Unveiling Durban’s passion for design at East Coast Radio House & Garden Show

Passionate about local décor and design, this year’s show will highlight local design talent by introducing Discover Durban Design, featuring Durban’s top locally curated products, furniture and fashion by “home-grown” designers, curators and crafters.

From 29 June to 8 July 2018, the Durban Exhibition Centre will become a hub of local flair with the latest trends as they are showcased by top designers, exhibitors and curators.

 The concept of home is often reflected through familiar reflections of experiences, places and memories, while also tailored to unique interests, hobbies and habits. Shaping the look and functionality of a space, in line with these individualised elements, is what makes a home.   

“We want to give KZN’s design talent a platform to showcase their creativity and form their own trends to inspire the public. The province is known for its rich diversity, culture and natural beauty; inspiration in itself to create trends inspired by iconic local beauty,” she said.

Showcasing the beauty of KZN through striking locally-inspired home décor products are talented individuals whose visions and passions stem from a love for the intricacies of South Africa; setting local trends to celebrate the country’s beauty. We introduce a collection of KZN-based trendsetters and their revolutionary concepts in the industry including: 

• Interior Designer, Wendy-Lee Douglas, has a passion for designing a home around its inhabitants and founded Douglas and Douglas, a company that creates authentic, distinctive and charismatic living spaces to fulfil her love for Africa’s natural beauty.  Douglas’ beautiful work is exemplified in the spaces she creates; including Zambezi Grande Private Lodge, Ogilvy & Mather Durban, as well as numerous residential projects. Douglas also manufactures a line of furniture, lighting, décor, planters, and kids’ collections, as well as bespoke commissions at their Durban-based factory. 

• Perfect_Imperfect, started by two friends with a love for woven baskets, pom poms and tassels, celebrate the ilala palm (or gingerbread tree) that grows abundantly along the coast of KZN by employing talented weavers, living in isolated areas in KZN, to showcase their craft by creating a broad selection of woven baskets, home décor and mats. 

• Noush Projects, a collection of exquisite, handmade dolls and figures, was founded by former Dutch actress and Durban product designer, Manoushka Kraal. Inspired her two daughters and a love for Clonette Dolls, popular during the 70’s and 80’s in West Africa, her specialised décor products are made out of jacaranda wood and resin composite casts. 

• Avid about organic décor and reflecting personal roots in a home, Homestead Décor, sources handcrafted, naturally-made items that enhance personal style and blend well with existing décor. Situated in Mount Edgecombe, their range of woven baskets, wooden carvings and signature rugs connects the crafter to their unique consumer locally and globally. 

• Kloof-based artist, Victoria Verbaan, takes her inspiration from her surroundings, emotions and aspects of everyday life. Featuring strong yet sensitive women in a quirky and provocative manner, her studio offering includes posters, typography, portraits, monochromatic artwork, limited edition fine art, as well as her collection of “wearable art”; her unique work that features on t-shirts, umbrellas, and silk scarves.

• Celebrating the arts and crafts of the Zulu Kingdom is Ooh Khamba, a Siyasiza Trust member that develops rural communities and promotes food security through craft enterprise. Sibusiso Shelembe and Lulama Donga, the driven team behind the initiative, supply urban markets with traditional and modern, handcrafted Zulu beaded products, woven grass products, creative clay pots, dolls, wirework, wooden products, jewellery, leatherwork and embroidery. 

• Winner of the 2017 1^st Functional Prize in KZN from Ceramics Southern Africa, Bur Ceramica, owned by Colin Cameron, creates handmade ceramic light fittings and objet d’art that are both functional and artistic. Inspired by nature, they use hand thrown, slipcasting, bisque firing, and glaze firing techniques to mimic the effects seen in nature. 

Feel inspired with design inspiration, landscaping and outdoor trends, Durban’s cuisine and street food scene, and much more with KZN’s top home décor and design exhibition, The East Coast Radio House & Garden Show, supported by Durban Tourism, from 29 June to 8 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Tickets are available from iTickets. For further information visit www.housegardenshow.co.za