ALONG with the fashion craze in South Africa, living beautifully has created a movement of its own. While black interior designers have remained small fish in the pond, some are making headway in the largely white, male-dominated field.
One of them is Lisebo Mokhesi of Ink Design. Mokhesi, who hails from the Vaal in Gauteng, is one of SA's leading interior decorators.
A lawyer by profession and an interior designer by training, she specialises in commercial and office interiors.
Mokhesi, who has been an interior decorator for 10 years, says she got into the profession because she was attracted by the love of her ability to transform and embellish a physical space.
"The satisfaction of seeing a client's happiness in a successful transformation of any space is what excites me the most.
"What I like about this job most is that clients know what they want and know their taste, but are open-minded at the same time.
"So we can discuss the outcome holistically and are prepared to take professional advice," Mokhesi says.
From an early age, Mokhesi says she had always been attracted to creative endeavours, but took a long time to come around to that realisation.
"Ï am inspired by people who have understood their capacity and ability and constantly strive to improve on them," Mokhesi says.
"I am also inspired by those who educate and regenerate themselves all the time in their chosen fields."
Mokhesi has worked with many prominent people, but refuses to say their names.
"I have worked with quite a number of highly-placed people but client confidentiality restricts me from divulging their names."
What would Mokhesi say are the hottest trends in interior decor at the moment?
She says there is an interest in renewing old things, or using them in different ways, and the contrast between high technology and natural textures. Boldness in the use of colour is also in.
Her hard work and talent have not gone unnoticed.
She has been selected as one of the four designers to interpret the 2013 Plascon paint colour forecast which is going to be unveiled at Decorex, which will take place from August 8 to 12 at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Next year's colours will also be revealed at the event.
"This year's forecast explores how we use colour to bring harmony when everything around us is constantly changing.
She says her whole office is excited about her being part of this big event in the interior design calendar.
"Decorex is a major calender event and will continue to be the premier place where new trends are showcased.
"We will demonstrate how straightforward it can be to use the latest paint colours in creating or revamping your living and working space, " she says
And in a first this year, fashion designers will form part of the inspiring Plascon event too.
Designer Lesibo makes high mark
ALONG with the fashion craze in South Africa, living beautifully has created a movement of its own. While black interior designers have remained small fish in the pond, some are making headway in the largely white, male-dominated field.
One of them is Lisebo Mokhesi of Ink Design. Mokhesi, who hails from the Vaal in Gauteng, is one of SA's leading interior decorators.
A lawyer by profession and an interior designer by training, she specialises in commercial and office interiors.
Mokhesi, who has been an interior decorator for 10 years, says she got into the profession because she was attracted by the love of her ability to transform and embellish a physical space.
"The satisfaction of seeing a client's happiness in a successful transformation of any space is what excites me the most.
"What I like about this job most is that clients know what they want and know their taste, but are open-minded at the same time.
"So we can discuss the outcome holistically and are prepared to take professional advice," Mokhesi says.
From an early age, Mokhesi says she had always been attracted to creative endeavours, but took a long time to come around to that realisation.
"Ï am inspired by people who have understood their capacity and ability and constantly strive to improve on them," Mokhesi says.
"I am also inspired by those who educate and regenerate themselves all the time in their chosen fields."
Mokhesi has worked with many prominent people, but refuses to say their names.
"I have worked with quite a number of highly-placed people but client confidentiality restricts me from divulging their names."
What would Mokhesi say are the hottest trends in interior decor at the moment?
She says there is an interest in renewing old things, or using them in different ways, and the contrast between high technology and natural textures. Boldness in the use of colour is also in.
Her hard work and talent have not gone unnoticed.
She has been selected as one of the four designers to interpret the 2013 Plascon paint colour forecast which is going to be unveiled at Decorex, which will take place from August 8 to 12 at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Next year's colours will also be revealed at the event.
"This year's forecast explores how we use colour to bring harmony when everything around us is constantly changing.
She says her whole office is excited about her being part of this big event in the interior design calendar.
"Decorex is a major calender event and will continue to be the premier place where new trends are showcased.
"We will demonstrate how straightforward it can be to use the latest paint colours in creating or revamping your living and working space, " she says
And in a first this year, fashion designers will form part of the inspiring Plascon event too.
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