Decorex Africa - Celebrating 30 years of design inspiration                                                                                                                  

Decorex Africa has been at the forefront of decor, design, and lifestyle trends for three decades, helping to launch thousands of businesses and putting an indelible stamp on the industry. But times change. The pandemic offered us the opportunity to reflect deeply on our role, and the value we provide to the industry and our clients. This perspective inspired our reinvention.

In 2022 we launched Decorex Africa® Reimagined, delivering on our promise to provide vital direction and leadership for the architecture, décor, and design industries. Our reinvigorated event embraced tight curation, progressive creative direction, an upmarket new Johannesburg venue, a specially commissioned state of the industry report, a brand new design summit, and a fresh brand identity focused on culture, community and storytelling, all of which was rewarded by supportive exhibitors, a robust trade programme, and enthusiastic crowds. 

More than 51,000 targeted guests visited Decorex 2022 at both Cape Town International Convention Centre and the upmarket Sandton Convention Centre (SCC), which was far better suited to the reimagine campaign and market we wanted  to attract.

“We didn’t get a chance to stop,” commented exhibitor Lana Fredericks of Okra X Muyzu, “just as we were finished talking to one customer, there’d be another waiting in line!”

Houtlander’s Stephen Wilson said the company had “an outstanding exhibition which was not only commercially successfu in terms of sales but also great for our brand overall. It was a pure delight to reconnect with some of our fellow designers and meet fantastic new ones and we can’t wait to participate again!”

After the tremendous success of Decorex Africa’s radically reimagined return in 2022 we took things to the next level for 2023, our 30^th anniversary year, with phenomenal results.

Not only was our Cape Town event in June a sell-out, but in August, for the first-time ever, we brought together South Africa’s three leading decor and design exhibitions under the banner of ‘Joburg Décor and Design Week’ to better celebrate our industry, promote our exhibitors, and excite and attract new visitors.

Decorex Joburg, 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg ran simultaneously, each retaining their own powerful and distinct identity, while all around them, South Africa and Africa’s top designers, retailers and creatives joined forces for a city-wide celebration of creativity, inspiration, and insight. The co-located shows made for the biggest design and decor event on the African continent – a real feather in South Africa’s cap!

Assuming a bigger role in platforming and growing South African, and African, design and designers is a major focus for Decorex Africa which is why were delighted to partner with Proudly South African, the government sponsored ‘Buy Local’ campaign. The waves of innovation from our show were felt across the globe, with one of the Proudly South African member companies, Homewod, selling 50 chairs to a retailer all the way from Turkey!

Karin Cawthorn of South African furniture, lighting and design accessories company, KARE, summed up the feedback we received from many satisfied exhibitors, when she said: “What an experience! From the very beginning – the organization, communication, and feedback – was professional, timely and clear. The show proved to be great exposure for KARE Johannesburg, as we were able to connect with regular clients and introduce the brand to new prospective clients and trade.”