By Anita Bloom, Creative Director; Decorex Africa

The future of interiors is softer.

At Decorex Africa 2026, the conversation turns toward spaces that restore, soothe and reconnect us to intentional living. Under this year’s theme, The Soft Life, design becomes less about excess and more about atmosphere — tactile textures, grounded palettes, sculptural forms and pieces that invite us to slow down.

This month’s Curator’s Pick brings together a considered edit of standout products and design directions from some of the retailers and brands featured at Decorex Cape Town. From cocooning upholstery and artisanal craftsmanship to layered linens and organic silhouettes, these are the pieces shaping the contemporary African home right now.

Expect soft modernism, earthy luxury, playful tactility and interiors that feel deeply human.

There’s a noticeable shift happening at @home — one that embraces warmer minimalism and elevated everyday living. Think curved furniture profiles, textural upholstery, smoked glass finishes and tonal layering that feels both contemporary and deeply inviting.

For this month’s selection, the focus is on pieces that create a sense of ease and sanctuary.

Woolworths Home continues to lead in accessible contemporary styling, particularly through bedding, tableware and soft furnishings that elevate daily rituals.

This season’s strongest pieces embrace relaxed sophistication: washed cottons, muted botanical tones, natural fibres and calming tonal palettes inspired by clay, sage, sand and deep plum.

Coricraft’s latest direction leans confidently into oversized comfort and tactile living. Their contemporary upholstery offering embraces generous proportions, soft-touch fabrics and earthy palettes that instantly create a sense of calm.

At a time when homes are becoming places of retreat, Coricraft’s aesthetic feels especially relevant.

Curator’s Pick:

• Modular sofas in natural linen and textured neutrals
• Deep-seated couches designed for relaxed living
• Organic timber coffee tables with handcrafted finishes
• Curved occasional chairs in tactile upholstery
• Layered rugs that anchor open-plan living spaces

The silhouettes are softer. The materials feel grounded and natural. There’s an intentional move away from rigid perfection toward interiors that feel warm, authentic and emotionally resonant.

These are pieces made for contemporary African living — relaxed, elevated and deeply comfortable.

Volpes continues to redefine modern bedroom styling through layered textures, breathable natural fabrics and elevated essentials that transform sleep spaces into sanctuaries.

This season’s collections align seamlessly with The Soft Life movement: softness as intention, comfort as culture.

Curator’s Pick:

• Relaxed linen bedding in warm neutral palettes
• Quilted throws and textured bed layering pieces
• Lightweight cotton blankets for tonal styling
• Minimal bedroom accessories with artisanal detailing
• Plush rugs and soft-touch finishing accents

There’s a tactile honesty to the collection that feels especially current. The emphasis is less on decorative excess and more on sensory experience — how a room feels, not only how it looks.

The modern bedroom is no longer purely aesthetic. It’s emotional architecture.

Granny Goose brings an artisanal softness to the conversation through timeless craftsmanship, luxurious feather-filled comfort and elevated bedroom essentials.

In an era increasingly drawn toward authenticity and quality, the brand’s heritage approach feels newly relevant.