When it comes to decorating your home, local is definitely lekker. We take a look at 10 proudly South African homeware brands whose products are certain to give your living space a unique look.
South Africa has one of the most exciting and innovative creative scenes in the world. In fact, our affinity for design has birthed the Design Indaba – now an internationally renowned and respected institution on the global creative landscape – and saw Cape Town named as the World Design Capital in 2014.
With all of this creative energy coursing through our veins, it’s hardly any surprise that there are plenty of local homeware brands producing kitchen linens, tableware, bedding and décor accessories that are truly lekker.
While there are plenty of big-name homeware stores to choose from, we prefer to get our goods from smaller enterprises that produce their wares locally. This not only reduces potential delivery costs, but also supports the creation of jobs and boosts our economy. And there are few things that better finish a space than unique, small-batch creations.
Here are our top 10 favourite local homeware brands:
1. Skinny laMix
Image: Skinny laMinx
Bold patterns and bright colours come together to create the unmistakable prints created by Heather Moore of Skinny laMinx. Inspired by her love of mid-century style and African chic design, Heather began screen printing her patterns onto fabric in 2007, “just for fun”. Since then, she’s designed thousands of homeware items in her signature style, from scatter cushions and throws to wallpaper and pot plant covers. If you want to add a bit of sunshine to your home, this is place to find it!
2. Plantify
Image: Plantify
Indoor plants are all the rage and Plantify are the indoor plant people. Founded in 2016, the urban plantery aims to help give even the most horticulturally challenged of us green fingers. To help potential plant parents create their own indoor jungles – and keep their best fronds in tip top condition – Plantify offers a plant sourcing service, indoor greening consultations and an online store with nationwide delivery. Their blog is also bursting with useful tricks and tips about plant care and trends.
3. Popstrukt
Image: Popstrukt
Husband and wife team Michelle and Adriaan Louw were inspired to start a furniture brand that produces well-designed, quality pieces when they moved into their first home. With the ethos of making good design accessible, Popstrukt creations are stunning in their simplicity. The affordable flatpack furniture is easy to assemble, and the clean lines and refined finishes mean that the pieces will fit perfectly in almost any home.
4. Mungo
Image: Mungo
Mungo’s hand-woven linens aren’t only lovely to look at – their exceptional quality means they’re nice to hold, too. All of Mungo’s homeware textiles are sustainably manufactured at the Mungo Mill in Plett, which provides employment and skills development to the local community. With ethical trading and integrity underpinning the brand’s philosophy, Mungo sources quality natural fibres to construct fabrics that will stand the test of time.
5. Rialheim
Image: Rialheim
Founded in 2012 in the picturesque town of Robertson, Rialheim is a ceramic studio that specialises in shapes and glazing techniques inspired by the diverse cultures and beauty of Africa. The studio produces unique, functional art that is an expression of African culture and emotions, made from African soil, fire and water. From animal-shaped table lamps to rhino bums and busts for your wall, the designs are sure to make you smile.
6. Unsung Art
An online art gallery based in Cape Town, Unsung Art has been making art affordable since 2014. The platform places original pieces by emerging artists – or unsung heroes – in the local art world just a click away for potential collectors. By taking away the intimidating gallery environment, Unsung Art creates a more down-to-earth culture around purchasing art. And with pieces starting at just R250, owning your own art collection is easily attainable.
7. Banks Kitchen Boutique
With more than 70 years in the business, Banks Kitchen Boutique lives up to its motto of satisfying your kitchen needs. The family-owned and -run brand offers high-end, quality products at affordable prices. From professional-grade knives, pots and pans to spiralizers and grape slicers, Banks has something for every level of cook.
8. The T-Shirt Bed Co.
Image: The T-Shirt Bed Co.
Bored by the limited bed linen options on offer at stores in South Africa, friends Tamzin van Staden and Jackie Wilson Lowe set out to change the way people look at their sleep experience – that’s when the idea for The T-Shirt Bed Co. came about. The brand produces bed linen that’s not only gloriously comfortable to sleep on, but breathable and wrinkle-free too!
The T-Shirt Bed Co. recently launched a line of leisurewear that’s just as plush as their bedding – it’s the perfect fashion statement when you’re staying indoors.
9. Basketly
Image: Basketly
Wicker is a huge homeware trend at the moment and there’s no easier way to incorporate this beautiful natural material into your home’s design than with baskets. After sourcing baskets for friends and family, Johan and Blair Scheepers found that there was a wider demand for good quality, affordable baskets and Basketly was born. While the range is constantly expanding, the products on offer are always stylishly simple and functional.
10. Wonki Ware
Image: Wonki Ware
Well-loved in many South African homes, Wonki Ware started as a project for founder Di Marshall to keep herself “occupied” while her kids were at school. More than 20 years later, the studio employs about 70 people to create this one-of-a-kind pottery. The styles and designs change regularly and, because they’re made by hand, the products have a unique and organic look that add interest to any table.
If you enjoyed this blog and want to read more about interior design trends, follow us on social media to keep up to date with our latest news.
