When a client walks through John Jacob Interiors, what can they expect and how would you describe your work?

My design range is very broad – think super and modern classics. However, the common thread in my work is glamorous whatever concept is employed. Projects differ with specific aesthetic languages informed by the buildings and the client’s desires. What I aspire to as a designer is a design language that transcends fashion and even decoration. A design language rooted in ancient values to express existing environments.

What is the most sought after architectural design many clients choose for their homes and why?

As an example, many clients in Europe tend to like old buildings with modern interiors while South African clients choose classic buildings and matching interiors and country style is also becoming popular. People want to express a nasty cliché, in the case of country living with Provençal inspiration. I think design should always be eclectic.

When you approach a new project what triggers your vision – your emotional heart or technical challenge?

It is a combination of the client’s personality and architecture of the building. This then allows me to draw inspiration from this environment to design what works for the client and the architecture of the building. My primary focus is to create a beautiful architectural space with proportioned doors and windows creating focal points for furniture arrangements. Most importantly the space should be exciting and move you without a stitch of furniture or decoration.

If somebody asked you today what you were, an artist or designer, what would you say?

I would say artist because I have to visualise the concept and idea, designer as I then translate that concept into reality, implementing that idea so it makes sense.

How should one go about a complete redecoration?

It is important to let the building speak otherwise you end up with something half-baked. People think they can call in a decorator tomask and upgrade the old without dealing with the fundamental essence of the building. This does not work. You have all been to show houses and seen how some old buildings have been modernised. Instinctively you can feel that something is not right because what has been done is going against the grain of the building and imposing a conflicting idea on it. Oscar Wilde once said that fashion is a form of ugliness so dreadful that we have to change it every six months. In design I am opposed to the concept of applying décor trends to the environment without addressing the underlying interior architectural form of the space, its integrity of the furniture arrangement, curtain treatment and how these are balanced in a room and the house.

Your interiors are described as having integrity and layers of meaning. Tell us what this means?

They are sympathetic to the architect of the building, subtly with reference to different time periods and worlds. I use furniture pieces from all over the world that create beautiful interiors. My interiors speak of style that transcends fashion and even interior decoration. It is about reinterpreting the old to make something new. The concept of everything and anything goes is filtered down to a kind of mass retail level of ordinariness – it is tiring and uninspiring. As a designer, it is essential that I have a clear and in-depth understanding of chosen style. My work results from a search for simplicity, restraint in what I do and a return to traditional values.

Which one of your works elevated you to another level?

It is not any one particular job but a combination of various projects. Each different in its architectural structure and so is the client. My work is the result of researched perspectives into the methodology of incredible designers working around the world. A designer needs to be open to learn it is the only way to grow.

You are famous for your attention to detail. How do you keep control over the minutia when you are involved in so much?

I work with a team of dedicated people and together we ensure work is carried out as it should.

John Jacob Interiors is located on 233 Bree Street in Cape Town.

Visit www.johnjacobinteriors.com or call (021) 422 0105.

All design and manufacturing is done by Modellers of Antique Furniture, who have an interesting history of people and places headed by the Rech family, firmly embedded in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains of Italy. South African born brothers Fino and Franco Rech chat to Denise Mhlanga about their love for beautiful, classical and timeless furniture and interior designs

Classic Revivals, how did the name come about and how does it relate to your designs?

Our factory, Modellers of Antique Furniture has been manufacturing classical furniture for over five decades so it was important for the name of our retail outlet to reflect a new light onto our product. To give it new life, take it out of its dust covered image associated with antiques and place it in a new context worthy of any setting be it a humble home or an über trendy contemporary house. We therefore feel that the name Classic Revivals speaks for itself.

What are the basic elements you use in your designs?

We feel the most important element in design is proportion, balance and function and we strive to keep our designs as authentic and true to the style in which they are conceived.

You have both inherited your family’s basic love of beautiful furniture and classic timeless interiors. Tell us how you work this love into your designs and how would you describe beautiful furniture?

From childhood we have been exposed to various styles of furniture with these various styles comes a myriad of details and finishes indicative to that period. It is with this knowledge and understanding of our product that we approach each challenge. The love and passion that has been imbedded into us from childhood becomes apparent in our attention to detail in design and execution and the finesse with which our pieces are painstakingly and authentically finished. A beautiful piece of furniture is one which is not only pleasing to the eye but fulfills its purpose.

How do you determine where furniture and décor will be purchased from?

Do you ever use antique stores/flea markets along with retail shops? It is of course important for a home to boast one or two real antique pieces and/or objects and art to give it that real lived-in atmosphere.

