Homely haven
Michelle Funke finds out what to look out for at Decorex, billed as Africa’s largest decor, design and lifestyle exhibition
DECOREX Joburg celebrates its 20th birthday this year and the owners, Thebe events and exhibitions, are hinting that next year there may be even bigger things in store for Gauteng’s longest-running décor show.
Meanwhile, this year’s show promises to be a good one, with six halls at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand jam-packed, featuring more than 700 exhibitors showcasing everything from fridges to flooring, and chandeliers to chairs.
In addition to the comprehensive collection of home décor solutions, world-class kitchens and bathrooms as well enchanting gar- den ideas, Decorex Joburg will showcase the style and talents of some of the city’s leading designers and creatives.
Interior designer Tessa Proudfoot has been invited to design and curate the sought-after Decorex Designer Spotlight installation at Decorex Joburg this year and her eye-catching indigo and white installation at the entrance to hall 5 is certain to be one of the highlights of the show. Tessa will add to the exciting line-up with the unveiling of her new fabric collection with St Leger & Viney.
Internationally renowned interiors guru Stephen Falcke is the patron of Decorex SA and hot on the heels of creating the dramatic interiors of Douw Steyn’s new Steyn City home, he’ll be designing a stand for Decorex Joburg.
One of Cape Town’s leading stylists and interior designers, Tracy Lee Lynch, has been invited to depict the show theme of “Bliss”, in a whimsically decorated feature, highlighting the cross stitch trend with a sense of stylish nostalgia. Her ideas were a hit in Durban and Cape Town earlier this year and are certain to be some of the most photographed moments at Decorex Joburg.
One of the most popular features of Decorex Joburg is the annual unveiling of the Plascon colour forecast for the year ahead. And this year’s Plascon installation promises to bring paint applications to life as never before. This look at the colours of 2014 is the ideal update of lifestyle and décor trends and sets the tone for what many designers and decorators will be doing in the year ahead.
Johannesburg trend forecaster, David Nemeth, will be presenting his 2014 Trend Forecast on August 7 and visitors are welcome to attend this insight into the world of lifestyle trends.
Swedish car brand, Volvo, brings the #MADEFORYOU Designer Pods to Decorex Joburg. Four trendsetting interior decorators have been invited to test drive a Volvo car then use the vehicle’s inspiring characteristics as their starting point in creating a living space. Designers include Andrew Mackenzie, Samantha Collett from The Chalk Studio, trend forecaster Dave Nemeth and WMI Interiors.
Parents are certain to enjoy the M-Net Cares Room to Grow created by Mr Price Home. Cleverly designed children’s interiors depicting room settings that cater to the different stages of a child’s development is the aim of this dogood decor initiative. From a baby’s nursery to a toddler’s play area, and a tween’s haven, right through to a teenager’s escape zone, all the furniture featured in the M-Net Cares Rooms to Grow by Mr Price Home (and plenty more) will be donated to the Orlando Children’s Home.
Another new feature is the Craft Collective, a showcase of handmade and artisanal design by both urban and rural designers. Endorsed by many of SA’s leading development agencies, Craft Collective is Decorex SA’s contribution to enterprise development in the decor and design industries.
And when all the new products and design trends get too much, visitors can head to the Samsung Inspire Theatre for interactive talks and demonstrations of cookoffs and how-to’s by Jozi’s finest food, restaurant and entertain- ment experts, in a demo kitchen designed by Future Classics. There’s also the Decorex Joburg Art Gallery for a touch of culture and the Global Pavillion for a taste of what’s available on the homefront from further afield.
There is plenty to eat and drink as well: in addition to the show’s famous foodie pavilion, District Delicious, The Graham Beck Wine Bar by Wetherlys is the perfect place to relax over bubbly and sushi. The Tea Room by Concreate will be a pop-up restaurant using creative walling and flooring for modern living, with fabric executions by Home Fabrics as well as a designer cake competition.
Look out for brandy cocktails and single servings of brandy options combined with contemporary steel furniture and tapas snacks at the KWV Brandy Cellar. The RAW-licious Café is the place to go for organic offerings. The Fresh Food Market will offer a variety of refreshments including gourmet boeries and wraps, stirfries and heartwarming curry. The Global Traveler Lounge will showcase on-trend nomadic decor ideas in an elegant setting with an international flavour.