What makes an interior exceptional? What brings it together, creates harmony, and makes it feel whole? Often, it’s the finishes—but today, we shift our focus to Art & Object, Texture, and Functional Features.
1. Art & Object
This part excites me. Art is expressive in many forms—sometimes subtle and unpretentious, other times bold and statement-making. What makes art truly special is that it has a story. It’s handmade. Someone poured their soul into it—how they felt at that moment in their life is captured in the piece.
A little ritual I love is browsing antique shops, art galleries, and quirky artsy stores. Getting out, exploring your hometown or neighbouring towns often leads to unexpected finds—pieces that end up fitting your home perfectly.
One thing to always remember—though most of us already know this—is that art is deeply personal. You have to be drawn to it. You have to like it because you’re the one who will live with it. Art is different for each of us—just like we are. That’s the magic: beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
Art comes in many forms: sculptural pieces, paintings, cultural heirlooms, antique mirrors. You can style them beautifully in your space or even create a backdrop to draw the eye and let light play across the piece.
Art gives mood.
It brings soul, sparks curiosity, and can transport you to another time or place. It creates emotion—and that’s the point. It should make you feel.
One of my favourite ways to use art? In the kitchen—the space we use the most. Why not showcase your favourite painting in the pantry or sculptural piece on your kitchen island? You can also create a striking focal point by layering panelling and themed wallpaper. Art deserves to live in every room.
2. Tactile Antiques
Tactile pieces add a layer of warmth, character, richness—and they contribute to the storytelling of a space.
A vintage chair with bouclé fabric can bring harmony to a sophisticated reading nook or a cozy lounge. Add a sourced Persian runner to introduce a different level of texture and refinement. Distressed leather on an antique desk tells a story—and now you get to add your chapter.
When hunting for pieces like these, flea markets and second-hand stores are treasure troves. Bring a friend or your partner, and always have a note with your measurements and a tape measure in hand. Sometimes what was meant for the floor could become a feature on the wall. A fresh perspective—or an extra pair of eyes—can help spark new ideas.
When you choose something together with your partner, it instantly becomes more personal.
Secret tip: Tactile antiques shine in minimalist homes. They add just the right layer of soul.
3. Functional Features
These pieces have a purpose—and because of their everyday use, they naturally become focal points in a home.
Get to know how your space lives—and how you live in it. Functional heirlooms like an old farmer’s table or a butcher’s block can become the heart of your kitchen. They’re where you entertain, where meals are shared, where you might paint & draw, where memories gather. Choose pieces that already have a bit of character—so you’re never worried about scratches or spills. Instead, you’re adding to the story.
A chest of drawers with antique recessed handles brings nostalgia and craftsmanship into your home. These pieces were made to last and designed with purpose—functional art, really.
You can find beautiful heirloom-quality furniture in antique stores, at auctions, on Facebook Marketplace, or while travelling across South Africa. Every town has its hidden gems.
Go on the journey to find your heirloom.
Let it become part of your story.
