Shaper Chic Supporter

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Shaper Chic Supporter

OTT Opulence makes way for mindful interiors   by John Gardner

Decorex Jo'burg 2009 brings you the 'New Fusion': a melting pot of modern and focused, urban and rural, the designed and the discovered. See how the exotic merges effortlessly with the close to home, the linear and the lustrous, the organic and the ornate.
"Our show theme this year 'the New Fusion', is about combining bold contemporary, urban-style pieces with heirloom lace; merging quirky green products and handmade home-grown pieces with antiques and have investment pieces meet up with revived finds from the attic or a jumble sale," says Melanie Robinson, director of Decorex SA.

"The economic climate has catapulted recession decor to new heights, as opulence and glamour make way for a new form of minimalism: getting by with what we have, topped up with inventiveness, adds Cairey Slater, general manager: exhibitions. "Add eco-caring products to the mix and the result is a dynamic eclectic look."

Now in its 16th year, the show is the definitive mix of the emerging and the established, manufacturers and suppliers - large and small. Trade professionals and consumers can indulge in the haute and the handmade; the new simple and the avant-garde. The show promises to be a celebration of Joburg's most urban and chic spaces by talented style shapers, trend makers and décor creators, with Plascon as show sponsor.

Contemporary Life 3Show highlights include:

Plascon, paint with imagination: Decorex Joburg lifts the lid on the hip and trendy colours with the reveal of the new Plascon Colour forecast for 2010.
Sanlam Dream Rooms: This exquisite collection of high-end décor brands, lifestyle stores, fabric houses and interior decorators merges trends, palettes, materials and patterns with a contemporary edge. These inspirational concept stands bring new benchmarks in interior design, which can be translated freely in the visitor's own decorating style.

Cool beds for Haute Dogs: Posh pet ottomans, pooch chaise longues, bow wow couches, doggie day beds, futons - even bunk-beds for multiple dog families: discover a whole new breed of bespoke dog furniture, in support of the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind will go walkies to Decorex Joburg. Designers create super-chic dog beds, and show visitors vote for their favourite design. All funds raised through silent auction of the beds will benefit The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind."

Pick n Pay Living Green Pavilion: Do-good décor? Inventive re-use? Design and décor with a conscience have become mainstream, detoxing our lives and adopting a green attitude a way of life. Showcasing green solutions - and setting the example by our green exhibition practises, the new green-minded project raises the bar with aesthetically pleasing and affordable eco-caring solutions.

South African Handmade Collection: The country's definitive craft expo, aimed at local and international trade buyers, is run by the dti to bring crafters a vital step closer to becoming a successful local entrepreneur and exporter. Ranging from baskets woven from grass or recycled plastic, highly collectable high-design handmade ceramic gallery pieces to functional ware, all show the handmade mark of its maker.

Hot design issues will be debated at the Conversations on Architecture one-day seminar taking to the stage alongside the show on 6 August. COA probes global design trends, while keeping a close eye on the local influences shaping people's lives and their living, working and playing environments. For more information or to book, e-mail cairey@tepg.co.za

Contemporary-LifeSanlam Next Generation Style Shapers: This cutting-edge showcase tracks down a talented brigade of emerging young decorators shaking up the norms in Joburg. With the theme 'Urban & Chic' as their design cue, these style shapers play with a blank canvas and transform an empty shell into a future-thinking home.

Refresh and Revitalize: Reflect on the good life over a glass of bubbly at the Villiera Wines Cap Classique Bar or the Le Bistro Domaine Grier French Wine Bar. The Villiera Wines Bar is created by Marble Classic & Aspire Lighting and Le Bistro Bar by Rhoms Timberworld.

Decorex Joburg
Dates: 06 - 10 August 2009
Trade days: 6 & 7 August
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
Times: Open 10:00 to 18:00 daily
Entrance: R 60
For more information visit http://www.decorex.co.za

About the Author

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, John Gardner owns a premier accommodation, travel and holiday directory which showcases the beauty of South Africa to the world. The site also connects travellers to experiences best suited to their aspirations.

He is an energetic and inspired individual who has a deep love for South Africa.
John has many years of experience in web design, development, search engine optimisation, tourism and media management.