I met Louw Roets the SARCDA trade exhibition held annually in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event showcases wholesalers, importers and manufacturers of gift, decor and design items and I was really inspired after my last visit. Louw is a Cape Town based product designer and creates conceptual pieces with a fun element. He’s also a chatty and friendly individual who I enjoyed speaking to. Louw combines traditional handcraft techniques with modern technology and one cannot help but smile when you see some of his creations.

I’ve been looking around for chairs on the interwebs for a project and I remembered this beauty I’d seen at Louw’s exhibition stand last year. The Hombre chair is certainly one of my favourite pieces from his collection. As much as I love a minimalist approach to design, I really appreciate the functionality of this piece. The chairs are stackable, versatile & highly functional. The colour palette ranges from energetic and fun to calm and elegant – and the best part? Different finishes are available for the frame and an upholstered seat is optional.

When visiting Louw’s website it is evident that he has strong African roots and that he is inspired by his surroundings. His furniture pieces are personalised by giving each object a name with a connotation to the functionality thereof. The Pamoja Table is such an example. Pamoja means ‘together’ in Swahili. Being together is what this table is all about. It’s a six seater table that brings friends and family together.

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The Hamba Wall Clock is another design layered with interpretation and meaning. Hamba means “to go” in Zulu. This clock is a fun and friendly reminder that you are on your way to somewhere.

The Paplepel (Porridge Spoon) lamp is the ideal lighting accessory for any modern inspired room. It has a simplistic contour, referencing the shape of a traditional African wooden spoon. The outline of the spoon blends into a contemporary shape and one can not help to be inspired by Louw’s creativity.

Be sure to check out the colourful Pulp Fiction Lamps as well. This bold design is for the brave! To view the collection, visit the Louw Roets website over here.