Living in a greener world does not mean cheap or nasty. It means a fresh way of designing the space around you, using sustainable materials that have been around for millennia – and sharing ideas in a national creative commons. Eco-contemporary design in South Africa combines innovation and plain common sense. more

When you live in a country where your influences can be African, European, American, British, Indonesian, Chinese or Indian – to name a few – it’s not hard to work as an inspired designer. Design South Africa has become a world brand – its diversity and background gives it the sought-after X Factor. more

From the mud huts of the Transkei to the Victorian homes of small Karoo towns, from the plush apartments of Camps Bay to the high-rise dwellings of Johannesburg, South African décor design takes many forms, follows many trends, ‘borrows’ from here and there - never ceasing to surprise and delight. more

South Africa’s bead art plays an important role in the traditional societies of South African people like the amaZulu, amaXhosa, baSotho, baVenda and amaNdebele. Today, the colourful designs have found their way to the roadside stalls, markets and shops, where gifted craftspeople sell decorative beaded artefacts and jewellery. more

You can find fine beadwork, wire-framed animals, carvings, pots and other African crafts, imaginatively made from a variety of materials, for sale on the side of the road. These objects are good quality, reasonably priced and, often directly benefit the person selling them. more

Over the last few years, contemporary fashion design in South Africa has simply exploded. Rather than following overseas trends, local designers are looking inward and making important creative statements about what it means to be fashionably South African with their take on affordable, local and trendy design. more

There’s a new wave of creativity in South African textile design, with artists and designers taking pride in local iconography and the unique cultural idiosyncrasies of South Africa, to create textiles that are vibrant, modern and, most significantly, distinctive to the country. more

The Windybrow Theatre was originally a family home, built in 1896 by mining engineer Theodore Reunert. Over the years, the theatre has served as a nursing home and a cultural centre. Despite falling into disrepair, it was declared a national monument in 1996. more

Public art in South Africa dares people to stop and notice their environment. It breaches boundaries, shifts thinking and encourages debate, while celebrating the cultural diversity that underpins South Africa's identity. South Africa’s public art includes murals, sculptures, mosaics, billboards and performance art. more

Talk of a new South African flag design first emerged with the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990. In 1993, a national competition invited the public to submit flag designs, but this bore little fruit, and the pressure was on to create what would become the most visible symbol of the fledgling democracy. more

The Proudly South African campaign is modelled on the similarly successful campaign of Made in Australia. Launched in October 2001 by government, organised business, labour, and community organisations, the Proudly South African stamp of approval has taken great strides in placing South African-owned and managed businesses on the map. more

Jewellery design in South Africa is a sophisticated art. It reflects aesthetic trends and celebrates the country’s cultural and mineral riches. South African jewellery ranges from simple gold rings and leather bangles to elaborate diamond earrings. Designs are inspired by western as well as indigenous South African jewellery-making techniques and traditions. more

Design in Durban has come a long way over the past few years thanks to some of the city’s favourite sons – which include a good dash of South Africa’s most famous design talents. Durban has taken its own quirky look at the world of design, and in some instances turned it on its head. more

Design in Cape Town is certainly making waves globally. The Mother City is regarded as South Africa’s design capital, and has been shortlisted for the title of World Design Capital in 2014. Perhaps it’s the scenic beauty of the city that inspires creatives to express their craft in unique and award-winning ways. more