DECOR DOSSIER
Joburg’s undisputed top decor district, Kramerville, is packed with fabric houses, decor stores and lifestyle spots. Recently there’s been a new wave of stores opening their doors here and the firm favourites are sporting exciting fresh stock too
AMATULI
On an ordinary day, visiting Amatuli is a dangerous idea, because it’s really hard to leave there without buying something from its array of colonial and African furniture and artefacts. And now that Amatuli has opened the upstairs Katy’s Palace Bar (www.katyspalacebar.co.za), it’s more popular than ever. We recommend the latter for great exhibitions, Sunday lunches and seriously fun Friday night bashes. • 6 Desmond Street, (011) 440-5065, amatuli.co.za
GEORGE BAKER
Since they have years of experience in the fabric and interiors world, it seems like the logical step that Shaun Baker and Mandy Griffiths got together to start George Baker. Their new store showcases their eye for sophisticated beautiful fabrics and, now, homeware too. • 3 Desmond Road, (011) 0242747, georgebaker.co.za
HERTEX FABRICS
Go to any decor industry shindig and the new Hertex Fabrics Kramerville showroom invariably comes up in conversation.
Its striking glass-fronted building houses an amazing array of fabrics, displayed in the most creative ways. • 16 Kramer Road, (011) 262-4108/9, hertex.co.za
PIERRE CRONJE
He’s the undisputed king of local handmade wooden furniture and now you can take in a bit of the Pierre Cronje magic in Kramerville too. If you’re searching for anything from old Cape-style armoires to a contemporary take on classicstyled furniture, this should be your first port of call. • 16 Desmond Street, (011) 262-4514, pierrecronje.co.za
LE CHÂTEAU
One of our favourite Fourways stores, Le Château, has opened a sister store in the Kramerville hub. If you’re not familiar with its astounding array of French-style furniture, homeware and the most spectacular chandeliers, then you’re missing out. • 2nd floor, Dudley House, 11 Kramer Road, (011) 444-4386, le-chateau.co.za
HÄSTENS
To say that Hästens’ beds take the art of sleeping to a whole new level is a massive understatement. These ultra-luxurious Swedish beds are made from the finest natural materials and are beautifully crafted.
To check out the lovelies in the Hästens collection, visit the new Desmond Street showroom. • CRB House, corner Desmond Street and Kramer Road, (011) 262-4431, hastens.com
EGG DESIGNS & TONIC
No visit to Kramerville is complete without popping into the neighbouring stores of Egg Designs (011) 262-5940 and Tonic (011) 262-4513.
They are two of SA’s most important design brands and their showrooms perfectly illustrate their aesthetics. We love the current offbeat, baroque slant of Egg’s showroom and have the art by Givan Lotz that’s on the walls of Tonic in our sights too. • 3 Desmond Road
03 DESMOND ROOFTOP VENUE
Has this rooftop got one of the best views in Joburg? We think so, and it’s why the top of Brian Green’s 03 Desmond makes such a great party venue. Planning a birthday or work function? You’ve got to consider this spot. • To book, e-mail events@03desmondrooftop.co.za or visit 3desmond.co.za