Decorex 2012 – Lasting Impressions continued…

Marica likes to use the expression – Sjoe! Well now it is my turn to say – Sjoe, how time flies by. The days are steadily slipping past since Decorex Cape Town 2012. I had better write about my lasting impressions, before they fade completely. Also, before Decorex Gauteng is upon us.

I am glad that we call our articles Lasting Impressions. For me it is reflecting on those exhibits at Decorex that enhanced my experience of the Expo.

Man Caves - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (2) — Bob & Dan Skinstad’s Man Cave with the creative direction of Aidan Bennetts. Image via http://www.aidanbennetts.co.za

For starters, there was the launch of the Design Team’s latest fabric range. But since we wrote an extensive post on them already, I won’t labour that one. Then I was so impressed by the Man Cave designs as well the fact that part of their mission was to give back to charities. Each exhibitor was connected to either a charitable organisation or drive of their choice. Funds raised via a competition were destined for the respective coffers. Nice!

Man Caves - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid — Loved the Rooftop Terrace Man Cave designed by Yvonne Kramer of Yvonne Kramer Interiors along with soccer player Ryan Botha.

Man Caves - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (3) — A surf / skate shack man cave – it had funky slogans painted all over the place.

I have to admit having a soft spot for design and decoration of MAN CAVES, and wish that I had more of them to work on. There are a few universal imperatives to be found in a Man Cave – universal because it is not hard to know ‘What Men Want’. A Big screen TV, with all the paraphernalia that comes with it; a flawless sound system; big boys toys such as play stations; loads of memorabilia / objects around their favourite sport; furniture to sloth on, hardwearing fabrics; and then let’s not forget – a bar or space in which to store the drinks while the boys hang together. Fooze-ball, putting green… the list can stretch on and on, but essentially these cover the basics.

Well, as you can see from the images, these Man Caves did not disappoint.

Hertex Fabrics - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid — So of the gorgeous foodstuffs at the rustic Hertex Fabrics stand – no wonder it was so crowded! Image via Hertex

Talking about ‘hanging’ with the peeps, one of the highlights for me was running into some fabulous designers that I have hung around with at various times and events over the years in the trade. They all seemed to be found ‘hanging’ around the HERTEX FABRICS stand. Small wonder, Hertex were serving up drinks and eats as if it were about to disappear, with plenty visitors to their rather big stand. Thanks Greg, Natasha, John and Martin for being such cool people to hang with.

Nomad Beanbags - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (1) — One of the massive striped beanbags from Nomad Beanbags – would love to sink into this one. Image via Nomad Beanbags

Nomad Beanbags - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (2) — Image via Nomad Beanbags

James Russell launched his latest fabulous product – the multipurpose NOMAD BEANBAGS made in his own range of durable fabrics. His tag line for this product reads: “Handmade in Cape Town to travel the world”. Good luck with this venture James!

In House Furniture - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid — The bright and cheery In House Furniture stand.

IN HOUSE FURNITURE told the story of how bright, bold, beautiful retro fabrics can be combined with contemporary linear furniture. This combination showed just how effectively these two styles can compliment each other.

Skinny laMinx - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (1) — The gorgeous mid-century modern Skinny laMinx & Space for Life stand. Image via Skinny laMinx

The fabrics of SKINNY LAMINX and the original Mid-Century Modern furniture of Stefan Frylinck from SPACE FOR LIFE worked in such an amazing complimentary way on their shared exhibition stand. The plus-factor was that there was a strong sense of warmth and homeliness around that stand. Stefan actually imports all these original mid-century furniture pieces from the Scandi countries.

Adriaan Lochner - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (1) — Adriaan’s room settings are so beautifully intimate and person! Image via Adriaan Lochner

Adriaan Lochner - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (2) — Don’t you just love the stunning introduction of plant-life into the room setting! Image via Adriaan Lochner

ADRIAAN LOCHNER once again produced an award winning exhibit. He included a soft colour palette of naturals, greys, soft greens (floral), natural textured fabrics, glass and wood etc. I just loved what he put together and as soon as I caught sight of that stand, I knew it was his work. He has this awesome knack of being able to style & group collectable objects effortlessly. His design ‘handwriting’ seems to include the most contemporary yet classic floral displays.

James Mudge - Decorex 2012 Cape Town - The Design Tabloid (1) — Adored the uncomplicated & trendy installation by James Mudge. It included the most striking ceramics by Lucinda Mudge too. Images via Decorex

In closing, there is the work of JAMES MUDGE that was found in the midst of the Plascon Exhibitions. The ‘Get Real’ and ‘Back to Basics’ theme was evident. In the spirit of keeping it green, he showed us what to expect with the application of simple plywood to produce trendy pieces.

These impressions will stay with me until Decorex Cape Town 2013. What will I see there? Will the upcoming trends be evident and properly interpreted for public appreciation? But in the meantime, well done to the Decorex amazing team and all the behind the scene peeps!