The Melkman Project by DEFT Studios

Local furniture brand DEFT Studios – founded by design duo Martin Tallie and Zani Alberts – first caught our attention in 2022 with its striking Organic Pebble Hooks. Now, the duo ventures into the realm of functional art with their latest project, which is just as captivating.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

DEFT’s Melkman Project – an ongoing series – began as a way for Martin and Zani to experiment with new methods of making and designing, free from the constraints of a set brief. “We give ourselves free rein when creating – but we do it tastefully,” says the design duo.

The studio’s favourite stool, the Melkman, proved the perfect vehicle for creative exploration. The duo have translated the stool into a playful series of childhood memories and life experiences, drawing inspiration from themes such as heritage, food, pop culture, art and design.

As a result, the meticulously handcrafted stools created for the Melkman Project form a collection of fun-loving, relatable pieces. Each tells its own story and has a unique personality. The elements of the stool are altered to accommodate each narrative, yet remain constrained enough to maintain the design’s overall identity, ensuring it is always recognisable as a DEFT Melkman.

“What we love about this collection is that there’s bound to be at least one stool that resonates with you, among the options available. It’s a collection for everyone,” say the designers.

The complete collection from the Melkman Project will debut in February 2026. | deftstudios.co.za

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