They visited, they dined on décor, and now it’s time to ponder the trends!
From 5 to 8 June 2025, the Cape Town International Convention Centre was transformed into a buzzing playground for the design-curious. Decorex Cape Town 2025 brought together South Africa’s most forward-thinking creatives, brands and design enthusiasts for four days of immersive inspiration.
Stiles was proud to be among the exhibitors, showcasing their latest collections in a sensory-rich space that celebrated texture, craftsmanship and future-facing innovation.
Described as a feast for the senses, the expo invited visitors to explore how technology and tactile beauty can co-exist in the spaces we live in. From smart homes to soulful finishes, this year’s edition made one thing clear: the age of cold, sterile minimalism is finally fading.
In its place? A return to rich, layered interiors brimming with warmth and individuality.
Stiles arrived hungry for inspiration, and Decorex Cape Town served it up. Here’s what Stiles is still chewing on – and what they think is worth savouring:
From beige to bold
Colour is back, and it’s not just a garnish. Think paprika reds, olive greens, mustard golds and warm pinks. Stiles loved the rich colour narratives and soulful Brazilian craftsmanship by Nosso.
Joinery added sustainability to the colour story with a range of products made from their FutureFelt fabric. The earthy colour palette was echoed in the Arrow Range of finger tiles from Funky Tiles with a relief design and a glossy finish. The range includes shades such as honey, caramel and moss.
A taste of nature
Organic forms, earthy textures, layered planting and sustainable materials are the new staples. Good design can nourish both people and the planet.
The Sonos House of the Future offered an immersive home entertainment zone demonstrating the integration of smart design and audio innovation. Unearthed Home Décor offered sustainably crafted African décor, including stools, side tables, wall art and wood vessels.
The Florim slabs displayed at the Stiles stand included a range of CarbonZero-certified products where all CO₂ emissions from the product lifecycle have been fully offset through certified clean energy projects. The Florim range includes the Nature Mood marble-look collection. It blends aesthetic impact with a focus on emotional wellness.
On display were the Tundra, Mount Peak, Glacier and Riverbed slabs (special order only). These tactile grounding surfaces prove sustainability and sophistication can go hand in hand.
The rise of warm woods
One of the clearest shifts at Decorex was the move away from pale Scandi-style woods and cool greys toward deeper, richer tones. From walnut and mahogany to cherry wood tones, warmth is making a strong comeback.
This was evident across many categories, from the industrial floor lamps by Major John and creative lighting from Nighttree to the bespoke drinks cabinet by Hutch Custom and Kino’s barstools.
The new palette evokes depth, nostalgia and a sense of permanence. Deep wood tones offer an earthy counterpoint to the light-and-airy interiors of seasons past. The European Vintage Oak Hardwood Flooring at Stiles is a warm, rustic natural foundation for any interior. Its rich grain, durable finish and effortless elegance make it a favourite for designers and homeowners.
‘Decorex proves yet again that our homegrown South African designers, artists and artisans are up there with the best of the world,’ says Stiles CEO Stevie Joubert. ‘We can confidently say that we have innovative, creative and pioneering trend leaders steering the future of African design.’
Visit any of the Stiles showrooms to experience this first-hand through their warm oak flooring, decorative tiles and large format slabs, or explore more online here.
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Picture: Supplied
