Renowned for its design excellence and impeccable craftsmanship, Lexus has once again joined forces with Decorex Africa as the exclusive vehicle partner for the second consecutive year.

However, this year Lexus has elevated the collaboration to new heights. Entrusting five local designers with a Lexus vehicle each for a week, the initiative aimed to ignite inspiration for each designer to craft a bespoke Lexus pod to display at the exhibition. Lexus engaged four prominent designers from Cape Town for Decorex Cape Town and one for Decorex Joburg. Accompanied by the vehicle, each designer was provided with a distinctive pillar to seamlessly integrate into their designs, enhancing the fusion of automotive sophistication with artistic ingenuity.

At both Decorex Cape Town and Decorex Joburg, Lexus will also offer chauffeur-driven experiences for all VIP guests in attendance. Guests will be spoiled for choice with a bevy of luxury vehicles namely, the NX, the NX 450h+, the RX, the ES as well as the IS.

“Our partnership with Decorex rightfully encapsulates where design and art meet. In the synergy of innovation, where the curves of creativity meet the precision of engineering, lies the art of design. Just as a car's lines evoke emotion, so does the canvas of imagination at Decorex. Sponsoring this event drives the spirit of ingenuity forward, igniting creativity and inspiration,” says Lensha Dlamini, Lexus Marketing and Communications Manager.

Petra Maierhofer, Founder of Artep Studio’s muse was the RX 500h F Sport in Poseidon Blue and her pillar “Authentic”. Growing up in Austria, Petra developed a deep love for home décor, influenced by early experiences rearranging furniture. With a background in fashion and interior design, she founded Artep Studio to specialise in collectible design, bespoke sculptures and wall art. The body of her work prioritises simplicity in appearance and merges classic and modern elements, reflecting a commitment to premium materials and sustainability.

Her Lexus-inspired pod design concept draws inspiration not from a single specific source, but from the embodiment of Lexus’ philosophy and design principles. In a world where the lines between technology and nature, the past and the future, strength and serenity are increasingly blurred, there exists a space where these elements converge in harmony. This is the essence of the Artep Studio pod. Titled “The Alloy of Artistry”, the pod is a sanctuary of innovation and tradition, designed to resonate with the Lexus ethos of crafting authentic luxury through quiet confidence. The pod itself, a marvel of metal and stone, stands as a testament to the enduring materials forged by the earth and shaped by human hands. The pod takes you on a journey from the gateway entrance to the “Heart of Silence”. Each artwork, carefully chosen for its embodiment of authentic quiet confidence, tells a story of mastery of medium, of the silent strength inherent in true craftmanship. 

“The pillar of “authenticity” immediately spoke to me – it’s a simple word with profound significance. There is this beautiful saying: “A lion does not have to tell you he’s a lion.” For me, this embodies quiet confidence. No matter what kind of design it is – if it’s a car or a design or an artwork – ideally, it commands attention effortlessly. It should make people feel something. In today’s fast-paced world, authenticity can feel almost nostalgic, yet it remains timeless – an enduring commitment to detail, sophistication and elegance,” says Maierhofer.

Interior Consultant Anna Correia’s pillar was “Engaging” and she looked for inspiration from the RX 500h F Sport. Correia is passionate about life, food and, most of all, interior space. She runs a full interior design business, from the initial stages – concept of design – to the construction and the interior decorating of a project. She describes her unique look as comfortable contemporary living with an eccentric twist.

Her Lexus-inspired pod design is a modern lounge area taking inspiration from the inside of the vehicle – the definite lines and form, spaciousness and elegant leather upholstery.

“I aimed for a timeless and luxurious yet futuristic look and feel, considering the hybrid nature of the Lexus, emphasising both timeless luxury and environmental responsibility.”

Correia’s colour scheme blends the metallics of the exterior with the interior’s neutral base of black hues, accented by white for purity, honesty and new beginnings. Materials used include natural textures, metals, velvets, vinyl, glass and mirrors, creating a luxurious yet environmentally conscious space.

The furniture designs echo Lexus’ forms and lines, with the sofa designs mimicking the logo and the chairs reflecting the driver’s seat. Occasional pieces and coffee tables play with mineral and metallic themes, layered with glass tops, while servers emphasise sophistication and elegance.

“The overall pod space is designed for experiencing, touching, feeling, indulging, relaxing and engaging – a harmonious blend of luxury, sustainability and style inspired by the Lexus experience.”

“Omotenashi” was the Lexus pillar given to Sihan Wiid, founder of Mink Interiors, during his experience with the RX 500h F Sport.

Interior designer and project manager Wiid is the founder of Mink Interiors, an interior design service offered to residential, commercial and retail clients. She works closely with her clients, from design, mood, layout and 3D rendering to implementation of full projects. She loves designing with colour in mind and is always looking for innovative design solutions. 