The environment and the home, how important an issue has this become in the interior design industry?

Is this a good thing and why? The environment is becoming increasingly important and so it should. In our industry we take great care to use solid woods wisely – in order not to waste the smallest off-cuts we ensure that our waste such as sawdust are used for compost, horse bedding and such. All the paper we use in the office gets recycled. All wood used in our factory is from sustainable resources.

To what extent does your European culture influence your designs to create a perfect balance of beauty and proudly South African?

Naturally we all have our roots in Europe and are constantly following European trends, but being South African we have our own unique identity.

What can we expect to see coming out of the interior design space this year?

Eclecticism is huge. Interiors are evolving – even the decorated space has a collected feel, people are being drawn to the mix of old and new. The revival of the classics with the increasing pace of life, today people are becoming aware of the loss of true craftsmen and craftsmanship and are beginning to appreciate this art more and more as it becomes more and more rare.

For more information, visit Classic Revivals on 24 First Avenue West corner Seventh Avenue Parktown North or call (011) 327 1099 or check out www.classicrevivals.co.za

STEPEVI is a new brand born from the success of the parent company Step in Istanbul, with a primary objective to make Step a leading global brand. With a wealth of experience and expertise in the world’s rug making capital, STEPEVI is in a proud position to further re-define rugs across the world.

 Through three generations, the family-run ethos has put an accent on traditional craftsmanship while marrying it with the latest technology, this recognition of tradition and craft, while embracing the advances in technology are emblematic of the brand. The legendary quality of STEPEVI rugs comes from a belief in using only the very finest materials and the expertise of dedicated craftsmen whose skills have been learnt over generations in Turkey. All STEPEVI rugs are produced in its manufacturing base in Isparta, a southern Turkish town synonymous with carpet production. STEPEVI combines state-of-the art manufacturing techniques with traditional handcrafts to deliver their promise of producing rugs of the finest possible quality.

LUXURY – STEPEVI’s yarns and end design tell a story of history, opulence, decadence and sensuality as much as they define cool, understated contemporary design, all the while utilising the ultimate materials.

DESIGN – In every collection exquisite and luxurious textures and contemporary colour palettes meet design that is seemingly effortless. STEPEVI’s design and the combination of technique, colour and material create a rare sense of sensuality and comfort. The same amount of importance is invested in the overall quality of a STEPEVI carpet.

The flagship showroom on the King’s Road in London, provides customers with a cool contemporary environment in which to choose from the STEPEVI collection, all of which are available for immediate delivery. The range is complemented by stylish, modern accessories including poufs, cushions, side tables and lamps made with fabrics designed to coordinate with the rug collections. STEPEVI is an international brand with showrooms in Istanbul, Vienna, Salzburg, Dubai, New York, Johannesburg as well as London. Coupled with these showrooms STEPEVI exports to a further 35 countries world-wide. STEPEVI’s showroom includes a design studio of inspiring rugs, products and samples where customers have the opportunity to create bespoke designs from scratch, using STEPEVI’s comprehensive selection of colours and threads.

CUSTOM MADE RUGS – The customer has total control over all aspects of the design process, including the pattern, texture, colour, yarn length, shape and size of the rug. STEPEVI offers great flexibility and colour variations. With 4 weeks delivery, over 1000 colours and 20 different textures, STEPEVI’s contract service is unique. STEPEVI provides an excellent contracts service for projects that include residences, hotels, yachts and office buildings. STEPEVI’s contract project group of experienced professionals provide expertise, creativity, pay attention to detail and recognise the need for quality, craftsmanship and design for the contracts market. STEPEVI’s contract division offers their customers flexible working conditions throughout the entire project process, from pre-production to post-production.

info@stepevi.com, www.stepevi.com

The love for Africa and design brought Matteo Amatruda, an entrepreneur and International Economist, and Francesca Stoppani, an architect with international experience, together, starting a love story as well as an Italian furniture and design import business.

The projects aim to reconstructing the charm and atmosphere of the Italian interiors by blending skilled projects planning to quality materials and finishing, from furniture to decorative objects.

The authentic Italian team includes architects, economists and project managers and this is what makes A+I prestigiously unique. Thanks to this blend of skills A+I is proud of offering a wide range of services: from architecture and interior design services to lighting design and interior decoration consulting.

A Corporate Division also specialises in supplying a high volume orders for hotels and offices, as well as for special custom made requirements. Thanks to A+I Italian style has finally arrived in South Africa.

