Spotlight: Atmosphere Furniture

Atmosphere Furniture is a contemporary and eclectic home-goods brand, showcasing furniture and homeware that has been sourced globally or manufactured locally, for every room in the house. With a brand new store now open to the public, we couldn’t wait to chat to the team about this growing brand…

Patrick Stout-Sheard from Atmosphere Furniture shares all…

1. How would you describe your personal style?

Understated flair. Sounds like a contradiction, but it really isn’t – it’s just about bringing in some flair to pieces when you take the time to look at them, rather than peacocking. It could be an embroidery element on one of my shirts, brass legs on a console, a pocket square in my suit jacket, or a tassel on a scatter cushion

2. What qualities define your brand/business?

We’re unconventional & eclectic. Meaning we look for pieces from around the world that you can’t find in the other chain brands here, and we style them together with pieces from other regions or eras, so create an interesting and dynamic look.

3. What sets your brand apart in the industry at the moment?

We’re brave. With tough economic times, and increasing competition, the major players we know so well have reverted to the safety of what has traditionally sold. We are looking forward and buying stock that we predict will sell tomorrow.

4. What is the most recent purchase you’ve made for your home and why?

A new dog bed! Our Great Dane, Sebastian, is now fully grown, and he’s onto his 3rd bed to try and keep pace with his increasing size!

5. What one design element, trend or furniture item can you not live without. Why?

Layering. It’s like a personality – you may have a conservative or liberal foundation, but on top of that you have streaks of what makes you, you. The same goes for styling – the animal skin on the carpet, the candles on the coffee table, or the throws and scatters on the sofa, they are the ingredients that make your home, your home, not just a house.

6. What design influence has had the greatest influence on your work and business?

I genuinely could not single out one. We have been heavily influenced by antique-style French furniture, African tribal art, timeless Scandinavian design, local photography, and South East Asia craftsmanship to name but a few.

7. What has been one of the most challenging projects you have worked on?

Opening Atmosphere, without doubt. A year planning, a year building, and now years ahead of us to build the brand into our vision.

8. How would you describe the design industry in South Africa at present?

Accelerating. The ever-faster access to global trends and increased influence from all round the globe is changing & influencing what we have known for so long.

9. What trends do you think we should keep an eye on in upcoming seasons?

The move from in to out. More and more spaces are sacrificing inside real estate for outside living. People are choosing a 40m2 apartment with a 10m2 balcony, over a 60m2 apartment. Small houses with gardens in the suburbs are making a comeback, over high rises in the city. As we are becoming more aware of the environment we live in, our desire to experience it is also growing. In this business, it means outdoor furniture is to become one of our largest ranges.

10. What exciting projects do you have planned within the next year?

We’re just opened doors 4 weeks ago, so for now, it is about building momentum, getting feedback, and then we’ll brainstorm some exciting ways to execute that feedback.

Contact: Atmosphere Furniture