Carefully considered furniture and décor choices can transform the emotional landscape of any home or office environment ultimately enhancing the end-user’s appreciation and enjoyment of the space. Here, Soft&Co founder and interior designer Brenda Hart shares some insights into their approach and what to think about when selecting pieces for your space.
Serene
Placid environments require a thoughtfulness in their approach and a paring down to essentials. Furniture with clean lines and minimal visual interruption allows the mind to rest while subtle, nature-inspired textures should whisper rather than shout. Matte finishes, natural linens, and subtle organic weaves are ideal and gentle undertones such as creams and white and misty greys play into this unobtrusive design focus.
Energised
Strategic tension and contrast in textures and focal pieces are an effective way to create a sense of dynamism and energy. “We like to contrast smooth with rough, glossy and textured when we want to create a space that feels vital, leaning into polished metals against raw woods, glossy surfaces beside textured fabrics and a well-considered visually stimulating focal point, be it a furniture item designed with geometric precision like our Gio Shelving or a bold sculptural lamp.”
Relaxed
Casual comfort is the hallmark of relaxed interiors where approachability trumps formality. Furniture with generous proportions, soft edges, and sink-in comfort invites full relaxation while dimensional textures are crucial – think chunky knits, buttery leathers that patina beautifully, and natural fibres that soften with use. Colours draw from nature’s most comforting palettes: warm terra cottas, soothing sage greens, and gentle amber tones that evoke a play of light. Functionality emphasises ease above all-pieces that can be easily moved, reconfigured, or adapted to activities within the space are vital. Soft&Co’s Cozy collection of furniture and the likes of the Rue Sofa epitomises this approach to living spaces with a focus on considered though casual comfort.
Joyful
Joy-centric spaces often reflect vibrant energy through playfulness, be it in colour, fabric or furniture choices. Pieces that celebrate whimsy and invite engagement through their form are bound to be a talking point and there’s no denying what a contrasting pop of colour can bring to an environment.
Nostalgic
Spaces that evoke nostalgia often create emotional connection through thoughtful references to the past. Furniture with silhouettes that nod to specific eras, think mid-century curves, art deco symmetry, or craftsman details triggers meaningful associations and appreciation for the aesthetic of bygone eras. Brenda explains “as an architect the past influences my approach and you will find references to a variety of eras in our collections; our leather clad Axel Armchair is a case in point, as is our Ollie Coffee Table, both are fundamentally contemporary but with a distinct nod to the past.”
Focused
A task-oriented space like an office requires intentionality in design. Furniture with clear purpose and minimal distraction supports mental clarity – think streamlined desks, supportive seating with subtle adjustability, and storage that creates order. Textures remain understated with smooth, consistent finishes that don’t compete for attention while the colour approach favours monochromatic schemes with subtle variations in tone and saturation.
Enhanced emotional engagement is a hallmark of Soft&Co’s approach to interiors and is underpinned by their commitment to thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship “our focus is on creating lasting relationships for people and the spaces they occupy and that starts with us creating solutions for how they want to live and how they want to feel when they are there,” says Brenda.
Visit http://softandco.co.za
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