfect for moments of relaxation, conversation, or quiet reflection – a space that invites you to slow down and savour life at home.

At the heart of The Big Chill Modular Sofa lies a commitment to enduring craftsmanship. Its expansive dimensions, soft contours, and carefully considered proportions make it as inviting as it is striking. Wrapped in highly textured Whisper and Husk textiles, the sofa is a reminder to slow down and celebrate the art of living well.

The Big Chill Modular Sofa is available at an exclusive launch offer from R49 995, in-store and online until 31 December. T’s & C’s apply. | weylandts.co.za

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Dzombo Lodge  https://visi.co.za/dzombo-lodge/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=649393 Nestled in a lush wildlife sanctuary, this small boutique lodge has been inspired by termites and vibrant local design. 

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Nestled in a lush wildlife sanctuary, this small boutique lodge has been inspired by termites and vibrant local design. 


WORDS & PHOTOS Dook 


“Vibrant” would best describe Dzombo Lodge. In this wildlife sanctuary – the Black Rhino Game Reserve at the Pilanesberg National Park – you’ll find a yellow giraffe amid green leaves under a blue sky, with an orange sun as a backdrop. The giraffe is a life-sized metal sculpture at the lodge’s entrance, painted so brightly that it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. 

It’s a testament to the whimsical approach of owners Hendri and Liezel Van Dyk. He is an urbanite brought up around bustling kitchens; she’s a third-generation bushvelder, who grew up with the Kruger National Park as her backyard. Also driving Dzombo’s design approach is the fact that it’s not the couple’s primary source of income – so their goal here is not to fill lots beds or boast a healthy bottom line, but to share their love of the bush with as many people as possible, and to do it creatively. The smaller lodge provides a more intimate experience for couples, but can also be block-booked by family and friends. 

They rejected the easy build of bland, thatched, cookie-cutter dwellings, choosing rather to express themselves while keeping their African roots front of mind. They wanted something that would be fun, an unforgettable visual bite, with added vitamins of local design to perk up the energy. Plus there was a budget to keep to – and it wasn’t a big one. 

The architect the couple chose to bring their vision to life was Gillian Holl, founder of Veld Architects and one of VISI’s favourites, whose work has often graced the pages of this magazine. Her brief was a dream, quite literally: Hendri had dreamt of a lodge that looked like termite mounds, and Gillian’s interpretation was a design dominated by circles and organic curves, with carefully placed round windows inspired by the natural airflow tunnels used by termites to control the temperature in their mounds. “The design was deeply influenced by nature,” says Gillian, “and the structures were shaped by the landscape, not imposed upon it.”

Each of the lodge’s five private suites is named after one of Africa’s Big Five, in Sesotho. There is also a main area with a boma and a spa, and a circular, farm dam-like pool. It feels more like a tiny village than a lodge, with welcoming staff adding to the feeling of community. As the clay soil was not stable enough to build on, the lodge was raised up to float off the ground on steel stilts. This also provided the added benefit of allowing smaller creatures to move around underneath unhindered, as well as orientating the buildings to gain clearer  views of the mountains of the Pilanesberg. The structures were placed carefully among the trees, and joined together by sweeping raised walkways made of recycled plastic planks for the minimum amount of ground disturbance. 

The entrance to the Ditlou suite, which features wallpaper by Ardmore behind the bed.
The entrance to the Ditlou suite, which features wallpaper by Ardmore behind the bed.

In keeping with the lodge’s eco-ethos, the suites feature repurposed teak parquet flooring from a demolished house in Johannesburg. Evidence of Hendri and Liezel’s adventurous personalities is found throughout Dzombo, but nowhere more so than in the three spectacular murals by illustrator Johnny Allison: a giraffe and a rhino in two of the bedrooms, and an elephant in the main lounge. The latter is a nod to the lodge’s name – Dzombo was a legendary Kruger tusker. It’s a naming convention echoed by Mabazo, the sister lodge next door, named after Liezel’s father Lynn van Rooyen. “Mabazo” was his Xhosa nickname, also after a revered Kruger elephant, and given in honour of his 39 years of conservation work with these majestic animals. 