The showroom located in the Foundry building, right in the centre of Cape Town, is the perfect setting for meetings and for the interaction of project managers and renowned brands. The red bricks and the artistic and trendy vibe just complete the amazing experience through contemporary furniture and Italian unique style of prestigious and design awarded brands.

Why would you buy an Armani suit?! You know you would purchase quality: a name which gives you a guarantee of quality and style and durability through time. Our brands use are the top Italian leathers and materials and a brand like Poltrona Frau would treat their leather 21 times rather then the usual 15, ensuring protection from external agents such as spillage and light.

Why buy a Ferrari? Because you know that its characteristics and style are unique and exclusive and it is the masterpiece in motoring; we bring you the masterpieces in design! A+I Unlimited Design is not just a store, it is a project: the love and passion for design ensures continuous research and expansion of our product range with the best designers in the market.

Ultimately A+I is the bridge between Italian and African contemporary design. A+I’s final aim is to create an exchange between Italian and African design bringing Italian design to South Africa and South African design to Italy.

This has already given us the opportunity to meet and start dealing with some amazing and talented craft makers and furniture designers in South Africa, and has gave them the opportunity to start crossing the bridge to Italy and introducing South African style to the Italian market.

Through time you will enjoy A+I not only as a fantastic and innovative showroom but as an elegant and vibrant host for art and photographic exhibitions. Recently we hosted the photographic exhibition of the famous Paolo di Paolo showcasing a series of black and white portraits of Italy through the 50s and 60s in a celebration of the beauty of Italian style in everyday life. We will be hosting many more to bring you a little piece of Italian art. Furthermore you can embark on an amazing journey through history depicted in black and white projections and exclusive books while sipping Italian flavors in our “members only” coffee area.

In the next couple of months we will open a beautiful showroom, in Johannesburg, showcasing top design in a double volume glass showroom.

THE FOUNDRY UNIT 104,

PRESTWICH STREET

GREEN POINT 8001

CAPE TOWN

021 425 5603

www.afritaly.com

info@afritaly.com

What would you say is the Cornwall signature style?

Contemporary, refreshing, uncluttered and sophisticated – yet understated. With every project I look for something which will create a point of difference, which makes a statement but doesn’t necessarily dominate.

Tell us a little about your background.

I grew up in Durban and studied clothing design and production management at Durban Technikon which gave me a fantastic grounding in design and co-ordination. In my final year I developed my own range of beach clothing and after selling it, I went on the typical ‘overseas stint’. In true Mamma Mia style I met a Greek guy and stayed in Greece for four years, opening and stocking two clothing stores in Ios and living between the islands and Athens. That taught me a lot about business, especially when the relationship ended and I left with nothing but my experience.

What inspired you to work in the décor field?

I had been back in South Africa a couple of years and in partnership in a nightclub in Cape Town when I went looking for furniture for my flat. I was in one of the top designer furniture stores in Cape Town, feeling rather uninspired, when I had an epiphany and said to my friend, “I’m going into the furniture business!” I researched the idea a bit, sold the nightclub, moved back to Durban, went on a buying trip to Bali and Java where I filled up a container and opened my first furniture business, Interior Warehouse, in 1996. At the time there was a great demand for décor from Indonesia, Mexico and India and we did very well, bringing in container loads of one-off signature pieces which stood apart from the rest. I haven’t looked back; I love what I do and I love furniture and design.

Furniture and décor is one thing, design another, how did you branch out?

After completing a few installations, clients started requesting the full interior design service so I knew I had to raise my game and my skill set. I taught myself Autocad and built up a design team. I also realised that I needed to look at the local market to fulfill my dream of providing “fashion for homes” and after finding a couple of quality manufacturers that I could rely on, started designing and manufacturing customised pieces for clients. A few years ago we changed our trading name to Cornwall International, emphasising the full turn-key solution to architectural interior design and décor, and we stopped stocking imported furniture.

What does Cornwall International offer that sets it apart?

I like to think we are holistic artists for living spaces, coordinating elements of architecture, building, design and décor to create a harmonious picture, something of beauty. But we always emphasise attention to detail, right down to the trimming on a cushion or the layout of the lighting – if the detail’s wrong, it’ll ruin the whole picture. As well as custom-designing and manufacturing pieces to fit in with the look of the interior spaces, we work closely with the client’s own ideas and favourite pieces so that there is always something personal about the place. We’re a team of six experts in each of our fields – design, project management, production, installations and décor – and in conjunction with architects and building contractors, we take a project right through each stage of the remodeling process; from consulting with the architect on interior plans, to getting the plans passed, ensuring quality control of building construction and finally the look and feel of the space.

