Creating a home that feels both functional and beautiful begins with you. Global décor 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 (as written by Anne Schauffer) her take on life, home and décor.
“It’s all about you,” smiles Lara, referring to décor trends, and how they are there to 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 décor 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, it is lived in.
“There’s always movement, noise and routine,” she says. “That’s why I connect with the idea that décor isn’t about perfection, but about creating a space that supports your life. Not more space, but better use of it.”
Globally, she notes a move towards more intentional living, spaces that prioritise meaning over excess. “We’re seeing a shift away from fast décor towards a more considered approach, fewer pieces, but ones that last.”
Perhaps the most significant change is the move towards homes that feel more human. “People are craving spaces that feel grounded and that tell their story.”
When it comes to décor trends in her own home, Lara takes a considered approach.
“I’m naturally curious, so I keep an eye on global trends, but I’m not ruled by them. They are a starting point, not a rulebook. I prefer a calm, neutral base, then layering in pieces over time that feel meaningful. When we moved into our home, I pared everything back. It gave me the freedom to be intentional about what I bring in, rather than decorating for the sake of it.”
She points to Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, as a reflection of this mindset. “It feels like a response to the noise around us, something softer and more considered.”
Lara’s personal style reflects her belief that trends are often a response to what’s happening in the world around us.
“Sustainability, for example, has become central to how we design our homes. I love mixing recycled or second-hand pieces with more contemporary items. That contrast creates interest and tells a story. I have pieces from my grandparents styled alongside newer ones, and that combination brings warmth and meaning into the space.”
Functionality is equally important. “With two young boys, our home needs to work hard. I’m drawn to pieces that are practical but still beautiful. Clever storage, for example.
“In essence, my style is clean and considered, layered with warmth and personality.”
The demands of her work life play a clear role in how she approaches her home environment. “My work is fast-paced, so at home I’m drawn to spaces that feel calm and easy. That doesn’t mean minimal or without character, but it does need to feel restorative.
“I’ve learnt to design around a bit of chaos rather than fight it. Your home should support your life, not become another thing to manage.”
Her love of home extends naturally into the outdoors, where gardening becomes an extension of her approach to décor. “I wouldn’t call myself a traditional gardener, but I do love being outdoors. There’s something grounding about nature, and that connection shapes how I see my home.
“I’m more of a pot plant person than someone who buys flowers. I enjoy learning how plants grow and finding the right place for them in our space.”
Time in the garden has also become a shared experience with her children. “We plant seedlings, try a small veggie garden and see what happens. It’s not always perfect, but that’s part of the joy.”
She is particularly drawn to biophilic design. “That connection to nature is one of the strongest trends right now. Natural light, plants, wood and stone all help create a home that feels alive and grounded. Ultimately, it’s about creating spaces that feel lived in, personal and in tune with nature.”
Details: You’ll find all the décor inspiration you need at the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show 2026, from June 27 to July 5 at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
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