Page 17 - Decor & Lifestyle 2025 Issue 1

LIFESTYLE

Designing with Soul – • The Rise of Local Craftsmanship and Narrative Design
Not Just Style More and more, people are turning to artisans, makers, and local designers who
The soul of a space comes alive through embed narrative into their creations. A home shaped by local hands feels rooted,
intentionality. That means asking why soulful – and entirely unique.
before what, and allowing depth to guide
the decorative. A Glimpse Inside: The Story of Siba’s Lounge
Cape Town-based interior designer Siba Gwala doesn’t follow trends – she
• Meaningful Objects Over “Stuff” listens. “I start with a person, not a palette,” she says. Her own lounge tells a
A home filled with story carries a story of travel, heritage, and warmth. The coffee table was salvaged from her
richness no luxury finish can replicate. grandmother’s old home in KwaZulu-Natal; the scatter cushions were sewn by her
Choose what matters. Keep what friend during lockdown. “Everything has a reason to be here. It’s not just for show.
moves you. Edit with love. It’s part of the story.”
• Layering Story, Not Just Style
Good design is not just visual; it’s The Power of Resonance
visceral. Layering becomes storytelling: Your space should be a mirror, not a mask. When our homes reflect who we are – not
the hand-me-down chair, the book left who we’re trying to impress – they become places of comfort, clarity, and connection.
open, the mismatched crockery that
somehow feels right. Every layer adds Curated comfort is not about perfection – it’s about presence. It’s about choosing,
depth. Every detail tells a story. piece by piece, the life you want to live – and then letting your home rise up to meet it.

15 | DÉCOR & LIFESTYLE Issue 1 2025