Decorex Designers place Feminine Finish on Empowering She Sheds Feature:
There will be a focus on women’s design needs in this year’s exciting She Sheds’ feature where four designers, working with four celebrities, are given the chance to curate the ultimate female sanctuary, echoing the Man Cave movement from previous years. This innovative feature, which supports the PinkDrive initiative, will be showcased at Decorex Durban – sponsored by Plascon – taking place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 21 to 25 March.
“Stemming from the extremely popular Man Cave feature from previous years, the She Shed trend sees the elegant transformation of unused, outdoor sheds into personalised havens for the woman of the home,” explained Anita Bloom, Creative Director for Decorex SA. “This is a re-energising space dedicated solely to the identity of the individual woman, offering her a soothing area to relax or partake in preferred hobbies. It is an extension of the home, with the rejuvenating energy of the outdoors.”
Decorex Durban has partnered with breast cancer awareness NGO, PinkDrive, for this charitable feature with funds raised through a competition run at the show, as well as a donation box located on site.
Meet the designers
Durban-based design company, MSQ Interior Design – collaborating with Style File and What Not Fabrics – will be centring the ‘Urban Escape’ design on a sculpted tree reflecting the strength and resilience of women in the face of pain. Designers Michelle Markram and Sihle Shabangu of MSQ will work together on a ‘formidable display to bring breast cancer awareness to the forefront through art and creative design’.
“In support of breast cancer awareness, I will sculpt a woman from a tree with a single breast – her face and physique so beautiful that her single breast fails to disfigure, but rather beautifies her, expressing all she stands for,” explained Markram, who has a profound passion for the natural realm.
She explained that the nurturing role of the woman in society overtakes any suffering she personally endures and this will be evident in the majestic frame. The branches, adorned with pink carved butterflies, will reach skyward with a wooden butterfly overhanging the tree below. The back wall design will be produced by formidable artist, Susie Blanckenberg, displaying a forest motif of early dawn, with intricate pink flowers further expanding the awareness the design.
MSQ will also take this opportunity to launch their community upliftment initiative of its African Green Revoluxion branch – the Soda Can Innovation. Based in Hammarsdale, this initiative established a DIY foundry, designed by Shabangu of MSQ, with the local women involved in the creation of designer pieces using the melted cans. One of the Soda Can Innovation furniture pieces – a coffee table incorporating cans and driftwood – will be on display at the She Shed feature.
Mohammed Kathoria of Morningside-based Dreamery said they would be incorporating blush pink, rose and magenta into their She Shed design through light furnishing and accessories. Their ‘Urban Escape’ design will include collaboration with a number of suppliers, among them Home Fabrics, Natal Kitchens, U&G Fabrics and Hertex.
“In keeping with the romantic cross-industrial theme coming in this year, our She Shed will be using soft pinks as well as berry tones with some bolder, darker elements and various greenery accents,” explained Kathoria. “Modern women deserve a sacred space where they can retreat to ease the stress of balancing a chaotic schedule. They need a space that is truly dedicated to keeping them inspired and we feel this project is a celebration of how far gender equality has come and an indicator of a bright and colourful future.”
Westmead-based design house, Eykon, has selected a combination of rich, earthy pink and subtle, dusty pinks to create a tranquil space which warmly embraces the user. Collaborating with Shave Paint and Décor, Robin Sprong as well as U&G Fabrics, Eykon will be curating a ‘Modern Escape’ She Shed suited to the female entrepreneur.
“Our She Shed is designed with the everyday working woman in mind,” explained Michelle Stephenson. “It has a modern, contemporary feel showcasing simple sophistication by combining minimalist with chic design to create a ‘must-have’ look. Our soft subtle colours will be paired with mixed metallic accents to add a touch of elegance.”
She said the importance of a sanctuary cannot be understated: “Trickling fountains, lush green plants, the sounds of the rainforest… all of these may sound like they’re more appropriate for a dream holiday, but a tranquil, reassuring environment has a direct impact on your emotions, stress levels and productivity. With the highly stress, fast-paced lifestyles we live, it’s imperative to create a calming, nurturing space for retreat.”
Hillcrest-based Jennifer Jones Interiors has chosen ’50 Shades of Her’ to reflect the various layers of the modern woman with her colour choice, the Luxe Linen col: Pink from St Leger and Viney as an accent to introduce the feminine touch.
“While my theme may play on a current social connotation, I have chosen to explore 50 shades of grey on two levels,” explained Jennifer Jones. “Firstly, I have been using layers of different tones and textures of grey in my projects and pairing that with different accent colours. It really is such a versatile trend. Secondly, the many ‘shades’ of women today – they are multi-layered, and multi-dimensional. We assume such diverse roles in our daily existence – from the kitchen to the boardroom. I have chosen this year to represent balance and harmony. A space for these busy, tireless souls of ours to rest.”
Jones, once named ‘The Queen of Bedroom Success’, finds creative joy in representing various styles of bedroom décor. “As always, my style has an eclectic element which I bring to many of my show stands – combining older pieces which add history and substance, with contemporary styling and colour.”
For this particular feature, Jones will be working with a number of fabric houses, with her unique style bringing a sophisticated elegance to the She Shed design.” I’m passionate about ensuring my clients are given the opportunity to see all that our wonderfully diverse industry has to offer, so that they know they have made well considered choices.”
To view these intricate and impassioned #rhythmoflife designs while supporting a worthwhile cause, visit Decorex Durban, sponsored by #plascon.
DECOREX SA DETAILS
Decorex Durban
21 – 25 March 2018
21 – 24 March: 10am – 8pm
25 March: 10am – 6pm
Durban Exhibition Centre
Public holiday: Wednesday 21 March
Trade-focused days: Thursday 22 and Friday 23 March
Ticket Prices: Adults – R 95
Student/Pensioners – R85
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R85
Exhibitor – R85
Decorex Cape Town
27 April – 1 May 2018
10am – 6pm daily
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Public Holiday: Friday 27 April
Trade Day: Friday 27 April
Ticket Prices: Adults – R 110
Student/Pensioners – R100
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R100
Exhibitor – R100
Decorex Joburg
8 – 12 August 2018
10am – 6pm daily
Gallagher Convention Centre
Public holiday: Thursday 9 August
Trade-focused days: 8 and 10 August
Ticket Prices: Adults – R 120
Student/Pensioners – R 100
Kids U12 – R20
Trade – R 100
Exhibitor – R 100
For more information, email decorexinfo@reedexpoafrica.co.za
Visit: www.decorex.co.za
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