Under the theme, Designing for Africa – feels like home, the Decorex 2019 Exhibition at the Gallagher Convention Centre highlighted the increasing intercontinental reach of Africa’s design influence.
Top designers, celebrity chefs and other experts in their respective fields were present at the event to interact with attendees. A specialist in interior designing, Mali Langa of Task Interior Designing said they were newcomers to this year’s show, yet they scooped two awards for Best Newcomer Stand and Best Decor Stand. “As a newcomer, we decided to take a different approach,” she said. “I have been to the Milan Fair in Italy and I got a chance to understand how they do their exhibitions.” She added she was inspired to bring Milan to South Africa.
“For our award for Best Decor, South Africa is normally regarded as a jungle. When you say you are from South Africa overseas, they think you live in the jungle or a wild place with lions and all of that in our surroundings. “So that is why I decided to incorporate the greenery and a bit of Italian. We did throw in a bit of element here and there, just to sort of strike the balance between Italy and South Africa to create a niche look.”
Langa also spoke of her consultation process. “My first consultation will take longer, two to four hours, just to get to understand the client. How they are currently living their lives, what their kids are like and what their family likes, and based on that we come up with a design, obviously taking into consideration their budget. “Based on that, we go and source the right furniture pieces and we design something that falls within the budget and that is a workable space for them.” She said one did not need a huge budget to make their living space look amazing.
“One might have a small budget but it’s the style and creativity that says a lot. I think as a young artist or a young creative person, you have to come up with very innovative ideas and a creative style. It is all about creativity and not money.”
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