Marica Margolius is credited as the author of the annual South African Décor & Design buyers guide although, she says, it is the collective effort of 12 people. Now in its 11th incarnation, it is regarded as the standard reference for anyone intending to improve their living conditions or, if architects or designers, the conditions of others.
Tell us about your background
After studying interior design for three years, I worked in the decor industry for 10 years before I published my first book in 1994. Over the past 13 years I have published 16 titles, including 11 editions of South African Decor & Design: The Buyers Guide. I travel frequently to keep up to date with international trends and tutor for an interior design college. I also give advice at decor shows and for magazines and newspapers.
Did ever you think you’d end up compiling a telephone book?
I think it’s much more than just a telephone book. After I wrote the first prescribed decorating book for a college I was working for, I got calls asking where one could get this and that. So I wrote the guide.
Why is South African Décor & Design more than just a telephone book?
For one thing it is a hard cover and styled more like a coffee table book. We source images and design it in a sophisticated fashion.
What makes it more than just a moneymaking endeavour? What if new operators cannot afford to advertise? Are they simply left out?
We research the industry thoroughly and compile our database to ensure it includes new suppliers and trendsetters. Obviously we recognise that we won’t be able to reach them all, but the guide covers the key players in the most important categories.
Each section begins with tips written by you. Isn’t this advice just bumped-up general knowledge?
This is a relatively new aspect and was brought in after homeowners who had bought the guide suggested it. It is one thing having the contacts, but it helps to get a bit of advice as well.
As far as local decor and design goes, do you think we are international trendsetters or trend followers?
Although a lot of products are imported we do have a lot of fine products being exported and many of our top interior designers are highly rated abroad. It’s wonderful to walk into European stores and see our local designers supplying these markets. I don’t want to single out any individuals particularly, as that would be unfair, but a good example is Carrol Boyes, being someone who is proven to have a worldwide appeal.
Is there such a thing as a South African style? Should we be bothering to define one?
Definitely. One could call it contemporary African ethnic style and one sees it especially in the leading lodges and homes in the country. It has a sprinkling of African style and texture mixed with contemporary European style and a dash of Asian Zen. Colours are traditionally dark browns, reds, dark oranges and shades of cream.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Watch this space as we take The Buyers Guide to Australia; we are expecting the first issue of Australian Décor & Design to be launched next year.