To furnish the lodge – and inspired, they swear, by a pile of VISI magazines – Hendri and Liezel went on a road trip with a list of names of local designers whose work they wanted for the interiors. Their journey took them to Johannesburg, where Thabisa Mjo of Mash.T Design Studio created the lampshades; the KZN Midlands, where they watched Lindsay Scott’s gifted hands mould clay artworks; Cape Town, where ceramicist Mervyn Gers spun his magic for the everyday crockery; Swaziland, where they witnessed Ngwenya Glass artisans blowing recycled bottles into glassware; Durban, where Kalki Ceramics baked all the tiles; and Ballito and Kipekee Studio, where Michael Bornman and his team fashioned wooden furniture from his wife Kylie’s designs. 

Judging by the buzz of guests taking selfies during our visit, this radiant, quirky little lodge in the lush Pilanesberg is now the dream spot for other people. dzombolodge.co.za | veldarchitects.co.za


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Stitching Shape and Material  https://visi.co.za/stitching-shape-and-material-with-kino/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=649360 Nico Hendriksz and Anton Louw, founders of furniture studio Kino, provide some insights into their design approach, aesthetic and understanding of materials, and how these all tie into their production capabilities.

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Nico Hendriksz and Anton Louw, founders of furniture studio Kino, provide some insights into their design approach, aesthetic and understanding of materials, and how these all tie into their production capabilities. 


WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Paris Brummer 


Since their breakout moment at 100% Design in 2017, we’ve been fans of this Cape Town-based duo and their work. And aft er seeing the Stitch table at last year’s Decorex/100% Design, it was high time we sat down with Nico Hendriksz and Anton Louw to find out more about their design approach and aesthetic. 

Built on a foundation of childhood play with LEGO and Meccano, excelling at technical drawing at school, and degrees in industrial design from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Kino was born in 2017. This is the story behind it. 

Kino founders Anton Louw (left) and Nico Hendriksz.
Kino founders Anton Louw (left) and Nico Hendriksz.

“Our design style has always been crisp and clean – minimal in nature, with subtle and considered detailing. While people often associate our pieces with Scandinavian or Japanese influences, that’s never been a conscious decision, but simply our natural expression. 

“Lately, we’ve been really excited by colour, bringing in bolder elements while still celebrating the natural beauty of timber. Furniture needs to be inviting to touch, so we pay close attention to things like surface finishes, soft curves and tactile detailing. 

“Our pieces don’t rely on decoration to make a statement. The designs are strong and self-assured, but still subtle enough to work in various spaces. This minimal approach is evident in our recent photoshoot, where the simplicity and integrity of each piece take centre stage.” 

“Good design is the ability to combine considered shape and materials to create a product that’s beautiful and functional, and has a long lifespan. This is the benefit of having design and production under the same roof. It automatically instils an understanding of production, and material knowledge. We can design a product already knowing it will work, and how to manufacture it. 

“Design is repeatability – to be able to make a product over and over, at the same or improved quality. Repeating the process helps us make production more efficient, and gives us an opportunity to iron out the making process and find better ways to achieve the desired result. 

“The Kino dining chair and our new Stok barstool are good examples of this. Seating is designed according to ergonomics and standard dimensions, and we therefore rarely receive requests for custom sizing. This allows us to build jigs for repeating processes with absolute consistency and accuracy. 

“Good design doesn’t have to be expensive. One of our goals is to combine quality with affordability through design, material choices and production methods, and to make quality products accessible to a larger audience. Take the Stitch dining table, for example: it’s designed with efficient production methods in mind, as well as considered material choices, to create something that’s beautiful, functional, cost-effective and at a level of quality that customers expect from a Kino furniture piece. 

“Sustainability is also a principle that pulls through in our product design and material considerations. We’re happy that our hardwoods are sustainably sourced from well-managed forests. It gives us comfort to know that timber is an inherently carbon- negative material – a tree’s purpose is to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and to store it. This storage off sets the carbon emissions associated with timber production and processing, which results in a net-negative carbon footprint.” 

“We have always been very much inspired by production processes. The Heildronk Kas and Litzia sidetables are examples of this. The production process inspired the design of these products, instead of the other way around. The conventional route would be to design a product, then figure out how to make it. With the Heildronk Kas, the first inspiration was the process of creating the pyramid-shaped carving pattern. We then designed a product to showcase this – and it soon became the signature design element of the entire Heildronk collection. 

“Material knowledge is key to our inspiration. We still learn new things every day, whether it is about materials, production processes or tech, or even on a soft ware level. This inspires us to find new ways of using these materials and processes in furniture design. Only when you fully understand a material can you design with confidence, and identify which limits you can push. 