Describe your response to the design brief for the newly completed Quarters Hotel in Avondale Road?

The brief was for a colonial style but instead of doing a typically Durban colonial look with hurricane lamps and oversized sofas I brought in something of the unexpected with 1.6m tall imported French carved chairs in the reception, custom-made fuchsia velvet and stainless steel bar stools in the restaurant and contemporary four-poster beds in some of the bedrooms.

From where do you draw your inspiration?

Inspiration can start from a colour, a piece of fabric or the style of a building. Once the theme is there, the process starts layering itself much like the palette of colours in a room. I like to create texture with colour so when you stand back the room seems to meld together, like the waves of the ocean.

What’s in the pipeline?

I’m working on a new Quarters Hotel in Hermanus; Upton Hall on Durban’s Morningside, a beautiful 1930’s mansion that’s being transformed into a very sophisticated boutique hotel; and in Mozambique the Casa do Capitao Hotel and a separate beach club resort at Barra beach, Inhambane. There are also several private apartments at the Pearls in Umhlanga underway – South Africans are mad about interiors!

On the couch with Carol

[View with PicLens]

The Bosse module space furniture range consists of individual parts (from desks to shelves and cabinets) that can be configured according to the specific needs of any workspace, whether a corporate giant or a creative suite of web designers. With Bosse Cube systems, the need for internal walls is eliminated thanks to their patented flexible solutions that can create glass walled rooms for meetings without losing out on open-plan productivity.

With this level of functionality, it’s no surprise that the Bosse system translates so well in the home environment. Stylish loft living takes on a new dimension when the cube system is used to create comfortable zones for living and working while the brand’s shelving systems, storage units, tables and counters are suitable for everything from contemporary kitchens to state-of-the-art cocktail bars.

The Bosse brand’s extensive range of smart solutions for home and office ensures optimal efficiency in a slick and stylish fashion.

For more information contact the Dauphin HumanDesign® Group on  011 447 9888  /  021 448 3682  or log onto www.dauphin.co.za

We’ve known each other since university. The first project we did together was for SA Fashion Week in 2004 – a collection of cardboard handbags. Then in November 2007, after pooling our resources, we opened in the 44 Stanley Avenue complex. By keeping the design and manufacture process in-house as much as possible, we’ve managed to keep our overheads low. We’ve also been good at creating boundaries and working within them, before getting to a certain level, then slowly pushing forward. It’s given people a chance to get comfortable with our products, coming to us and trusting us with bigger jobs. The South African market is finally starting to appreciate and accommodate us a lot more. We push, but we’re patient.

You collaborate quite a lot with fellow creatives. Tell us a bit more about this.

We’ve got a broad network of industry friends and acquaintances in Joburg – musicians, photographers, artists. We’ll see them out jolling and we’re like, hey, why don’t we do this, or why don’t we do that. So there’s a lot of cross-pollination between our disciplines. We like art, we like music, we like a lot of things, and it’s nice to be able to touch on, or incorporate these elements into our business. All of the smalls we stock in-store are created by people with a similar mindset and design philosophy to our own.

How much of your business is retail as opposed to project based?

The Stanley shop is tiny – only 16m². People can come in and have a look at what’s available and if they want that model straight off the shop floor, that’s fine, they can buy it; there’s that instant gratification thing. But if they would like it in another colour, or bigger, or a set of four, they can place an order and we will then custom make it. Obviously we’ve got parameters but people then have a sense that each piece has been created just for them; there’s much more customer satisfaction. Outside of the store we also undertake a variety of design-orientated projects – for example, a big public sculpture at the Ellis Park train station, and a large order of lamps for the Presidential guest house. We’re currently working on a custom job for the Johannesburg Development Agency.

Describe your inspiration, design and production process.

There is obviously a very minimalist approach to what we do, with a strong modernist influence, using materials, colour and line. It’s all very functional and rational, as opposed to ornate. We try not to add frills. For example, with the chairs, you can see the screws – they have to be there, so why hide them? Or if you really have to hide them, try come up with a clever way of doing so, without having to plak something on top! If we add pattern, it’ll usually be a simple graphic motif or design element which can translate from one product to another. And in terms of production, we’ll say okay, this is what we’ve got to work with – materials, human resources, production constraints, whatever prescribed parameters there may be – then we push those as far as we can, to make the very most out of what we have.

What’s in the pipeline?

