The Future of Surfaces: Interslab on Colour, Collaboration and Innovation

A new chapter is taking shape at Interslab. While the name remains unchanged, a refreshed visual identity signals an evolution for the South African surface specialist, with a stronger focus on design, innovation, and its relationship with the architecture and interiors community.

Founded in 2000, Interslab supplies quartz, porcelain, and natural stone across Southern Africa and represents an extensive portfolio that includes its own Rudi’s Choice, Eezi Quartz, and LUTUM brands, as well as distribution rights for Caesarstone and Infinity Surfaces.

SA Décor & Design caught up with Vuyokazi Mhlope, Head of Marketing at Interslab, to discuss the thinking behind the brand’s new look, the arrival of Infinity Surfaces’ Colour in Motion collection, the emotional power of colour, and why collaboration and sustainability will be increasingly important to the future of the industry.

Interslab has entered a new chapter with a refreshed brand identity. What inspired the change?

“The name Interslab is remaining. What we have done, however, is recrafted the look and feel of the logo.

The reason we did that was to make it more design-focused, innovative, and premium, and align it more with architectural, interior design, kitchen, and landscape trends.

That’s not to say our old logo wasn’t beautiful – it was – but this is a new chapter, a new era and a new awakening. We want to usher the brand into this new era in a way that people can relate to and experience Interslab in its most glorified way.”

2. Infinity Surfaces’ Colour in Motion collection places a strong emphasis on colour, movement and surface design. How do you see this influencing South African interiors?

“The new Colour in Motion collection features beautiful new Infinity colours from Italy, and they reflect what people are looking for right now. They also reflect different feelings and how people respond when they look at a slab.

It all depends on what someone feels and what they love, which is why we try to make sure the range has something for everyone.

I don’t think there is one right trend. A trend depends on how a colour makes you feel. It depends on what makes you feel a sense of home when you look at that colour and the space in which you’re going to use it.

I don’t necessarily think colours are trends; it’s about how colours make you feel. Each colour feels different to somebody else. What feels bold to you might feel like too much to me, and that individuality is important.”

3. Who do you see driving greater creativity in the way surfaces are being used?

“There are a lot of interior designers, fabricators, kitchen companies, and architects pushing things forward. They’re being innovative, challenging the status quo, and pushing beyond their usual boundaries to find new, creative ways to enhance products and develop interesting solutions.

Then some prefer to play it safe, and there’s nothing wrong with that either.

It’s about us coming together collectively as an industry and realising that we are all one. Learning from each other and sharing best practice is how we can evolve, grow and innovate even further.”

4. Sustainability is increasingly part of the design conversation. What does it mean for Interslab?

“At Interslab, we care very much about sustainability. Even when we have offcuts, we try to utilise them for other purposes. They might not necessarily be consumer-facing products, but we can find ways to turn those materials into promotional or marketing items rather than simply allowing them to go to waste.

I think sustainability is a word that is used very loosely, not only within our industry but across society as a whole. As an industry, we need to come together and make sure we continue finding more sustainable solutions in everything we do.

I think we have only touched the surface. There is still so much that can be done.”

5. Infinity describes its products as ‘engineered surfaces’. What does that mean to you?

“I think there’s a reason Infinity uses the term ‘engineered surfaces’. If you look at engineering as a word on its own, it means precision and crafting. When I think about engineering, I think about mathematics and an incredible amount of detail.

That is what Infinity represents, and that’s why the term engineered surfaces is so fitting.”

6 And finally, which designs from Colour in Motion are your personal favourites?

“The Taj Mahal and the Onyx White.”

For Mhlope, the future of surfaces is ultimately about much more than following a particular colour or aesthetic. It lies in giving designers greater freedom to express individuality, challenging conventional applications, and encouraging the industry to share ideas and find better solutions together. With its refreshed identity and evolving portfolio of international and locally owned brands, Interslab is positioning this spirit of collaboration, innovation and considered design firmly at the centre of its next chapter.