“Design is a natural process. It doesn’t ever feel as though we force the design thinking, and there is definitely a synergy between us. We share a similar feeling when we discuss a new design, and can usually agree on what is hot and what is not without hesitation. 

“New products are often inspired by a client request or a need for a product that’s not necessarily in our catalogue. Variations of existing products also inspire new developments.” 

“It is difficult to pinpoint specific influences, but we have a few favourite designers. We frequently come across a product we like, in a magazine or online, and it just so happens to be by the same designers. Patricia Urquiola comes to mind here, as well as Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. It’s inspiring to see Patricia successfully design for different brands in multiple materials, from wood to upholstery and glass, and work on new material developments such as Cimento. 

“The Haas Brothers are also a favourite because of their originality and wacky style, expressed in highest-quality materials and sculptural processes.” 

“There are always ideas in the pipeline, and in the mind. These ideas can linger for months – sometimes years! – before reaching the factory floor. New designs that have worked their way to the foreground include a fully upholstered dining chair. We currently only have one chair in our catalogue, and even though the Kino dining chair is incredibly comfortable for a solid hardwood seat, we get requests for a fully upholstered version. We’re also working on further developments of our popular Stam dining table, including a timber base version and an outdoor version. 

“Working with wood as a raw material inevitably results in smaller ‘off cuts’. We are therefore working on a range of smalls to utilise this material more fully and minimise waste. As a bonus, small products are a great way of training new employees to work with wood, without much risk of making expensive mistakes. 

“Wood remains our core material and our expertise. However, more and more, we find ourselves becoming a multi-material brand, always on the lookout to select the material best suited to a product and its application. Along with the recent introduction of linoleum, we also have products that include glass, porcelain, aluminium, steel, brass and upholstered components. 

“We remain curious, and we hope to add lighting to our product catalogue in the near future.” kino.co.za | @kinofurniture 


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Future-proofed in Wood  https://visi.co.za/future-heirlooms-2025/ Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=648639 Houtlander and the American Hardwood Export Council once again joined forces to facilitate Future Heirlooms, where five South African cross-disciplinary design studios were invited to create pieces that both look forward to the future of sustainable design and explore our rich design legacy.

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Houtlander and the American Hardwood Export Council once again joined forces to facilitate Future Heirlooms, where five South African cross-disciplinary design studios were invited to create pieces that both look forward to the future of sustainable design and explore our rich design legacy.


WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Sarah de Pina, Annalize Nel 


In 2022, the inaugural Future Heirlooms project made a sizeable impact on the local scene when retail brand Always Welcome and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) joined forces to facilitate an art-meets-furniture design collection created by seven South African designers. This time around, AHEC and award-winning furniture manufacturer Houtlander teamed up in the second Future Heirlooms challenge, to explore the future of sustainable collectable design in South Africa. 

It kicked off last year when five local cross-disciplinary design studios from our interior design and architecture communities were invited to create collectable furniture pieces that are worth treasuring. Those five were interior architect Juliet Kavishe; costume designer and creative director Bandile Mbuli and architect Ndabo Langa‘s collab Isa-MBU-LA; architect and academic André Eksteen; Cassandra Twala and Johanna von Stein of MOEA Design Studio; and art curator Nkuli Nhleko. 

Using American red oak supplied by wholesale specialists BOS Timbers, the process merged modern technology, age-old crafting techniques and deep design reflection to create the Future Heirlooms 2025 collection.  ahec.org | houtlander.co.za 

Cassandra Twala and Johanna von Stein | Phomolo daybed 

Established in 2021 by Cassandra Twala and Johanna von Stein, MOEA set out to create a hybrid studio that not only works on commissioned work for clients but also creates its own platforms to elevate African creativity. Their Phomolo daybed was inspired by the magic of African sunsets, and the yearning to reclaim rest. moeadesign.com | @moeadesignstudio 

André Eksteen | Layered Memory table 

Co-director of Earthworld Architects André Eksteen is an award-winning architect and academic who aims to push the boundaries of creativity while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. His Layered Memory table is inspired by geological formations found in the Namibian landscape, and a reverence for material processes, particularly the way geological forces form, shape, settle, intrude on, and then reshape stratified layers. In his design, memory, fable, fact and fiction intertwine to create new truths, and new memories. ewarch.co.za | @earthworldarchitects 

Bandile Mbuli and Ndabo Langa | The Anatomy of Compassion bench

Indigenous craft is the inspiration behind Bandile Mbuli and architect/ DGIT Architects founder Ndabo Langa‘s collaboration Isa-MBU-LA, which is focused on creating resilient and sustainable designs by tapping into local ecosystems, with high consideration for both traditional practices and innovation. Based on the designs of a classic Windsor chair and traditional Zulu headrest, The Anatomy of Compassion bridges worlds – and the wisdom of making is shared through lateral listening and meaningful engagement. 

