Distinguished Living: Revolutionising the Art of Living

Distinguished Living is an innovative design company based in South Africa, fast redefining the boundaries of interior design. With a passion for creating harmonious and functional environments, Distinguished Living is poised to become the go-to destination for those seeking to elevate their homes and workplaces.

“We believe in creating sophisticated and luxurious spaces that are tailored to every client’s budget and needs. Using a variety of styles, colour palettes, furniture arrangements and decorative details we create bespoke spaces without necessarily breaking the bank.” This is the philosophy of the founder Boitsheko Ganyane, who believes that living spaces should not only reflect our personalities but also foster a sense of balance and tranquility.

By combining sleek designs, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship, Distinguished Living creates pieces that not only beautify but also enhance the overall living experience.

Distinguished Living offers a curated selection of furniture, decor, and interior design services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From modern sofas and chairs to bespoke kitchen designs, every piece is crafted with precision and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking to revamp your home, office, or outdoor space, the team has the expertise and creativity to bring your vision to life.

“We offer tailored solutions and services to fit our clients’ specific needs and financial circumstances. Our offerings are designed to ensure that everyone gets a personalised experience no matter the brief or budget.”

Please walk us through your career path that led you to co-own and be the director and CEO of Distinguished Living:
Some would say that I have had a very unconventional Segway into the design space and I would partially agree. I started my career chasing the corporate ladder at PwC as a strategy consultant. I had it all planned out that I would make my way to the top and along the way go off to do my MBA etc. However, life has an interesting way of always reminding one of their passion. I have always had such a burning passion for design and just beautiful spaces in general. It was the one that felt like I could get lost in without complaint or issue.  It was in between long hours and banking presentations, that I realised that corporate was a means to an end for me. I wanted to pursue this passion that I had and bring it to reality and that is when I started working towards building this dream. Distinguished Living has been around since 2016. It has been almost 10 years and I can finally say that I see it coming together. It was definitely been a long game but every year was worth it. I now run it with my mother, she is our new COO. I am honestly soo blessed to be working with someone I can trust and who has the same vision and drive as I do. It has really made a world of a difference.

Please tell us the meaning and story behind the name.
As with anyone starting a business the process of finding the perfect name can be very daunting. I must admit, I deliberated over many names some good and many bad but never quite like Distinguished Living.  I eventually had a conversation with a friend and as we were discussing my present issue of not having a name she suggested I perhaps use something relating to my name. In Setswana the name Boitsheko means the “Distinguished” one. Thus was born the name Distinguished Living, an ode to my name and life’s passion.

Could you please share some of your proudest milestones in the industry?
To be honest I am living the dream that I have always imagined, I have come a long way in trying to bring this to life and to finally be living as an interior designer and furniture manufacturing is both humbling and amazing. Although we are still small I am very proud that we can sustain a staff complement of 6 full time staff all working with us to create such beautiful piece. Just the fact we have managed to create sustainable jobs is something I have always dreamed of.

You aim to produce visually striking interior design and architectural design concepts that are always supported by intense planning and operational quality. Please touch on the importance of this.
We carry a very heavy responsibility as creatives and designers, it is our job to try and bridge the gap between concept and reality. Clients often come to us seeking help to try and help them bring their visions to life. So that responsibility in itself is not to be taken lightly. So, taking them on the journey with you as you design their concepts and plan is very important. You want to be able to come achieve their desired outcomes as best as possible whilst making the experience as valuable as possible. So for me that whole process is one has to be very meticulous and thought out. It is actually the back bone to running a successful project.

What challenges have you faced throughout the years, and how did you overcome them?
I mean for one, pivoting into the design space with a corporate background was not easy. It took me years to finally get to a point where the people around me (let alone the public) actually took my efforts seriously. But I guess people never really see the vision until it has come to fruition. The nay sayers were many but I think my vision was much stronger than that and so It wasn’t something I would allow to get me down.  I think being in a male dominated space through manufacturing has always not been without its issues, having to assert myself as a young woman who is new in the game has no doubt ruffled some feathers with my staff particularly those who had thought I was not cut out for the space. However, I think people quickly grow to respect one when you are assertive and are willing to learn. When they realise that everyone has different strengths to bring to the table and that running a business is actually a partnership between you and your employees. They are essentially offering their skills and you are the one looking for the work. And once those two are in balance then you have a mutual relationship which is the key.

What is your why:
Doing what I love whilst creating jobs is one of my biggest “Whys”. I feel like I am living an answered prayer and a life’s passion

What is your hope for the future of design in South Africa?
To be honest, as a young black girl with a non- conventional segway into the design space I really wish to see more black faces in the spaces where it matters.  I do feel like there are some really great designers doing amazing things right now but they are still far and wide in between. The future of SA design is already looking very bright but with a bit more diversity I think we can all come together to be known as an amazing design hub in the world that offers a very unique perspective and take on design.  I am super excited for the future and I think with the right people this industry can make a real impactful difference in South Africa’s jobs market.

Visit Distinguished Living today and discover a world of harmonious living.