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Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design

Local @ 117 Kloof Talk Carpet (5)
Biophilic Interior Design at “Our Local @ 117 Kloof”

During our recent trip to Cape Town in South Africa, we discovered a sanctuary of greenery and stunning interiors at a café on Kloof Street, Our Local. Entering the doors, you immediately teleport to a world that’s the opposite of Cape Town’s hustle and bustle. Instead, you find yourself in a nature-lovers delight, overflowing with greenery, neutral tones, and natural light. It is the epitome of biophilic interior design.

biophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design

biophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design
Biophilic Design Connects us with Nature

Biophilic interior design – the act of bringing the outside inside – is nothing new. Psychoanalyst Erich Fromm first used the word “Biophilia” back in 1973 in his book The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness. He described it as the “passionate love of life and of all that is alive”, and all people feel these desires; humans have an innate love of the natural world. Greenery improves our moods, makes us more productive, and purifies the air around us. Therefore, the use of biophilia in design has created spaces that improve both mental and physical wellbeing. The global pandemic has further increased our desire to connect with nature, even within commercial spaces. Right now, the popularity of biophilic interior has never been stronger.

biophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design

Plants, Neutral Tones & Raw Materials

When looking at the interior, it’s clear that café owner and head designer Daniel Hollands’ main mission is to connect guests with nature. The in-house job has transformed the old warehouse into a lush oasis brimming with greenery. Plants and flowers adorn the space. They line the room, sit atop every spare surface, and hang from the wooden beams above our heads. The carefully selected earthy tones of browns and greens also channel feelings of nature. Daniel has also used raw materials throughout, such as in the exposed wooden tabletops and stone flooring.

biophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior designbiophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design

Collectible Antique Furniture

Another notable feature is the use of quirky antique furniture. Each vintage piece has a weathered appearance – from the aged water fountain to the use of worn corrugated metal – reminding us of the powers of Mother Nature. The selection of pieces and their positioning within the space is also muddled and somewhat chaotic. This mirrors the formation of the natural world, where the growth of every tree and the position of every rock is random. Although Daniel and his team carefully place each item in the space, the disorganized layout evokes feelings of mystery and comfort. However, the venue still feels cohesive thanks to the long, custom-made table running down the center of the room.

biophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design biophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design

Natural Light & Vaulted Ceilings

The architecture of the venue is also crucial in the biophilic design. The vaulted ceiling of the old workshop creates feelings of openness that you feel when standing outside. This is further accentuated by the use of glass panels in the ceiling that provides guests with views of the real skies above. These panels also flood the venue with natural light. In fact, the entire venue feels like a cozy, welcoming greenhouse that’s packed with character and mystery. A true botanist’s delight!

biophilic interior design, Our Local at 117 Kloof is a prime example of cosy biophilic interior design

It is no secret that Paris has been the capital of fashion since the seventeenth century. The city has been the playground for prestigious designers and couture brands like Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent. Today the Parisian style is not only an aesthetic choice but a philosophy. It embraces elegance, timelessness, and slow responsible fashion. The focus is on the cut and the quality of the materials. No fluff or excessiveness with a less is more approach. And what better way to understand Parisian fashion than to visit a museum dedicated to it.

For more than 70 years, the house has been crafting magical couture pieces in their atelier at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Christian Dior has made this location a legendary address since the first collection in 1947. Behind its new flagship, the House of Dior inaugurates a permanent exhibition in an extraordinary gallery, independently of its boutique. Mr. Dior wanted to be an architect; the building and the museum pay him a beautiful tribute today.

The staging is astonishing. A circular staircase at the entrance showcases 452 dresses and 1,422 accessories, all 3D printed. Bags, shoes, perfumes, and small objects: so many testimonies of the Dior style materialized to elaborate this Diorama.