Marking this milestone exhibition with a directional theme ‘Beauty and the Basics’, this five-day decor and interior design extravaganza reflects South African design sensibility and the latest international thinking emerging on the home scene. Together with its collection of 700 high-end exhibitors Decorex Joburg aspires to bring the biggest and best ever interior design expo to the city famed for its creativity and design revival.

Igniting the inner interior decorator in the visitor are the out-of-the-box roomscapes and concept stands placing the searchlight on trends and local design talent. With the hand-made revolution heading for the stratosphere, new show features celebrate the ‘proudly self-made’ phenomenon with free theatre demonstrations, expert advice on colour and new techniques guiding a new generation of ‘make-it-myself’ enthusiasts.

Advocating an earth-friendly lifestyle, the show sprouts a whole new genre of eco-caring products, planet-saving inventiveness and bee-friendly landscaping. Also expect halls filled with the latest in colour and textile trends, bathrooms with all the latest technology on tap, kitchens to lure the connoisseurs and interior landscapes to thrill the trend-seekers.

EXPERIENCES AND HIGHLIGHTS
Here’s a pick of show highlights, special projects, installations and new reveals making Decorex Joburg the go-to event for the design professional and passionate homeowner alike:

- Green-fingered fulfilment: Advocating an earth-friendly lifestyle, the show sprouts a whole new genre of planet-saving inventiveness, bee-friendly landscaping and a new Gardening Pavilion. This is where aspiring gardeners, urban farmers, eco warriors and green guardians can discover the bliss of intentional gardening. Attend live demos at the Garden Theatre to discover the potential of your patch of earth.

- Wander through six themed gardens: Explore a Harvester’s Haven as you reconnect with nature and the joy of home-grown; awake the inner child at the playful ‘Kid’s Garden’ and celebrate the wild and wonderful in the ‘Garden with Wings’. The ‘Rooftop Retreat’ garden brings the country into the city; the ‘Soil and sanctuary’ therapeutic garden soothes the soul, while the ‘Kaleidoscope’ garden shows the soft approach to hardscaping.

- Also in the Garden pavilion is a Garden Café inspired by the locavore food movement. The Fun & Fanciful Garden Café entices visitors to take time out from the show buzz and step into a world of make-believe. With grass underfoot, picket fencing and a garden filled with gnomes, pink flamingos and a fantasy post box, this happy place will stimulate the imagination and clear the mind. With the look and the food offering inspired by the animation film, ‘Gnoemeo and Juliet’ – and a nod to the evergreen Mad Hatter’s Tea Party - this café feeds the inner child in all of us.

- Plascon unveils the 2012 Colour Forecast: Laurence Brick, Greg Gamble of Tonic Design, Goet and A Point are the four leading lights taking on the creative challenge to interpret the coming year’s hottest hues. Plus, Plascon Colour guru Anne Roselt and a team of paint experts will be on hand to turn problem walls into talking points. - Plascon Palette Café : A spot to relax and rejuvenate with on-trend organic, wholesome food in a rustic and natural setting. Enjoy the four new Plascon colour palettes integrated with this food experience.

- South African Handmade Collection: Held alongside Decorex Joburg, this dti-initiative is a window to the heartfelt and the handmade. From highly collectable ceramics, fashionable ‘it’ bags to designer beadwork, the creations selected for this all-imported trade show is a particularly colourful balance of heritage and innovation.

- Decorex Designer Collection re-launches as must-have decor pieces designed exclusively for the show’s range of home objet. Ten fashion-forward pieces will be launched by ten local designers to make sure all visitors leave with their fix of home-grown interior design.

- District Delicious: Botanical cuisine! Food cocooning! This food haven is dedicated to the senses and includes a blend of gourmet food, wine, kitchen gadgets and home entertaining have-to-haves.

- Kitchens and bathrooms: browse the luxe line-up of kitchen and bathroom essentials, and experience expert advice and money-saving ideas on tap.

- Fine finishes & rejuvenation area: For options and answers on fine finishes, this area is dedicated to making sure visitors leave with a plan and clear direction.

- Theatre of Ideas: Visitors get the inside scoop on inventive solutions to decor dilemmas while brushing up on DIY-skills. Expect a block-buster programme filled with make-it-yourself inspiration.

- New to the show, the Sunday Times Chic Shebeen, is a meeting place of fun, food and drink in celebration of all things South African. The buzz is quintessential township, the ambiance creative, colourful and vibrant; the flavours a delicious twist of tradition and the more modern.

These are just a few of the fabulous and exciting offerings of the biggest and best Decorex ever; don't miss it!

Show details
Decorex Joburg, Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
Show days: 5-9 August (5th and 6th are trade focused)
Time: 09:00 - 17:00 daily
Entrance: R 70 adults / R60 pensioners and scholars / R5 Children under 12

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.decorex.co.za

WIN!
Win one of three sets of double tickets and mini-hampers to Decorex Joburg 2011. To enter, email michele@lifeinbalance.co.za by 29 July 2011, with your name and contact details and the answer to the following question:

Question: Who is Decorex's media partner. The answer can be found here.

Please use Decorex Tickets in the subject line.