Nkuli Nhleko | The Blend wine rack 

Nkuli Nhleko is an art curator at Everard Read Gallery, and co-founder of interior design studio Imbewu Design. She specializes in visually striking spaces that are both experiential and conceptually rich. Her sculptural wine rack is inspired by expanded views of unique family formations, and the symbolism of celebration, togetherness and cultural heritage found in wine. @imbewu_design

Juliet Kavishe | Kunja/Kunjua screen 

Through her work, interior architect and design educator Juliet Kavishe explores African identity and heritage, and the integration of ancestral ways of communication rooted in diverse cultural expressions. The Kunja/Kunjua screen was inspired by the proportions 

of the deeply symbolic Khanga cloth passed down among Swahili women through generations; it is a multi-functional screen and storage mechanism for the safekeeping and celebration of these embodied artefacts. @jmkavishe


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Rising Star: Walter Train https://visi.co.za/rising-star-walter-train/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=647426 One of our Cape Town Furniture Week x VISI Design Prize finalists, Walter Train is a multitalented young interior and furniture designer creating contemporary minimalist pieces with a distinctive African edge.

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One of our Cape Town Furniture Week x VISI Design Prize finalists, Walter Train is a multitalented young interior and furniture designer creating contemporary minimalist pieces with a distinctive African edge.


WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Hannah St Clair


There are many reasons to celebrate the emergence of South African interior design on the global design radar, and one of them is the range of aesthetics our creatives have embraced. Diversity is our country’s strength, and it shines through in the furniture, lighting, ceramics and interiors they’re making. Leading the charge for a more pared-back and elegant Afro-minimalist approach is Walter Train, a talented young interior and furniture designer living in Paarl.

Rising Star: Walter Train – The Anathi rug.
The Anathi rug.

From a young age, Walter was drawn to the world of art, fashion, product design and architecture, and he describes his career journey up to now as an exciting one. After studying architecture and interior design at university, he spent eight years gaining industry experience before taking the leap to start his own venture called White Sheep Studio – a luxury furniture brand that produces bespoke, playful, collectable furniture pieces. “This step was both daunting and rewarding, pushing me to refine my vision and embrace my own design voice,” he says.

“Good design is a balance of functionality, aesthetics and emotion. It should be visually striking, but it should also serve a clear purpose and evoke a meaningful response. Additionally, great design is honest and true to itself, reflecting authenticity in concept and execution. It requires bravery to push boundaries, explore new ideas and challenge convention while maintaining a sense of integrity and purpose. The key principles I like to focus on are balance and harmony, storytelling, materiality, and craftsmanship.”

“My aesthetic is modern, bold and unconventional. It blends clean lines with striking forms and unexpected details. I gravitate towards designs that make a statement through unique materiality, sculptural silhouettes, or a daring use of colour and texture.”

“I draw inspiration from human emotion, storytelling and the world around me. I use design to challenge perceptions and create meaningful experiences. Influenced by society, architecture, art and fashion, I blend structural precision with expressive details, balancing minimalism with bold, statement-making elements. My work is about changing narratives, pushing boundaries, embracing the unexpected, and crafting designs that serve a purpose and tell a compelling story.”

“My design process begins with research to understand the context, trends and user needs. I then move on to sketching to explore form and proportion, followed by 3D modelling to refine scale and functionality. After that, I carefully select materials to enhance the design, before creating a prototype to test and refine the concept, ensuring it is both visually striking and functional.”

“One of my favourite pieces is The God’s Iris table. What makes it special to me is the deep, meaningful story behind it. It’s not just a piece of furniture but a true art piece, blending craftsmanship with storytelling. The design pushed boundaries, both in terms of the manufacturing and the narrative it tells. The level of detail and the bold use of materials really challenged traditional expectations of what furniture can be. It represents the intersection of design, craftsmanship and meaning, making it a standout piece in my body of work.”

