For 2026, the programme is rooted in The Soft Life — not as a trend, but as a design lens. Across interiors, architecture, hospitality, craft, wellness, food, materials, retail and technology, the Cape Town talks explore how softness is influencing the way spaces feel, how objects are made, how brands connect, and how design can support richer, calmer and more meaningful ways of living.

This year’s conversations move between inspiration and industry insight, with leading voices from Africa and beyond sharing perspectives on comfort, tactility, beauty, care, sustainability, ritual and future-facing design business.

Future Talks is designed for trade visitors, creatives, media, students, buyers, brands and culturally curious audiences who want to engage design as both practice and possibility.

Launching at Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Joburg, the Discovery Home Loans DIY Studio introduces a hands-on programme focused on practical home improvement.

From paint and décor to tools, technology and refurbishment, the DIY Talks are designed to give visitors the confidence to upgrade their homes — whether through small changes or larger renovations.

Each day features expert-led sessions, live demonstrations, and a dedicated Discovery Home Loans feature focused on how to plan and fund home improvements responsibly and effectively.

A space focused on improving how we live — through better design, smarter planning, and informed decisions.

The @home Cooking Studio returns to Decorex 2026, bringing the products you cook with into the spotlight through a live culinary experience that blends food, design and everyday ritual.

More than a demonstration kitchen, the studio is a fully functioning space where chefs cook in real time using cookware, utensils, tableware and surfaces sourced entirely from @home. Visitors can experience how the products perform, discover the details that elevate daily cooking, and see how thoughtful design transforms the kitchen into a place of comfort, creativity and connection.

The kitchen itself is a considered design collaboration, built by Sprung Outdoor Living and featuring premium kitchen solutions from Franke. The space is further equipped with Samsung appliances, including a fridge, oven, hob and microwave, creating a contemporary kitchen environment where innovation, functionality and design come together seamlessly.