Global decor trends may inspire, but it’s how you interpret them that brings a space to life. New East Coast Radio House + Garden Show Director Lara Bezuidenhout shares her take on life, home and decor.
“It’s all about you,” smiles Lara, referring to decor trends and how they should be adapted, interpreted and made personal.
Stepping into this role has meant more than leading one of KZN’s biggest lifestyle exhibitions; it has meant becoming part of a legacy spanning more than four decades, one that has helped shape South Africa’s home and decor industry.
With a background in marketing, operations and large-scale events, Lara’s career sits at the intersection of strategy and experience. Yet it is her life beyond work that informs her perspective most. As a working mother of two, her home is not static or styled, but lived in.
“There’s always movement, noise and routine,” she says. “That’s why I connect with the idea that decor isn’t about perfection, but about creating a space that supports your life.”
Globally, she notes a shift towards intentional living, with spaces that prioritise meaning over excess. “We’re moving away from fast decor towards a more considered approach – fewer pieces, but ones that last.”
For Lara, decor trends are a guide, not a rulebook. “I prefer a calm, neutral base and then layering in pieces over time that feel meaningful,” she says, pointing to Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, as an example of this softer, more reflective direction.
Sustainability also plays a central role in her approach. “I love mixing recycled or second-hand pieces with contemporary ones. That contrast creates interest and tells a story. I have pieces from my grandparents styled alongside newer finds.”
Functionality is just as important. “With two young boys, our home has to work hard. I’m drawn to practical yet beautiful pieces, especially clever storage.”
Her style is clean and considered, layered with warmth and personality – and extends outdoors too. “There’s something grounding about nature, and that connection shapes how I see home.”
She is particularly drawn to biophilic design, where natural light, plants, wood and stone bring spaces to life. “Ultimately, it’s about creating homes that feel lived in, personal and in tune with nature.”
Details: East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2026 runs from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
Text: Anne Schauffer
