During the restrictions imposed by the global pandemic, our homes became our sanctuaries. Confined within four walls, many of us focused on the elements that define our personal space for the first time.
A vintage sideboard crafted from weathered wood, a custom-made cabinet that holds a collection of books, a coffee table dotted with stains left by cups of coffee was suddenly seen with new eyes.
These pieces most likely have one distinct feature in common: the hard horizontal lines that have defined interior design for more than a decade. But post-pandemic, there has been a shift towards smooth-edged design that echoes the serenity of nature.
Meet Designer Mpho Vackier
For engineer-turned-furniture designer Mpho Vackier, the resurgence of softer edges and more gentle curves is a direct response to the ‘global need for comfort’.
Founder of TheUrbanative, a multi-award-winning furniture and product design company, Vackier is committed to ‘telling contemporary African stories’ through collaboration in craft and design. ‘I’m not a fan of the limitations implied by the term “trend”,’ explains Vackier, who is wary that it is often linked to a fleeting moment of excitement that results in an unsustainable approach when it comes to execution.
‘I believe that as we evolve, guided by events that shape the world we live in, we should be able to look to design to make things better.’ According to Vackier, the recent resurgence of curved lines is an organic reaction to the need for comfort.
Curved lines have always been prominent in TheUrbanative designs, and feature in the studio’s most recent celebrated collection, ‘Homecoming’. ‘Softer lines create a sense of comfort and familiarity,’ explains Vackier.
‘They are easier on the eye than angular, hard edges, creating a more organic outline, which we associate with a sense of safety.’ ‘Living with nature is possibly the biggest global trend right now,’ says multi-award-winning furniture and interior designer, Haldane Martin.
His innovative namesake brand, Haldane, has made local and international audiences sit up and take notice. Ahead of the curve, Martin’s iconic Songololo Sofa, which mimics the shape of a millipede, was first revealed 15 years ago at Design Indaba, breaking the constraints imposed by trends at the time.
Curved furniture and decor accents are extremely versatile and can work with most styles. By simply changing their texture and colour you can evoke the glamour of the Roaring 20s or the mid-century aesthetic of the 50s.
The iconic Songololo Sofa by Haldane has been re-engineered for outdoor living in 2022. It now comes in top-class durable outdoor fabric by Sunbrella and is kitted out with UV-stable powder-coated aluminium that comes in 20 shades.
‘It has become increasingly important that humanity expresses a vested interest in the preservation of nature’, says Martin. ‘In art, fashion, design and architecture we are able to appreciate nature and herald its forms, materials and processes. In the natural world, we see plentiful rounded forms.’ For Martin, roundness is pure, friendly and familiar.
‘It is the absence of sharpness,’ he explains. ‘Subconsciously, it reads as unity, harmony and continuity.’ According to Martin, the idea of luxury has changed for a lot of people. ‘There has been an important shift from the accumulation of stuff to an accumulation of peace.
Stillness and safety are desirable. Living with nature is the new luxury.’ Haldane’s designs have always embraced curvature ‘to accentuate the friendliness of the furniture’. Martin points out that the body is not made of straight lines, so anything that touches the body should be ergonomic.
On the one hand, this recent renewed appreciation of ergonomic design is a result of our need for a sense of comfort. On the other, it also draws from the rich pool of biomorphic design, which is a philosophy that takes its cue from nature and is inspired by the flowing lines of plants, animals and landscapes.
So, how do you bring this principle into your own home? ‘Don’t design your life around others,’ advises Martin. ‘Design is personal. Figure out what you want to feel when you experience your space and let that guide the choices that you make. Vackier agrees: ‘Do what feels good. Make your home truly yours.’
There has been an important shift from the accumulation of stuff to an accumulation of peace
A Sense of Home
The ‘Homecoming’ collection is inspired by African architecture and designed to evoke the feelings we associate with home. The furniture is handmade in Africa with natural and recycled materials.
– Mykonos Metal Jug-Vase Small 25x11x11cm R 499
– Floor Lamp Luna With Terazzo 155cm R 1 999
– Mykonos Metal Belly-Vase Medium 34.5x17x17cm R 649
– Isabella 4 seater velvet R 29 999
– Pillar candle door ivory 12 R199
– Rotunda dining chair fibreguard velvet R2 499
– Cap Martin Side Table Adjustable Glass R 3 499
*All available at selected @home stores and online at www.home.co.za. Prices correct at time of publishing*
The Marenco sofa, designed by Italian architect Mario Marenco, has been released in outdoor fabric and has kept its iconic plush look.
