Inside Tones Spaces with Soul: An Interview with Toni-Anne van der Meulen

Toni-Anne van der Meulen

At the intersection of innovation, elegance, and design excellence stands Toni-Anne van der Meulen, the creative force behind Tones Spaces with Soul, and formerly known as Hot Cherry Signature Spaces — a boutique interior design studio known for its bold concepts and beautifully curated interiors. With over three decades of experience in both the graphic and interior design industries, Toni-Anne brings a unique flair to every project she touches.

We’re proud to announce this year’s collaboration with Toni-Anne at this year’s Decorex, where she is not only showcasing her own signature aesthetic but also representing our brand,  SA Décor and Design in a curated interior environment that captures the spirit of functional Afro-Chic beauty and inspired living at 100% Design. This remains one of South Africa’s leading contemporary design shows. It’s an incredible opportunity for international exposure, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with a designer whose vision, passion, and integrity align so seamlessly with the world of décor and design.

In this exclusive interview, we talk to Toni-Anne about the journey behind Tones Spaces with Soul, what drives her creativity, her thoughts on African design influences, and herupcoming venture into luxury accessories.

Q: Toni-Anne, thank you for chatting with us. Let’s start from the beginning—how did Tones come to life?

Toni-Anne:  Tones Spaces with Soul is the newly-launched brand identity for Hot Cherry Signature Spaces, which was born in 2007, but it’s the product of more than two decades of work in both the graphic and interior design industries. I have had a wonderful journey to date, not only with Hot Cherry but also including serving as Head of Design at Northpoint. However, now I feel it is time to take everything I’ve learned and create something with much deeper meaning and more conscious intention.  Hot Cherry has now evolved into Tones and it is essentially the extension of my passion for all things colour, texture and tone combined with my love of crafting stylish, memorable, yet entirely liveable interiors. I wanted to develop my original company into one that now resonates more deeply on a personal level, and one which focuses on bringing authenticity and soul into any and all spaces we create, making them more inviting and personal – literally, more soulful.

Q: What makes Tones Spaces with Soul different from other design studios?

Toni-Anne: While we’re a full-service turnkey interior design and décor company that handles every phase of the process from conceptualisation to final completion, I believe what sets us apart is our commitment to creating spaces that reflect the individuality of our clients. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter or formulaic design solutions. And while my personal design style leans toward eclectic modern chic—with a twist!—we tailor each project around our client’s personality, tastes, and needs. Our goal is to blend originality, flair, and functionality into every space we touch.

Q: You’ve worked on a wide variety of projects. Can you tell us more about the scope of your work?

Toni-Anne: Absolutely! We work across the hospitality, corporate, and residential sectors. That includes everything from new builds and refurbishments to bespoke designs for hotels, boutique hotels, game lodges, guest houses, B&Bs, restaurants, corporate offices and private homes. No project is too big or small—we’ve designed everything from luxury presidential suites and penthouses to intimate reading nooks. Our real strength lies in our ability to create cohesive, cosy and character-rich spaces regardless of the setting. The Scandinavians have a lovely word – hygge – which we’re re-interpreting as soulful, sacred spaces.

Q: What are some of the values that guide your work at Tones?

Toni-Anne: Passion, authenticity, an unwavering commitment to the design process, that personal touch – not to mention a healthy addiction to fabrics and fine furnishings too. We may pride ourselves on delivering interiors that are not only aesthetically striking but also practical, but attention to detail and creative excellence are paramount. And because we collaborate so closely with our clients, every project is a true reflection of their vision—brought to life with our signature style, sophistication and – dareisay it again, soulfulness.

Q: You’re currently working on your own range of interior accessories. Can you tell us more about that?

Toni-Anne: Yes, I’m so excited about our Tones Homewares with Heart range! It’s going to be a curated collection of interior accessories inspired by the breathtaking colours and textures of Africa’s landscapes. Each item will be hand-selected and exquisitely crafted with care. Think sumptuous colour palettes and luxurious materials—feathers, silk, suede, leather, tassels, colourful lacquers, timber, glass, and even some game skins. Our first collection will include cushions, cutlery, table linen, lamps, mirrors, a few bespoke pieces of furniture, ornaments, prints, and objets d’art. It’s all about adding those layered special touches that elevate a space from beautiful to unforgettable.

Q: With such a diverse portfolio and a growing product line, what’s next for Tones?

Toni-Anne: We’re constantly evolving and exploring new avenues and design directions. Expanding our accessory range is definitely part of the vision, and we’re also looking at collaborating with more local artisans and manufacturers to keep our offerings fresh and deeply rooted in African design narratives. Above all, we’ll continue to deliver inspired interiors that blend innovation and artistry with authenticity and soul.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to someone looking to transform their home or space?

Toni-Anne: Don’t be afraid to inject your own personality into your space. Design is not only about trends and how a space looks, but more about how being in that space makes you feel and how it reflects your individuality. Choose pieces and palettes that resonate with you, trust the process, and work with designers who listen. The result should always be a space that feels like home, but with a little extra magic.

It’s all about personality and inspired settings at Tones Spaces with Soul.

Contact: Tones Spaces with Soul