Spotlight: Meet The Founder of Nancy Designs

Today we want to introduce you to someone very special and no stranger to SA Decor and Design! Nancy Hartman is the founder of Nancy Designs and today she’s sharing more about her interior design ventures and personal style…

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is classic modern with an African twist. I do however love mixing antiques with modern pieces too. This style tells a story, there is history and layering in the décor. We live in Africa so I feel it’s important to include African elements, especially since they are so evocative and decorative.

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

Definitely the personal touch. We are very small and offer an individualised service. We really listen to you and take into account all your needs and requirements, whilst advising you as to the best possible décor in your home or office.

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

Fabric. I love fabric. Especially on scatter cushions. I find I like to change up scatter cushions in a home on a regular or seasonal basis. This way your décor remains fresh and ever-new! You never get bored.

Any furniture items you cannot live without?

I cannot live without pretty things around me. And by that, I don’t mean frilly fussy décor items. I mean beautiful things. Be it luxurious fabric, beautiful lines in a piece of furniture or beautifully framed artwork. If it is ugly, don’t have it around you. It literally pollutes you and your environment. Get rid of it. Life is too short to be surrounded by ugliness. Make your environment beautiful yet practical.

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

Funnily enough Parisian and French design has played a large role in my life since I grew up there. The French style can be very modern and they generally love an eccentric African décor item just to jolt your senses. The French can be mad about colour sometimes, bringing a warm feel into their cold climate. However, they aren’t afraid of doing a neutral interior either, using wood and other natural elements, especially in their luxurious ski chalets. There they use sheep skin, wood and stone to great effect, with large windows letting in as much light as possible. One thing I love about the architecture is that the windows tend to be right down to the floor level to let loads of light in.

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

I wouldn’t say there has been any single challenging project more than challenging aspects to a project. I remember having to get a very large cement dining table into a client’s second-floor apartment and we had to hoist it over the balcony as it obviously wouldn’t fit through the lift. I was terrified that the concrete solid slab would crack! It didn’t though. Other challenges can be lodges and such as the transport issues to get furniture and décor items to the lodges that are situated deep into the bush can be a challenge. But we always overcome and we love a challenge!

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

The design industry in South Africa is very exciting at the moment. What I love is that we have a lot of smaller manufacturing businesses that offer bespoke items, be it fabric design or furniture. This means that we can really offer one-off designs to our clients at a very affordable price. The quality of our South African-made products is usually very high and we can certainly be proud of it.

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

Definitely handmade items. The more our world becomes bulk orientated, we are naturally gravitating towards a more personal touch. We want to feel natural products and know that someone made that item solely by hand. This renders it far more special than mass made items. It means something to us. Furthermore, by purchasing these kind of items we are supporting a market of the people.

Reach out to Nancy Designs for your next residential or lodge project and remember to visit the online store for curated decor and Nancy’s favourite finds.