In 1996, La Grange Interiors was a standalone store in a 200-year-old barn in Franschhoek. Fast forward two years, and co-founder Sumari Krige had expanded to Pretoria, and then shortly thereafter opened another outlet in Johannesburg. Now, nearly 30 years on, it’s a leading luxury design brand, both on a retail and design level, with projects and clients around the globe.
At the heart of this evolution are a few key principles – consistency, quality and an unwavering dedication to detail. And an aesthetic that effortlessly marries contemporary and eclectic design in the pursuit of easy, refined living.
An appreciation for the unique & artisanal
Another golden thread that has run through the business from inception to the present day, is Sumari’s appreciation for design that celebrates skill and craft. Sourcing pieces that tell a story has been part of the brand DNA since the beginning, and has become a central part of its identity.
Each item is either handpicked or custom designed by Sumari herself, and invariably has an interesting provenance attached to it. Her passion for the extraordinary, unusual and the one-of-a-kind has taken her all over the world – sourcing widely from crafters’ exhibitions, and antique stores and over time her commitment to artisanal design has seen her build relationships with crafters and studios who have been plying and perfecting their skills for generations – all in a quest to uncover distinctive, handmade items that stand out and steer clear of mass production.
From Single store to international style-maker
La Grange Interior’s growth from a single retail space to a studio with an international presence is the result of these design principles and strong foundations. Over time, its reputation for sophisticated but timeless schemes and standout pieces has earned the studio respect industry wide.
Sumari’s depth of involvement too is undoubtedly a reason for the development of the signature style – eclectic but elegant, sophisticated by comfortable, artisanal and textural – that has defined her many projects over the years.
Part of the journey of refining this design personality has been nurturing key partnerships and exclusive licenses for renowned international brands such as Pols Potten, Gommaire, District Eight and 101 Copenhagen, which have broadened the product range and which lend global appeal to the brand. Long-term partnerships with repeat clients too, speak to the quality of design and strength of the relationships built during the creative process.
The developing definition of luxury
Over time, across the international interior-design landscape, and indeed in the South African industry, our understanding of luxury has changed. La Grange Interiors has been a part of this evolution, and indeed a player in shaping it locally.
Sumari’s signature style has always ensured her longevity in the industry, but it’s now even more relevant. As people move away from excess and towards a more low-key expression of sophistication, an appreciation for quality materials and fine craftsmanship over obvious glamour is growing, and La Grange Interior’s natural tendency towards understated sophistication and comfort embodies the current zeitgeist for luxury that goes beyond the opulent.
Customisation is key
Key to the movement towards a different notion of luxury is a level of personalisation – the epitome of luxury is the rare and uncommon, the unique. This level of personalisation is available to clients wanting to create fully custom furniture pieces.
Part of the reason for Sumari and her team’s success in pulling together cohesive and comprehensive product ranges is exactly this ability to customise – courtesy of their extensive experience in executing 360-degree interior design projects, which run as a separate entity to the retail arm. Here, she and her team help clients conceive ideas on how to achieve their space’s full potential.
This depth of knowledge of design informs the detailed and layered way Sumari approaches creating her inventory. In these projects, you can see the pieces come together and bring a space alive – demonstrating the power of skilful mixing (of eras, regions, styles and materials).
The visual journey
The best place to see this design philosophy in action is in the distinctive showrooms – in Kramerville in Johannesburg and Woodstock in Cape Town. Here you can see firsthand how the pieces work in harmony, despite their respective origins, thanks to careful curation by Sumari and her team.
The sensory experience created for visitors offers a glimpse into the La Grange Interiors world, where the definition of style is personal expression. The studio’s culture reinforces these values through the expert team, on the floor who are also on hand to provide advice.