Spotlight: Meet Award-Winning Designer Deborah Garth

Award-winning interior designer, Deborah Garth, showcases a love for beautifully minimalist spaces. As a premier designer, her work includes a natural flair for remodelling spacious homes and private commercial spaces. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Deborah about her most recent projects and trends.

Here is what she had to say…

How would you describe your personal style?

I am definitely a minimalist…in texture, form and function.

What qualities define your brand?

In one word pliable, we have no preconceived ideas about our clients and make it our business to fully understand their needs and vision. From an aesthetic perspective, we love textures which are often overlooked within an interior space. The following pillars define our business: Simplicity. Attitude. Honesty. Harmony.

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

Having been in the industry for 27 years we have realised the need to continually adapt to this ever-changing world. We are continually researching and looking at everything in the world around us for inspiration. Understanding the changes in consumer attitudes and changing needs is essential to stay relevant in this industry. The most obvious of these changes is in the corporate space where organisations are working differently to how they did a decade back. The new workforce comprises of Millennials, Generation X and Baby Boomers, you need to design with all these generations in mind.

What is the most recent purchase you’ve made for your home?

I purchased a baking/roasting pan from Le Creuset. Amazing product! I was so tired of scrubbing my older pans after roasting. This pan is a dream to roast with…..my goodies just slip onto the plate and washing up is, well, just a joy!

Any furniture items you cannot live without?

My leather ottoman from Weylandts. It is 800sq and fits anywhere in my home. It looks beautiful, two to four people can sit on it at one time, it is a comfy seat to casually sit on when making calls, it screams quality and always looks neat.

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

Minimalism. Japanese design. From the time I started studying design right thru to running my own business. The late Andree Putman was a legend and my design guru. A fabulous place to look at true minimalism, highlighting quality and texture, is Ghandis house in Orchards, Norwood. Oh my, the interior design and architecture is sublime. Such honesty in materials and build.

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

Most of my projects are challenging. For the builder especially. I tend to design outside of the rule book, with complete trust in the outcome. But it is very difficult for most to envisage before completion… if I haven’t done a 3D render beforehand. It is never run of the mill detailing. This keeps the builder and specialists on their toes and I find, makes the project so much more enjoyable.

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

Like every industry, it is under pressure for those that are not willing to adapt to change. There are disruptions every day and the companies that are embracing change are doing exceptionally well.

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

One of the biggest trends is an “Anti-Trend” meaning fewer people follow a single direction as option prescribed in publications. The biggest trend is one of individuality and uniqueness. There are however certain design directions which are more prevalent than others including the mass appeal of the colour black. This colour is being used for everything from kitchens to exterior colour in homes and even entire rooms being painted in this dramatic way. It is certainly not for everybody but rapidly growing in popularity. Natural materials are also key as there is a move away from mass production and cheap furniture imports.

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

The Zambia project I am busy with now, should be in its second phase by then. I also have three lines of products designed especially for Deborah Garth Interior design international (pty)ltd. It is in its proofing and critiquing stage. Should be up on my website in a months’ time. A launch party will be arranged as well. That will be fun!

What awards have you won?

I received an international award for the best interior design for a residential property in South Africa 2018/2019. And recently I won another international award for the most innovative interior designer 2019/2020.

Find out more from Deborah Garth Interior Design.