“My local design influences include Tristan du Plessis’s contemporary approach, Bryce Henderson’s balance of innovation and timeless elegance, and one of my favourite collaborators, Tracy Lee Lynch of Clout/SA. Her visionary approach, rooted in storytelling and the inclusivity of local designer-makers, has deeply influenced my own perspective. In furniture design, I draw inspiration from the distinctive, fun style of Dokter and Misses; and from Laurie Wiid, who sets the benchmark for craftsmanship. Porky Hefer’s organic, playful designs captivate me, while OKHA’s Adam Court impresses me with his minimalist blend of functionality and artistry.”

“My typical working day combines creativity with practical co-ordination. I usually start by reviewing my current projects, whether it’s sketching ideas for new furniture or refining an interior layout. I check in with clients, contractors and suppliers to make sure all is on track. “When working on furniture design, I spend time sketching and creating 3D models, experimenting with materials, and sometimes visiting craftsmen or fabricators to see prototypes come to life. It’s a hands-on process in which every detail matters, and I love seeing a concept evolve into a tangible piece.

“For interior design, I typically spend time on site, assessing spaces, taking measurements and fine-tuning plans. I work closely with contractors and suppliers, selecting materials, finishes and furniture that will bring the vision to life. The most rewarding part is seeing a space transform, whether it’s a home or a commercial project. Everything is a balance between creative thinking and logistical execution, always with one eye on the big picture and the other on the details. By the end of the day, I’m reviewing what’s been done and what comes next, ensuring the design vision and timeline stay in sync.”

“I have some exciting projects on the go. For White Sheep, we’re developing a Collectables Collection, which is all about unique statement pieces that are a blend of art and furniture. The collection focuses on sculptural designs that push boundaries, combining bold materials and forms to create something truly distinctive. “On the design studio side, we’re about to break ground on a luxury villa project in Mauritius. The development is centred around the concept of wellbeing, offering clients a resort-style experience that combines the best of luxury with complete tranquillity. Every element of the design is focused on creating a sanctuary – an environment that promotes relaxation, connection to nature and ultimate comfort.” whitesheep.studio | walter_train


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DELTA: Echoes of Land with Weylandts https://visi.co.za/delta-echoes-of-land-with-weylandts/ Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:21:55 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=647598 As daylight breaks over pillared mountains, the markings of the earth are revealed through the new Delta range.

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As daylight breaks over pillared mountains, the markings of the earth are revealed through the new Delta range.


Erosion lines, chiselled barks, hills of sand and soil converge to showcase the passing of time. Chris and Anna Weylandt designed the Delta range as an earthly representation of this evolution that occurs over centuries. Through carvings that mimic latitude lines and rich amber hues that echo resilient soils, these pieces have been formed through adversity to give way to something extraordinary.

After months of research and development, the uniquely carved pattern of the Zela range, a feature in the Delta Collection was perfected by the Weylandts team at their Cape Town factory. What started as a moment of inspiration using a recycled piece of oak, turned into an entire collection. 

The signature markings are carved using waste-conscious machinery to ensure their sustainability mission is upheld and every part of the wood is used. With a respect for materiality and an appreciation for craft, each piece of oak is hand-sanded and finished with a rich Amber Oil. A process of passion and intention, their craft showcases the Weylandts ethos at every stage of this collection’s journey.

Visit Weylandts online or in-store to immerse yourself in their latest collection.

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Heritage Meets High Design at The Crown Collection https://visi.co.za/the-crown-collection-south-africas-finest-antiques-design-emporium/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=644095 The Crown Collection is a grand emporium where the past meets the present in an exquisitely curated collection of decorative antiques, French grandeur, and contemporary sophistication.

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The Crown Collection is a grand emporium where the past meets the present in an exquisitely curated collection of decorative antiques, French grandeur, and contemporary sophistication.


Stepping into The Crown Collection – SA’s largest decor and antique emporium – isn’t like stepping into an ordinary antique store… it is an immersive experience, a journey through centuries of craftsmanship and style.

The Crown Collection

With over 5,000 pieces of carefully selected decorative antiques, contemporary and classic furniture, and accessories, the space is a captivating mix of old and new. From gilded Louis XVI chairs and ornate chandeliers to sleek contemporary consoles, each piece has been chosen for its ability to transform interiors. Whether you seek the drama of a crystal chandelier, the quiet allure of a patinaed chest, or the sculptural impact of a hand-carved console, the antique emporium offers an impeccable selection for designers, collectors, and aesthetes alike.

