African décor items such as tribal art, sculptures, masks, and wildlife-inspired objects could bring an element of exotic sophistication. It is the designer’s responsibility to create interior environments that are safe, functional, and comfortable for people who will live or work within the designed space. Creating the perfect balance and harmony requires an understanding of African lifestyle, culture, and an innate ability to infuse feelings of warmth and calmness in the home.

Eva Sonaike

Nationality: Nigeria/Germany
Studio: Eva Sonaike
Style: Exoticism

Eva Sonaike graduated with an MA in Fashion Journalism from the London College of Fashion, where she specialized in contemporary African fashion and textiles. Born and raised in Germany from Nigerian parents, her work is influenced by the African wax prints and European antique and furniture.  Driven by her passion for African fabrics and interior design, she launched her design studio in 2009. Her brand aims to bring the vibrancy of African colours and aesthetics to the luxury home-décor and interior design market. Sonaike designs her signature décor items including cushions, rugs, furnishings, lamps, wallpapers and interior textiles.

Donald Nxumalo

Nationality: South Africa
Studio: Donald Nxumalo
Style: Maximalism

Donald Nxumalo is a South African interior designer who studied design at the Tshwane University of Technology. He developed his unique design language by pursuing a sophisticated use of space with an urban and African touch. Nxumalo founded his interior design studio in 2012 and opened his first showroom in 2016. With his brand, the designer focuses on providing a maximalist décor with a hint of modernity through the use of antique pieces. His approach is to infuse the interiors with the personality of the home owner, capturing the need to add items with an emotional connection. The studio sources its fabrics and accessories from domestic suppliers, which shows an interest in local development.

Tessa Proudfoot

Nationality: South Africa
Studio: Tessa Proudfoot & Associates
Style: Eclecticism

Tessa Proudfoot is an interior designer based in Johannesburg. After completing university and a post-graduate course in Interior Design, she continued her studies at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. After working on various interior design projects with a small retail outlet, she established her own studio in 2001. Proudfoot’s brand is specialized in the creation of beautiful layered, balanced, and classic interiors with the addition of an eclectic twist. Her designers mix her favourite shapes, fabrics, colours, textures and styles with their clients’ preferences to create a harmonious blend of their personalities with the studio’s style.

Nthabi Taukobong

Nationality: South Africa
Studio: Ditau Interiors
Style: Modernism

Nthabi Taukobong is a South African interior designer. Founded in 1999, her studio aims to create global interiors inspired by Africa and influenced by tribal designs from around the world. The focus being on spaces that reflect bespoke, yet relaxed and natural interiors with distinct elements and cultural influences from the African continent, such as art, decor, artifacts and furniture for the leisure and residential market. Taukobong uses natural colours, tones and textures along with finishes, materials, artwork and artefacts that are mainly sourced on the African continent. She juxtaposes elements of African décor with modern pieces and design trends that capture a relaxed, effortless lifestyle.

Sumari Krige

Nationality: South Africa
Studio: La Grange Interiors
Style: Eclecticism

Sumari Krige is a South African interior designer interested in offering unique items that she has designed or personally handpicked. She travels all over the world in a quest to discover handmade items that will fit in the décor of her customers. In 1996, Krige established her brand La Grange Interiors, which is a retail place with showrooms in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Her brand’s signature style consists in blending warm tones with raw textures, a soothing combination that is unique and goes beyond aesthetics. The brand provides soft furnishings in full-fledged linens to timeworn antiques, custom designed wooden furniture, lamps, glassware, and interior design services.