Studio Masson: Elevating Surface Design Through Innovation, Luxury, and Timeless Craftsmanship

Studio Masson has long been at the forefront of premium surface design in South Africa. With a newly unveiled showroom in Cape Town, this visionary brand continues to redefine the art of interiors.

From Italian luxury bathroom brands like Antoniolupi and Gessi to their exclusive European tile and timber flooring collections, Studio Masson offers a curated, immersive experience that blends beauty with function. In this interview, the founders Heidi Masson and Guillaume Masson share their journey, design philosophy, and the exciting future that lies ahead.

What was your vision for the space, and how does it reflect Studio Masson’s brand philosophy?

Our vision for the new showroom was to create a space that doesn’t just showcase surfaces but inspires and engages the senses. At Studio Masson, we believe that surfaces are the canvas for great interior design, and the showroom reflects our commitment to elegance, innovation, and quality. We’ve carefully curated each zone to create real, livable environments—spaces that feel both aspirational and attainable. The recent addition of Antoniolupi and Gessi, a both renowned Italian bathroom brands, elevates the luxury offering in our showroom even further. Paired with striking art pieces, beautiful feature lightening and sophisticated furniture – these additions transform the space into a fully immersive experience, where creativity, design, and functionality come together in the most beautiful way.

Studio Masson has over 30 years of expertise in surface design. Can you share a bit about how it all started and what inspired the journey?

Studio Masson was founded by my husband Guillaume and I. We’re a dynamic team—driven by a shared passion for creativity, beautiful design, and products that elevate everyday living. From the very beginning, we were inspired by how thoughtfully chosen finishes can completely transform a space. That belief still drives us today. We’re always evolving, introducing timber flooring from BOEN to our collection last year and now brands like Antoniolupi and Gessi to offer more refined, luxury experiences and partnering with artists to bring sculptural and visual artistry into the showroom. Our goal is to offer more than just surfaces—we want to offer inspiration.

Your collections feature some of the finest Italian and European porcelain tiles and mosaics. What do you look for when selecting international suppliers?

We are highly selective when choosing our international suppliers. We seek out brands that share our commitment to design excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Many of our partners—like Fiandre, SapienStone, SICIS  and now also Boen – our recently introduced timber flooring supplier —are leaders in their fields. These collaborations allow us to bring our clients exclusive, high-quality products that are not only visually striking but also technically advanced. It’s important that each brand we work with aligns with our mission to enhance the way people experience their living spaces.

How would you describe Studio Masson’s role in influencing or elevating surface design in South Africa?

We see ourselves as curators, collaborators, and educators. Our goal has always been to elevate surface design by helping clients and design professionals make more informed, inspired decisions. Through our immersive showroom experience, personalised service, and expert knowledge, we strive to bridge the gap between European design innovation and local application. We’re proud to have played a part in bringing premium surface finishes to the South African market, and in doing so, raising the standard for what’s possible in interior and architectural design.

The new showroom is more than a display space—it’s an experience. What do you hope architects, designers, and homeowners feel when they walk through it?

I hope they feel inspired, intrigued, and confident in their design decisions. The showroom is designed to be a journey of discovery, where textures, finishes, and form come together in an intuitive way. With the inclusion of Antoniolupi, our clients now have access to one of Italy’s most design-forward bathroom brands—right here in Cape Town. And by incorporating furniture and contemporary art pieces into the space, we’ve elevated the atmosphere from showroom to gallery, creating a space where art and design meet. We want every visitor to leave felling inspired with fresh perspective and a clearer vision for their project.

Studio Masson has built strong collaborations with various suppliers. Can you tell us more about these partnerships and how they shape your offering?

Our supplier relationships are built on mutual respect, shared values, and a long-term vision for excellence. We collaborate closely with world-class manufacturers to bring exclusive collections to the South African market. These aren’t just supply agreements—they’re true partnerships in innovation. Brands like Fiandre and SapienStone work alongside us to provide not only premium products, but also technical training, marketing support, and curated selections tailored to our clients’ needs.

The addition of Boen timber flooring has further strengthened our offering, reinforcing Studio Masson as a go-to destination for refined, high-end interior finishes.

We’ve also extended our collaborations beyond surfaces to create a fully immersive showroom experience. In our new space, we’ve partnered with like-minded design brands to help clients visualise products in a real-life setting.

Roche Bobois’s exquisite furniture collection adds a luxurious, lived-in dimension to the showroom, while local talents like Stephen Pikus, Kino and Wiid Design bring warmth, texture, and South African craftsmanship to the space. We’re also proud to collaborate with  Officine Gullo, renowned for their masterfully crafted, custom-made kitchens that blend cutting-edge technology with traditional Florentine artistry. Together, these collaborations enrich the client experience and allow us to showcase our surfaces in their full lifestyle context.

Sustainability and innovation are becoming key drivers in design. How does Studio Masson approach eco-conscious and forward-thinking design?

Sustainability is a core consideration in our curation process. Many of our partners are pioneers in eco-conscious manufacturing—using recycled content, low-emission technologies, and cradle-to-cradle certifications. We favour materials that are VOC-free, long-lasting, and low maintenance, because we believe sustainability is not only about the product’s origin but also about its performance over time. The combination of eco-innovation and timeless design ensures our clients make choices that are both responsible and future-proof.

What are some current tile and surface trends you’re most excited about right now?

We’re seeing a strong movement toward tactility and layered textures. Matte finishes, fluted surfaces, and stone-look porcelains are being used to create depth and interest. I’m also excited about the resurgence of rich colour palettes—terracotta, deep green, rust tones—and bold marbling that brings drama to walls and floors. There’s a growing appetite for personalised and expressive design, and that’s something we champion.

Your collections are known for blending functionality with aesthetic elegance. How do you ensure that balance in your curation?

It’s about understanding that our clients don’t want to choose between beauty and performance—they want both. Every product we bring in must meet our standards for aesthetic refinement and technical quality. Whether it’s a large-format slab, a mosaic detail, or a bathroom fixture, we look for pieces that are both visually powerful and practical in real-world applications. This commitment is what allows us to create spaces that are as liveable as they are beautiful.

What’s next for Studio Masson? Are there any upcoming collaborations, awards, product launches, or events we should watch out for?

The opening of our new showroom marks an exciting new chapter for Studio Masson. We’re introducing Fine Finishes Fridays—a curated series of intimate, by-invitation events where design professionals can explore our collections in a relaxed, collaborative setting. We remain committed to discovery and innovation, continuously sourcing new luxury products to enhance and expand our offering.

We’re also proud to have received the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury Surface Design, a recognition that inspires us to continue striving for excellence in everything we do. There’s so much more on the horizon, and we’re truly excited about the journey ahead.

Contact: Studio Masson