Top South African designers dazzled all who entered Esprit Estate in Wendywood, Johannesburg last night with their innovative use of furniture, colours, textiles and accessories during exclusive furniture retailer, Wetherlys' Rooms for You event.

The event, hailed as a first in South Africa, saw seven houses in the estate decked out in the latest international trends in lounge, dining room, bedroom, bathroom and patio décor by some of South Africa's leading interior decorators.

Designers Stephen Falcke, David Muirhead, Tessa Proudfoot, Esther Lamprecht, Julia Halamandres, Marinda van Rooy and Krysia Back had to decide on a theme for each house and choose furniture and accessories from a wide selection of items which the furniture retailer shipped in from abroad. The items used are all part of the latest trends currently rolled out by international trend-setters.

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"We are overjoyed at the response to this event," said Toni Fourie, Chief Executive for Ellerine Holdings, of which Wetherlys is a subsidiary. "Hundreds of people, ranging from celebrities to media to decorators to top business executives and popular TV Show, Top Billing came to view the decorators' work."

"Each house is distinctly different and the decorator's designs are unique. We are all delighted at what they have done with the wide choice and styles we made available to them."

Fourie said that the launch of Rooms for You in 2007 was so successful that it was decided that a bigger and better event would be done this year.

"What better way to showcase the latest international trends than by giving the decorators free range at decorating 40 rooms."

"We have also decided to open the houses for public viewing so that everyone can see these stunning designs and trends."

Each of the seven homes will be open to the public on 30th and 31st May and 5th and 6th June between 9am and 5pm.

Whilst browsing through the 40 rooms, one will come across:

Long flowing heavy curtaining, light sheer curtaining, bedspreads, duvets, pillows and upholstery in beautiful fabrics in variations of browns, whites, creams, shocking pinks, lime greens, oranges, purples, shimmering silver and black in a number of designs and patterns.

And as is Wetherlys' normal practice, furniture has been upholstered to each of the designers' needs using some of the most luxurious fabrics available.

The latest trends

Walls painted in beige, limes, oranges and shocking pinks and wall papered in striking brocade designs and textures such as suede. The use of colours and wall papering differs according to the style used by the designer and fits harmoniously with the design of the house.

Mirrors in all shapes and sizes used in a number of ways, on walls, furniture and accessories, carefully placed to ensure maximum impact and used in all rooms, including the kitchen.

Clocks in a variety of styles, sizes and colours in each room, varying from one clock on a wall, to a large number in a cabinet and bold beaded and feathered accessories, which was favoured by Stephen Falcke whose colourful house is a stark contrast to the more monochromatic schemes favoured by the other designers.

Lamps and other lighting in a distinctly antiqued effect and used in interesting ways, chrome and silver furniture and accessories in a variety of shapes and sizes, beautiful crystals, coloured vases and a plethora of pictures, photographs and canvases found in every room of each of the seven houses.

Bathroom and kitchen accessories in chrome and white wicker, deep brown wooden cabinets and vases and trinkets of all shapes and colours.

The latest beautiful and durable outdoor furniture which as been used to its maximum effect, interesting lighting, outdoor fabrics and accessories and creative usage of curtaining.

The children's rooms are fit for little princes and princesses with furniture that is made to last and colours such as light aubergine, bright red and military grey that should satisfy both mom and child. Tiny accessories are found scattered in the rooms, and special finishing touches such as signs for doors, tailored upholstery and beautiful cupboards for the room and bathrooms, make each room individual and special.

All furniture, fabrics, wall papering, paints and accessories are available at Wetherlys stores and customers are encouraged to use the brand's in-house decorators to ensure they get the advice they need for any decorating challenges they face.

The exhibition will take place for the public at Esprit Estate, 29 Bowling Avenue, Wendywood during 30/31st May and 5/6th June between 9am and 5pm. Secure parking is available.