The Interior Scoop

Chantelle Caruth started The Design Den in Hilton around five years ago when she moved back from the North Coast. “The Midlands is all about growing families and peaceful retirements in beautiful country settings and cosy homes. I wanted to bring solutions so people can have the pieces and spaces of their dreams without breaking the bank! We achieved this through refurbishing and reupholstering furniture, painted kitchen makeovers and bespoke finishes,” she shared. This has grown into interior design with a special focus on kitchens.

According to Chantelle, some of the emerging interior trends right now are a shift from minimalism to maximalism. Warmer beiges, deep rich woods, and brass fittings are replacing cooler colours like greys, silvers, and whites. Darker blues, greens, and aubergine are becoming statement colours for wallpapers, and floors are becoming more seamless, including one-tile-throughout bathrooms. “The 70s have made a comeback and are melding nicely with all the modern neutral materials we are used to. People are building modern homes and filling them with old-school furniture and décor to bring warmth and character to their spaces,” shared Chantelle.

When it comes to choosing the best items, Chantelle recommends a beautiful art piece that will create a pop of colour or add character. You can always win with indoor plants like peace lilies, which are a great option, and you don’t have to have green fingers for it. This will also give you more opportunities to play with various types and colours of pots or baskets.

Chantelle’s Top Picks:

• As kitchen specialists, we rely heavily on the incredible carpenters from Cedarhaus for custom carpentry.
• The workmanship from the guys at Gladstone Granite for all things stone is second to none, including custom vanities, side tables, lazy Susans and cutting boards.
• Our go-to for any textiles and fabrics is a treasure trove in Howick called Amber’s Fabric & Furniture Warehouse. They are a massive factory brimming with stunning local and imported fabrics as well as furniture, cushions, curtains and rugs. They also offer reupholstery services and make custom curtains and blinds with delivery and installation.
• If you are looking for antique, preloved or new furniture, The Furniture Warehouse in Pietermaritzburg has it all, and their selection of mirrors, pots, vases, basketware and unique décor pieces is endless.
• And of course, the absolute gem that is The Ugly Duckling in Nottingham Road has unique furniture, lighting, rugs and décor items.

“Don’t be afraid to buck the trends! Your home should be a reflection of you and all the things that bring you joy. If you are buying things that stir something inside you, then that personality will start to show in your home. Be bold and have fun with the things that can be easily changed.”

www.thedesignden.co.za