Up until now we’ve been working from a home-based workshop in Brixton, but are on the verge of moving to a bigger, rented space, which will be a combined factory and showroom. We’re also looking at stocking other stores and are currently working on a launch for spring. Winter here in Stanley, being outdoors as opposed to in a mall, is a tough season retail wise, but a good season for product development. We’ve found we have to stagger the introduction of our products anyway, because it takes people a while to get comfortable with something new. And our five-year plan is to have outlets or agents in all the major cities.

Visit the Dokter and Misses store next door to Lunar at 44 Stanley Avenue in Milpark. Or online at www.dokterandmisses.withtank.com

The Adriaan Hugo signature range is also available at Tonic in Parktown Quarter, at the corner of 7th and 3rd Avenues in Parktown North. Visit www.tonicdesign.co.za

Indique,  imports an array of exotic furniture. Although we don’t often think of it, tables are instrumental to business and social interaction. They can contribute towards the ambiance at a romantic liaison, or the sense of gravitas at the signing of a treaty. From the last supper to the Treaty of Versailles tables were at them all. This unique table from Indique is imported from Indonesia  and  made from a single tree. The natural  character of the wood has been maintained, giving it an earthy appearance. Intriguing yet not overstated,  the table is the perfect addition to the dining or board room. For more information call (011) 465 5548 or visit www.indiquetrading.co.za

Who makes up the Life design team?

It’s me, my husband and business partner John, and my design associate Tony Pereira. We currently have about 20 full-time members of staff which include those at the Life restaurant, the Life furniture showroom and retail emporium, and our design studio – all here in Nelson Mandela Square, where we’ve been for nine years now.

What is Life’s signature style?

Like me – a South African with strong Greek heritage – Life is a hybrid between North and South; the very sophisticated and the raw; the refined and the pioneering. You kind of throw the two together and it creates an interesting mix!

Life is also all about authenticity, especially authenticity to context. Work that we did for, say, The Apprentice penthouse suite in the inner city of Joburg is totally different to work that we did for the North Island resort in the Seychelles.

Our work is distinctly layered, both literally and figuratively. Texturally and visually the materials we use are very crunchy and tasty and yummy. Design is often ‘dumbed’ down to the market, but we’ve learned that people are more sophisticated and design savvy than often given credit for. Even if they can’t verbalise or explain something, they can still ‘get’ it.

Tell us a bit about the range of products you stock in-store.

We’ve got a very good team of people that we’ve built up over the years who do very exotic and rare and unique things. About 80 percent of the stock we have in our store is Life designed. We infuse this with like-minded local or imported product. Generally speaking we like to collaborate and work with people who are on a similar journey to our own. And I think the Design Indaba is a great forum for linking up with the hottest talent in the local industry. We’re a big, big proponent of South African design.

From where do you draw your inspiration?

It can come from a book I’m reading, or a movie. I really enjoy research, the story behind things – like a Louboutin heel, for example, and knowing why it has that red under sole – then finding a language that’s appropriate to the project, and putting things in context.

The other day I did a whole design based on a song. It was a new take on an old song, Losing My Religion, which I heard on a recent business trip to Barcelona. When I’m involved in a project I become so inspired by it I usually start dressing in the same colour palette! I’m also very inspired by fashion. And probably most obviously, I’m deeply inspired by nature – there’s no doubt about it, you can see it throughout my work.

To what do you attribute Life’s success in such a cut-throat market place?

I’ve always been interested in the way businesses and brands work, and specifically the business of design. It was whilst studying creative direction in Milan that I grasped the importance of the whole ‘Made in Italy’ brand. Design is big business over there – it’s serious industry, it’s not peripheral. I learned to understand that a client has a commercial need, and that it is my role to add whimsy, magic, myth; to seductively dress the function. For example, if a client wants a lodge I know that they want the romanticised version of it – as well as the nuts and bolts side of it.

And although we are a truly multi-disciplinary practice – our portfolio to date includes everything from boutique hospitality, to AAA-grade residential and luxury eco-tourism, as well as commercial and corporate projects – we tend to work with a small group of clients, for whom we’ll do a variety of different projects, creating a kind of client ‘shorthand’. Basically meaning that we know exactly what they want, and don’t have to start each project off at zero, but rather from the next point along. Seventy percent of the work we do is outside of the country. We’ve worked predominantly in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands.

And lastly, I think our point of differentiation is true creativity tied in with real delivery. If we design something it’s because we have the real intention to create it. We do actually build things, we are very prolific.

For a more comprehensive overview of Life’s portfolio and to arrange a consultation with Maira visit www.lifeinteriordesign.com

To view the current selection of Life retail products visit their online store www.lifecollection.co.za