Ilovani: Organic Fusion in Sustainable Designs

Ilovani is passionate about sustainability; using timber from accredited sources; implementing recovery programmes – creating accessories from wood ‘off-cuts’ and utilising redundant ‘wine barrel oak’ in new, functional designs. It is the organic fusion of natural elements found locally and crafted into sustainable designs.

Founded in 1996 by husband and wife team, Neil & Lisa Murray, Ilovani started as a design and manufacturing company. The couple was inspired by the incredibly beautiful indigenous hardwoods that grow in South African forests and felt they needed to express this inspiration in the form of a furniture and home ware range.

Sunburst Server

Ilovani embrace ‘skills development programmes’, teaching and imparting dignity to the local community. Ilovani means ‘chameleon’ in Xhosa; named as a tribute to the ever changing, dynamic character of this creature. The Ilovani workshop is situated on Neil and Lisa’s farm, outside Plettenberg Bay, and the range is showcased out of the Ilovani showroom that is situated at ‘The Heath Complex’ on the N2 National Highway between Plett and Knysna, right before the entrance to the Murray’s Farm. In 2010, Lisa met designer Claire Regnard O’Grady of Amoeba Concepts, and the two realised they shared the same passion for sustainability.

A few months later, the Ilovani Showroom transformed into Amoeba@Ilovani. In addition to running the shop, Claire has also taken over running the factory. In 2017, a collaboration between Amoeba & Ilovani resulted in a signature range of contemporary furniture.

Love Seat

In 2010, Lisa met designer Claire Regnard O’Grady of Amoeba Concepts, and the two realised they shared the same passion for sustainability. A few months later, the Ilovani Showroom transformed into Amoeba@Ilovani. In addition to running the shop, Claire has also taken over running the factory. In 2017, a collaboration between Amoeba and Ilovani resulted in a signature range of contemporary furniture.

Ilovani is passionate about the cause of sustainability, creating exquisite home ware and accessories from recycled glass, wood ‘off-cuts’ and repurposed materials in unique and functional signature pieces. They continue to develop the range, which is available in shops and outlets both nationally and internationally.

Recycled Glass Mandala

Each piece is individually hand crafted, inspired by the distinctive character of the carefully chosen local timber, selected for its character. The result is an organic fusion of natural elements and metal which has become Ilovani’s trademark. Interesting alternatives to the indigenous wood creations are the furniture items crafted from recovered Wine Barrels.

For more visit Ilovani.