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TRADE WINDS

Trend report: future

thinking SA design

How design will continue
to shape our world – in

2023 and beyond.

“Design is a response
to change and a creator
of change. This is the
industry that is most
able to influence its own

future.”

he State of the Industry 2022
report released by Decorex, is a
Tsnapshot of the current state of
the contemporary South African décor,
design and interiors world. The report
also reveals 15 key trends in thinking,
materiality, aesthetics and the relevance of
our African context, and is an informative
showcase of where we’re at, where things
are going and what opportunities and Independent brand strategist, writer Decorex Africa, 100% Design Africa and
challenges lie ahead. and trend researcher Chris Reid, who Design Joburg.
“Decorex is a proud partner to the was tasked with compiling the report,
décor industry in South Africa, and as the says that he was struck by the sense of Authentic African voices
leading showcase of related products and responsibility among respondents - to the The responses were clear: South
suppliers and of course - interior trends, planet, clients and African design itself. African creativity is better appreciated
we knew it was imperative to commission “People in the industry have a strong outside the country than at home. There
a state of the industry exploration, sense of agency and influence and want to is a push for the local design industry
especially given the global turmoil of the do good at a very micro level,” he says. “In to take back its agency and reclaim its
past two years. We know that consumers tandem with this, we found a strong call narratives, rather than letting others
and our industry colleagues alike will find for support.” interpret them.
the report an invaluable and insightful
companion in their professional Key future findings Real sustainability
endeavours,” says Sandra Barrow, Of the 15 trends revealed, some include: Sustainability is pushing the entire
Portfolio Director: Lifestyle, Design Cocooning industry towards more responsible
& Retail at which conceptualises and Relevant for virtually every player design. There is a sense that cost-effective
produces Decorex Cape Town, Decorex in the décor industry is the rebirth of local solutions are becoming easier to
Joburg, 100% Design Africa and Design Cocooning. The term, famously coined find, with the broader public ready to
Joburg. in the 1990s, has taken on an entirely new adopt principles of sustainability.
The report is a fascinating (and context in a post Covid-19 world, and
absolutely free) read commissioned by influence of 21st century interpretations Healthier spaces
Decorex and available on their website, of ‘home’ promise to have far reaching and The report shows a burgeoning interest
and was developed using insights long-term effects, says the report. “Our in low impact design, and materials that
gleaned from interviews with creative homes have to work harder than they promote wellbeing. Connected to the
professionals across the décor, design and have ever worked before. And workspaces focus on sustainability, the desire for
interiors sector in southern Africa for have taken their cue from hospitality; healthier spaces applies at home, at work
the benefit of industry professionals and they can no longer be soulless”, says Bielle and in other commercial spaces.
consumers alike. Bellingham, Executive Creative Director

12 Issue 262 • dw