The Crown Collection: South Africa’s Temple of Timeless Design

What sets this curation apart is its philosophy: timeless design is an investment, not a trend. In a world of fleeting fads, the enduring beauty of antiques holds firm, adding warmth, depth, and character to any space. Unlike mass-produced furniture, these pieces gain value over time, making them as sound a financial decision as they are a stylistic one.

From luxury hotels to private estates, wine farms to city lofts, The Crown Collection delivers a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary edge, direct to your door.

The Crown Collection

Take a quick virtual “tour” of some areas of their Bryanston store. Visit thecrowncollection.co.za, call 0114636060 or WhatsApp 0723302984 for assistance.

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Cape Town’s Newest Decor Gem – Nosso https://visi.co.za/cape-towns-newest-decor-gem-nosso/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=629584 With its picturesque location on the Atlantic Seaboard and curated kaleidoscope of modern Brazilian decor pieces, Nosso is well worth a visit.

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied


With its picturesque location on the Atlantic Seaboard and curated kaleidoscope of modern Brazilian decor pieces, Nosso is well worth a visit.

In a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and artistic craftsmanship, Nosso is the most recent addition to the Cape Town decor and design scene.

Nosso, the Portuguese word for ‘ours‘, was the natural choice for Julia Franco when naming her brainchild. “Nosso encapsulates the essence of this venture. It is about the heritage, culture, and passion woven into each piece we offer. These items tell stories not only of their makers but of people, civilizations, and the human experience,” she says.

Nosso
Owner Julia Franco.

Located in Sea Point, Nosso aspires to be more than just a decor store; it is a sanctuary for authentic, soulful pieces that tell stories – not just of their creators but of the individuals who inhabit these spaces. Each carefully curated piece is a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of the talented artisans.

Julia’s fashion background and extensive travels in Brazil deeply influenced the store’s design. She worked with celebrated retail designer Haidyne Azevedo to bring her vision to life. Shades of indigo blue and coral provide a backdrop for a diverse array of items.

For Julia, this is more than a store; it is a seed for a big idea – a bridge connecting the rich tapestries of South Africa and Brazil. She adds with a smile, “We have so much more to offer than another grey room with a grey”.

She believes in the power of storytelling, a shared history, and the rich similarities between Brazil and South Africa, making Nosso’s offerings resonate with both.

You can find Nosso at 67A Regent Street in Sea Point or online at nosso.co.za.


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Rising Stars: Ananta https://visi.co.za/rising-stars-ananta/ Mon, 09 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=628619 Sister-owned design studio Ananta focuses on creativity and upliftment, reimagining traditional techniques to make products that put the fun back in functional.

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COMPILED BY Phendu Kuta PHOTOS Supplied


Sister-owned design studio Ananta focuses on creativity and upliftment, reimagining traditional techniques to make products that put the fun back in functional.

Ananta is a design studio founded by Cape Town-based sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen. The name originates from the Sanskrit word for “endless” or “infinite”. With a mission to uplift communities through creativity and promote economic empowerment, Ananta works in close collaboration with craft communities.

Ananta
Ananta’s Viveka and Rucita Vassen.

Viveka’s background in fashion design and Rucita’s expertise in graphic design sparked their mutual passion for creativity, crafts and collaboration, leading to the establishment of the design studio during the Covid lockdown in 2020. Their innovative approach to traditional techniques has earned them recognition as part of the Design Indaba Emerging Creatives 2023 cohort. Ananta’s designs exude a delightful twist, and are characterised by vibrant colours, captivating patterns, and an atmosphere of joy, celebration and community. The sisters are committed to fostering a circular economy, and aim to create sustainable, ethical and eco-conscious products.

* Being a two-women show and a new business means there is more juggling in a day than anything else, making each day different. We’ve constantly got our hands on several things, including admin, meeting our crafters and makers, preparing orders, and quality control. One thing is for sure: the day always involves moments of being inspired and excited about new product ideas and possibilities.

* Creating well-designed spaces and pieces is about function for us. We also believe in creating positive energy in spaces through design. We follow the principles of Vastu Shastra – an ancient Vedic science of architecture and placement in relation to nature and the five elements to create a harmonious and peaceful living environment. It is a complex science based on ancient spatial geometry, calculations and alignment with nature to maximise the flow of good energy. It’s the ultimate form of holistic design.