 “The Lexus RX500h F Sport was delivered to me late afternoon, and I took a sunset drive up Chapman’s Peak. The exterior of the car reflecting the sunlight, and the mountains and trees gave me inspiration to bring a garden into my stand. I was also imagining how so many people would love the drive with family and friends, taking in their surrounds. The Lexus is a beautifully designed vehicle, and I can see how the manufacturer used Omotenashi in the car design – it has everything you need, from the latest technology to the incredible craftsmanship and detailing. The cars come in various colours and I have chosen the “Nori Green Pearl” colour in the stand and will bring in greens with natural tones, with other Japanese-inspired ideas”, says Wiid.

While the focus of the pod will be on the vehicle’s attention to detail, a tea-inspired ceremony, lighting and key furniture pieces bring the stand to life, with the design embodying the principles of Omotenashi, which is the Japanese concept of hospitality, mindfulness and anticipating what your guests want.

“The principle of Omotenashi resonated with me completely. I have grown my business for 17 years using the same principle: understanding clients’ needs and creating beautiful environments for them,” concludes Wiid. 

When JH Interior Design and Decor became a reality just over three years ago, it was a dream come true for founder Jason Holman. It was the culmination of experience and expertise gained throughout his career, being inspired by trends in interior decorating and having the innate gift of creating interiors that sparks an emotional connection with his clients. 

“‘We have grown to become a company that specialises in designing interiors to suit our clients’ lifestyles, where our philosophy of meticulous attention to detail makes the difference,” says Jason Holman, founder of JH Interior Design and Décor.

Taking the RX 450h+ for a spin, JH Interior Design and Décor’s pillar was “Refined”.  

“We were fortunate to test drive the RX 450h+ with its bold yet slick exterior, where the design was carefully considered to make a statement. Gentle and quiet on the road, this made it one of our most enjoyable and safe driving experiences. The stylish interior, stitched leather seating with diamond-shape detail combined with suede fabric speaks to Lexus’s value of “refined”.’

This inspired the team at JH Interiors to create a stand that aligns with the value “refined”: from bringing in elements that are meticulously crafted (down to the shape of the ‘L’ of Lexus), selecting ingeniously curated textures, incorporating earthy colour tones and bespoke statement pieces that enhances the feeling of contemporary living. All the pieces complement the understated stylishness and attention to detail from the leather fabrication and natural wood detail in the furnishings, to the African-inspired touches.

Kgomotso Malope is the owner and creative director of MoTSO DeSIGNED, an interior design company specialising in designing inspiring living and working spaces that reflect the rich tapestry of African culture. The company also designs and produces their own range of home décor goods. These include wallpaper, cushion covers as well as ceramic pots.

Tasked with the “Meticulously Crafted” pillar, Kgomotso Malope, Founder of MoTSO DeSIGNED found afflatus from the RX 350 F Sport. According to Malope, the vehicle not only performs well, it’s also a feast for the eyes.

“The thorough attention to detail is unsurpassed, and there are pleasant design surprises everywhere one looks in the car. For example, I noticed how the motif on the seats is similar to the one on the car grille, and the luxurious velvet material of the door side panels also boasts a subtle “L” of the Lexus logo. This is all in keeping with the ethos of “meticulously crafted”.’

Malope’s Lexus-inspired pod design saw the Sonic Copper vehicle colour option inspire the colour scheme of the pod, and some elements from the vehicle influencing the geometric shapes that are used in the design.

“The angular shapes that are repeated on the lights, the car grille and the area just below the light (which also borrows from the Lexus “L” shape) all influence the geometric shapes that will be applied in the pod,” says Malope.

The vehicle’s use of illumination, wireless charging as well as the reclining seats all influenced the set design which can be seen in the reading/relaxing nook equipped with a wireless charging station, the reclining seat, and motion activated reading light.

“I love this quote from the brand: “Lexus sets itself apart with an uncompromising dedication to every detail. Every experience, from the visceral feel of driving to designs that represent the pinnacle of beauty and refinement, is deeply considered and gracefully executed for the purpose of engagement and satisfaction”. This resonated with me because it’s what we aim to achieve with the design of our products and the spaces we work in. Our approach to design is one that values history, craftsmanship, sustainability and human experience, resulting in spaces that resonate on a deeper level,” says Malope.

Event goers can vote for the best Lexus Designer Pod and the winner will receive a personalised experience to the value of R10 000.

You can view the first four unique Lexus-inspired pods at Decorex Cape Town, which takes place from 6 to 9 June at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and Kgomotso Malope’s design at Decorex Joburg from 1 to 4 August at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

Decorex is Africa’s leading décor and design show and has been at the forefront of décor, design and lifestyle trends for almost three decades. Visit www.decorex.co.za to book your tickets