Mission Impossible turns out to be Magical Makeover
IID Insight Volume 10 - June 2008
When Thebe Exhibitions and Events, including the dynamic Decorex team, moved to their new Bryanston-based headquarters in Medscheme Office Park, the drab and the dreary awaited them. Trapped in a time warp, dark maroon and navy walls stood as dated reminders of the 1980s, when big hair, shoulder pads, power dressing, Dynasty and Joan Collins reigned supreme.
Melanie Robinson, Decorex director, explains: “We wanted something young, edgy but at the same time sophisticated and calming. Most importantly – we need to practice what we preach! With re-use being a cornerstone of our green philosophy, we wanted to make use of furniture we had; and as Decorex has its finger on the trend pulse, the resurgence of wallpaper was a key element we wanted the new look to reflect.
Tanja Beyers of Profurn Contracts, accredited member of IID and winner of numerous Decorex Best Stand Awards, was put to the challenge. The timing was the biggest hurdle. It was right before Christmas; many manufacturers were closing. But Melanie and her team were set on starting the new year in a beautiful, creative environment.
Decorex celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2008, so we wanted our work space to reflect our vitality and ethos.”
A true professional, Tanja was not fazed by the seemingly impossible, noticing off the bat an old wooden kist with potential to be transformed into a coffee table. After all – you can do magic with some silver paint and a glass top!
Setting out to create a fresh, functional space which is also elegant and feminine, a smoky blue coloring was chosen to anchor the soft peaceful color palet. Beautiful romantic wallpaper, mirrors and crystal chandeliers added a touch of modern luxe.
Creating a romantic ambiance in an office environment was not all moonshine and roses, though. Says Tanja, “the project entailed working within an existing space and having to work around existing ceiling bulkheads and coffer details. This influenced the positioning of reception counter and seating arrangements. Different ceiling treatments were also part of the package i.e. mix of flush plaster and ceiling tiles.”
The solutions included clever new lighting and a high level picture rail along curved passage with blue paint above and striking textured white wallpaper below. Thebe exhibition posters were placed to complete the pleasing effect. “This pulled the eye line away from the unsightly ceiling grid.”
Realising that DECOREX is huge role player in the decor industry, it was important for Tanja to create something unique. “The interior should connect with visitors from the moment they enter the reception area. I believe the mirrored reception counter has achieved this. I love the idea that everything is mirrored on the fascia of the counter and that it is ever-changing . So often reception counters are heavy and imposing on their visitor and with this weightless counter we have endeavored to create a friendly eye contact scenario with the client and receptionist.”
As the move to the new premises happened at the end of 2007 - just before Christmas shutdown – the project was done in phases. “The main priority was to get all the building works out of the way, such as partitioning, carpeting and wallpapering. We then added the final touches when we all returned in the new year. All in all in took about six weeks for completion, including the shop fitting.”
The new décor is not only about show, and the beauty much more than skin deep. To create a harmonious, calming environment, which would also energize the people working there, the Decorex team planned the layout themselves and had a say in the look they wanted the office to portray. As an all-women team, no-one minds that a reflective, ethereal look replaced the 1980’s machismo.
The compliments keep rolling in and the whole team loves the new working environment. “It goes to show,” says Melanie, “when you want quality and a professional result, call in the experts. We tip our hat to Tanja Beyers, the magicians that made it happen.”
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