Groundwork

Art has always played a prominent role at South Africa’s exclusive Molori Safari lodge, but a recent design refresh has further upped the ante. In collaboration with prominent local artists, the designers from Hesse Kleinloog adapted several of their artworks into gorgeous new rugs for the property’s suites. The six artists whose rugs feature across the lodge are Design Indaba alumnus Athi-Patra Ruga, Maja Marx, Nabeeha Mohamed, Cameron Platter, Jody Paulsen, and Koos Groenewald. Groenewald, one half of Jana + Koos, also skillfully interpreted the artworks and created digitised patterns that then enabled South African weavers Brabetz Rugs to produce the grand rugs to be used for decoration. Molori’s interiors stray away from the expected, bringing an eclectic, bold, high-fashion aesthetic into the neutral bush environment. Some of their iconic furniture pieces which have been around since the lodge’s inception, such as Fendi Casa chaises longues, Philipp Plein swing beds, antique Chinese cabinets and vintage Louis Vuitton bars, still feature prominently despite the interior upgrade.

SOURCE: DESIGN INDABA