\u201cI\u2019m really not one for labels but, if I had to put my head on a block, I\u2019d call it \u2018transitional-eclectic\u2019 \u2013 a style that is at once elegant and timeless but that also incorporates and merges different cultural influences.\u201d<\/p>\n
This is how interior designer Adriaan Lochner describes the look he has in mind for his Designer Spotlight showcase, a highlight at Decorex Cape Town 2016. The well-established Salt River based designer, who has been awarded the prestigious platform at this year\u2019s show, will collaborate with leading local textile house, Home Fabrics, on his special installation for South Africa\u2019s premier d\u00e9cor, design and lifestyle exhibition, which takes place from 29 April to 2 May at the CTICC.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re delighted to work again with Adriaan, who has been a longstanding client of Home Fabrics,\u201d says Marc Shotland, Group PR and Marketing Executive at Home Fabrics.\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019ve sponsored the Designer Spotlight stand for the past two years now and didn\u2019t hesitate to ask Adriaan to collaborate with us this year \u2013 the wonderful work he does with both our local and imported collections speaks for itself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe challenge for me is to work within a limited budget, proving to visitors that it is possible to creatively combine large swathes of inexpensive fabric with small quantities of high-end ranges to affordably create the required look and mood,\u201d explains Lochner, who started his business some 20 years ago and primarily undertakes private residential projects.
\n\u201cI specialise in all spheres of design, from architecture to bespoke furnishings, and my service offering is defined by a discernible attention to detail and very strict quality-control measures,\u201d says the designer who began his career as an art lecturer. \u201cI see myself as a \u2018facilitator\u2019 of other people\u2019s aspirations and believe in always reflecting my clients\u2019 personalities, together with their aesthetic preferences. I plan my interiors step-by-step, aiming for integrity and meaning at all times. I will never indiscriminately fill a room with disparate objects simply for the sake of doing so,\u201d he adds.
\nLochner, who is no stranger to Decorex, works with a team of local artisans to ensure his interiors are custom designed to a client\u2019s requirements. In fact, in 2014, he scooped the award for Best D\u00e9cor Stand at Decorex Cape Town for an installation that was entirely fitted with furnishings and accessories designed by artisans and craftspeople drawn from the Mother City. \u201cIt represented an elegant take on a thoroughly South African theme, although one that was not without a quirky twist,\u201d he recalls, adding, \u201cLocal design and d\u00e9cor have progressed significantly over the years. We have a slew of great designers, craftspeople, manufacturers, artists and artisans who are completely on a par with the rest of the world.\u201d
\n2014 wasn\u2019t the first year the designer was honoured by the Decorex judges. In 2013 and 2011, Lochner\u2019s stands picked up Excellence awards and in 2012 he won the Best Small Stand trophy. \u201cThe association with Decorex has been a positive experience for my business,\u201d he says. \u201cNot only has the exposure given me the chance to show the public what I can do, but it has also provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible talents of our local artisans and craftsmen.\u201d<\/p>\n
While admittedly not a slavish follower of trends (\u201clongevity is more important to me\u201d), Lochner predicts the following will be big in interiors in 2016: <\/p>\n\n\t\t
\n\u2022 Jungle mania:<\/strong> \u201cExotic botanicals will continue to be a strong seasonal look, but translated into psychedelic colours and clashing patterns for statement effect.\u201d
\n\u2022 Folk infusion:<\/strong> \u201cA vibrant look that is all about bohemian colour and tribal pattern.\u201d
\n\u2022 Culinary calm:<\/strong> Natural materials will reign supreme in the kitchen, where understated palettes will feature varying shades of grey and taupe, black and white, with metallic accents.\u201d
\n\u2022 Rattan returns<\/strong>: \u201cExpect to see it across furniture, lighting and accessory design with a range of interesting three-dimensional shapes, from fantastical curves to modular angular forms.\u201d
\n\u2022<\/strong> Sophisticated upcycling<\/strong>: \u201cHandmade products, furnishings and art are going to monopolise this year\u2019s show-stopping centre-pieces.\u201d
\nwww.adriaanlochnerlifestyle.com<\/em>
\nDecorex Cape Town details:<\/strong><\/span>
\nDecorex Cape Town: 29 April \u2013 2 May 2016
\nTime: 10am to 7pm daily (6pm Monday)
\nTrade Day: 29 April
\nTicket prices: R85 for adults; R75 for trade, pensioners and students; R20 for kids under 12
\nVenue: CTICC
\nFor more information, e-mail decorexsa@ThebeReed.co.za
\nVisit: www.decorex.co.za Facebook: Decorex SA Twitter: @decorexSA
\nDecorex Cape Town forms part of the Decorex SA portfolio and are owned by Thebe Reed Exhibitions.<\/p>\n