Reinterpreted for a local audience by designer Claire Clarke of By Dezign Interiors, using the very latest fabric ranges from local textile house, Home Fabrics, these trends will form part of the keenly anticipated Designer Spotlight, one of the undisputed highlights of Africa’s largest décor, design and lifestyle exhibition.
“With our Decorex Joburg stand specifically in mind, Claire and I met up at the Parisian show, one of the most important European events for interior design professionals, to scout 2016’s biggest décor and design trends,” says Marc Shotland, sales and marketing director of Home Fabrics.
“As a result, our Designer Spotlight showcase will exude pure ‘dolce vita’- a combination of contemporary fabrics and wallpapers in glamorous metallics, grounded by bold, masculine tones,” he says.
Clarke adds that the space will feature a magnificent pergola daybed and banquette style seating, with an eye-catching trellis design on the ‘ceiling’ and a magnificent gold vinyl floor, the likes of which has not yet been seen in South Africa. They will be using a statement wallpaper, printed seagrass cloth in gold and black from Arte International and feature lighting to draw attention to key elements.
“Claire will combine a selection of local materials from Home Fabrics and Fabric Library with imported textiles from renowned houses such as Chivasso, Etamine and Osborne & Little. Her signature style speaks volumes about the beauty of understated glamour, which will be evident in abundance on this stand,” says Shotland.
While Clarke has elicited inspiration from European trends for her Decorex showcase, her aesthetic is still firmly rooted in South Africa.
“We have a huge pool of talent in this country and it’s a great resource to draw from. Even internationally, a local flavour is strikingly evident in the designs coming through right now,” she says.
When asked to name the key trends for the year, Shotland says 2016 is redefining luxury with items that tell a story of authenticity and timelessness, without being ostentatious.
“Designs include geometric shapes in fabrics, artisan glass and precious metals. 2015 was all about copper and, while we’ve retained our love of metallics in 2016, our affections have switched to the timeless tones of brass and gold. Whatever your preference, a metallic fabric or wallpaper will always add a touch of interest to the home. Look out for palm fronds on wallpaper as well as the gracious flamingo captured in original forms and colours,” he says.