* We follow resources such as Design Milk and Sight Unseen for industry updates, news and trends.

* India is our favourite destination for design inspiration. The colours, culture, vibrancy and authenticity are infectious. It makes you feel alive, and inspired to create beautiful and meaningful things. It’s also our ancestral land, and it ignited our love of crafts, artisan-made pieces and everything embellished! In India, the exploration of traditional crafts is incredible. From street vendors and chain stores to high-end brands, everyone celebrates and keeps reinventing hand-made crafts while supporting artisan communities. This has been a huge inspiration, and a driving force for us.

* We love our Maata Pita table lamps. They have a special meaning. “Maata Pita” refers to “mother and father” in Hindi, the male and female energy that creates life, and the endless love that manifests from there. The inspiration for the pattern was to create a radial, expanding love – like that of our parents’, who always light and lead the way. The design process was also interesting and layered. We both worked on the pattern, refining the forms and proportions, which resulted in a beautifully complete design, reinforcing the idea of family love and synchronicity.

* Colour and bold statement pieces are the quickest way to update an interior. We’re inspired by and love the Haas Brothers (Nikolai and Simon Haas). We first saw their work at the Guild Design Fair in 2014 and were instantly captivated. Their playful, quirky, imaginative pieces are your wildest dreams come to life. At the time of the fair, we were working in fashion and graphic design, and said to each other, “Imagine we could design pieces like these” – not realising a seed had been planted. Six years later, we met with Monkeybiz, and learnt that the organisation worked with the Haas Brothers to create their life-sized beaded Afreaks. It was a full-circle moment – realising that the designers who had inspired us years before had worked with the same artisans with whom we would build a relationship.

* Our garden is our favourite space. It’s our sanctuary. We love being surrounded by nature and being able to enjoy our meals under the sun. It’s a space filled with happy memories of pool parties and picnics with friends and family.

* If money were no object, we’d treat ourselves to Frances Goodman’s nail art sculptures. They are insanely cool!

* Our philosophy is “design to uplift humanity”. We believe in harnessing our skills to create an impact business, economically empowering the craft communities we work with. It’s important for us to celebrate our makers and preserve their traditional crafts. Being able to support and empower other artisans brings so much more purpose and joy to what we do, and makes the end product even more beautiful.

* We are currently working on furniture pieces and an Airbnb project, which we are really excited about. We will also be launching a range of woven handbags soon.


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Elevate Your Space with Incanda’s New Furniture Pieces by Ockerlene Endemann https://visi.co.za/elevate-your-space-with-incandas-new-furniture-pieces-by-ockerlene-endemann/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://visi.co.za/?p=628155 Discover Incanda's latest collection of handmade furniture.

The post Elevate Your Space with Incanda’s New Furniture Pieces by Ockerlene Endemann appeared first on Visi.

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Discover Incanda’s latest collection of handmade furniture.

Incanda is excited to introduce a selection of new furniture pieces, designed by Ockerlene Endemann and handcrafted by their talented Incanda manufacturing team.

The Philadelphia Coffee Table is a stunning furniture piece that will elevate the ambience of your living room. This coffee table is crafted from solid wood, and its tapered legs add that elegant touch.

Incanda
Incanda
Incanda

The modern Philadelphia TV Unit is defined by its low profile and sleek design, while it is also crafted from solid wood. This unit offers three shelves and three drawers to cater for all your display and storage needs.

Incanda
Incanda
Incanda

The contemporary Clanwilliam Couch boasts a low profile and slender armrests. The couch has clean lines and provides your living space with both comfort and style.

Incanda
Incanda

Incanda’s commitment to durability ensures that every furniture piece is built to withstand the test of time, delivering long-lasting value to your home. Whether it’s the strength of the materials, the precision of the construction, or the quality of the finishes, rest assured that every aspect of their furniture has been thoughtfully considered to meet the highest standards of sturdiness and reliability.

Keep on Incanda’s Facebook or Instagram for a preview of their latest products, including a new rug collection to be launched soon.


Shop online at incanda.co.za, visit one of their seven showrooms countrywide, or reach out to them via 021 863 1965 or onlineshop@incanda.co.za.

The post Elevate Your Space with Incanda’s New Furniture Pieces by Ockerlene Endemann appeared first on Visi.

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