Blog, Trends, Opinions

Bush fever

It comes as no surprise that we (and this particular reference is to the lucky Bloomingdales’ Directors!) draw respite and soul-regeneration from the African bush. There’s nothing quite like it.

This is especially true after spending many grueling hours traipsing the aisles in search of the singular nugget that may be found at the world’s biggest furniture, and homeware fair. Followed by even more aisle-surfing at Asia’s largest lighting fair. While these fairs do wonders for ones activity measures and step counts – for sure there’s very little by way of nuggets! (Why is it that my iPhone always under-estimates my step count relative to Robyn’s? Must be a software glitch!)

This begs the question … why not side-step the traipsing, and go directly to the African Heartland? Especially when what awaits you are colours, materials, textures and designs that not only perfectly reflect their African setting, but actually hold their own and even surpass the very best of what you’d expect to see in Paris and New York.

Not unlike the reference in our previous Blog – there is also an element of challenge to the design-convention; a stunning oversized Parisian-style table lamp offset against roughly hewn stone walls. Cherry wood side tables that accent the joinery. By all accounts some rather expensive, beautifully proportioned pendants. And all this before you step outside to gaze into the wilderness while consuming copious amounts of G&T (actually, make that G&Ts).

And by the way, don’t be concerned about the organic looking horn statue; it’s very much faux – the owner of this Lodge is the most conservationally aware individual you’d ever hope to find!

Clearly the design aesthetic is not merely a function of the bought-elements or made-to-order, bespoke elements; it is also very much a reflection of local design sophistication. The point to note is that the African bush offers design professionals a unique opportunity to express their skills in ways unlike any other, more typical design project. And yes, budget certainly does help.

I guess I’ll put my feet up, and gulp down the next G&T. I really need it after all that traipsing...