Technology & Interior Design - South Africa -A blog I did for Chair Crazy

 

Technology & Interior Design
 - South Africa -

It was brought to my attention again today that there is still the archaic but common misconception, even in the most modern of countries, that South Africa is deepest, darkest Africa. That we have wild animals roaming our dusty streets, the (predominantly coal black) population sporting loin cloths and living in mud huts. This feels completely ridiculous, especially considering the impact of technological advancement over the past two decades, which has resulted in millions of people having access to a considerable amount of information online. And yet this mistaken belief still exists.

 

Not only are we not wearing loin cloths and dodging lions, there is a sizable number of South Africans who live, work, and play in very modern, totally on-trend, stylish homes, offices, and restaurants.

 

Technology, as the internet in particular, has enabled so much information to be shared worldwide that the local interior designers of our ever-emergent country are not only aware of fashionable trends and forecasts, but are accomplished enough to compete in the international arena.

Okha, a leading South African interior design company, specialises in creating the kind of covetable homes gracing the pages of glossy lifestyle magazines.

This office situated in Rondebosch, Cape Town, was commended in the Third International Green Interior Awards

It must be acknowledged that there is still a massive portion of our population who continue to live in poverty, and do not have access to decent education or information, let alone live or work in trendy spaces. But this does not mean there is any lack in a sense of aesthetics or trending international influences.

With the low value of the Rand, there are few people who can afford costly, original designer fittings. This is where replica stores like CHAIR CRAZY come in - making fashion more accessible and affordable for those who wish to invest in enhancing their lifestyle.

THE CONVENIENCE FACTOR

 

Our increased access to information has resulted in widespread inspiration in local talent, drawing from the extensive global diversity. Designers all over the world are influenced by each other, and by the different cultures and landscapes across the globe.

 

Gone are the days of sanctions and a lack of contact with the rest of the world, so thanks to Google and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Pintrest, not only do South Africans have a multitude of influences to draw from, but the gap in our adaptation of global trends has narrowed. This means we are now seeing international styles and trends hitting our stores a lot quicker than in previous years.

 

Technology has also had a major influence on our interior design operations. Without going into too much detail, the main results are reductions in expenses and (most particularly) production time. So if you’re someone who’s keen to stay consistently current and on-trend, changing your space is much less of a palaver than it was in times gone by!

 

 

The process of curating a space has also become more personal. These days, you don’t even have to leave your house or office to peruse a shop’s catalogue or check a designer out. You don’t need as much specialised equipment to plan your space either - there are so many computer programmes and apps at your fingertips that you now have the option of taking a leading roll in the design process.

Of course, this does not mean that interior designers no longer feature. They still have a specialised knowledge and an industry language that makes them invaluable to the design process. Up and coming designer Alison Thomson put it brilliantly, saying that “it’s the designer’s roll to understand the REAL need of the client and to represent the client’s fundamental interest, much like a spam filter. Then we communicate the client’s interests to suppliers - using modified, relevant language.”

                 

Pictured above is the official mobile app by Siesta Design Furniture. Collections, gallery and exclusive previews are especially made available for viewing on an iPad.

CHAIR CRAZY, like many other cutting-edge stores, has a well-populated, regularly updated website, where you can view our stock collections. We also have a strong social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, which (among other things) showcases our products in lifestyle shoots to edify and inspire our patrons and followers from all over the world.

Chair Crazy, as a replica store, offers a wide range of chairs, stools, and tables that are to be found as original designer products or replicas all over the world. We stock popular designs such as those of acclaimed designers Charles Eames, Phillip Starke and Hans Wegner.

Eames	Starke	Wegner

 

DESIGNER TRADE SHOWS - SA

As in all the design Meccas the world over, South Africa plays host to a number of shows that provide a platform for both local and international designers to showcase their talent. August sees the 100% Design South Africa show, held at the Gallagher Convention Center in Gauteng, where it takes place alongside Decorex Joburg (9-13 August).

Since starting off as a fledgling show in 2014, 100 Design South Africa has matured into “Africa’s premier exhibition and sourcing platform for high-end contemporary design”.

If you have the opportunity to attend, you can expect an extensive variety of displays that extend across the various mediums and style that encompass the wide world of interiors, textiles, architecture, furniture, and product design.

As stated on SA Creative Network, “talents across the spectrum of local and international design are all given time in the limelight, with exceptional quality, innovation and ingenuity as the recognised hallmarks of the event”.

100% Design South Africa is the largest curated exhibition platform for sourcing high-end contemporary design in Africa.

“This will be so much more than just another interior design show,” says Cathy O’Clery, international design authority and Programme Director of 100% Design South Africa. “Visitors to this year’s 100% Design South Africa can expect no less than wall-to-wall proof of the artistic and aesthetic genius of their fellow South Africans - the sort of genius that’s helped make our country as gorgeous as it is.”

Felling inspired? CHANGE YOUR SPACE and take advantage of our sale starting 24^th July!