Johannesburg isn’t just South Africa’s economic powerhouse; it’s also a design force to be reckoned with. In this guide, we’re sharing five must-visit stores in and around Joburg that are a testament to the city's creative energy: Acre Studio, Anatomy Design, Cocoon Lifestyle, Magicode, and True Design. From bespoke furniture and soulful interiors to clever office solutions, these studios and showrooms are shaping the local design landscape in exciting ways. Look no further, whether you're after bold furniture and statement pieces to add character to your home or office, or even a complete design overhaul.
1. Acre Studio at 44 Stanley
At Acre Studio, mood isn’t just a feeling – it’s created. This female-led powerhouse at 44 Stanley, helmed by Lianel de Jongh and Lindy Swart, designs interiors and furniture with soul. Every piece – be it a sculptural table or statement lighting – is meticulously crafted by South African artisans to stand the test of time (and daily life). More than a furniture studio, Acre is a full-service design force, shaping homes, hotels, and showrooms with services such as interior architecture, interior styling, product design, FFE (furniture, fixtures and equipment), and 3D visualisation. From the bedroom to the boardroom, they design spaces that don’t just look good, but feel good too.
44 Stanley Avenue, Braamfontein Werf
2. Anatomy Design in Kramerville
Anatomy Design has been infusing South African interiors with sleek, functional beauty since 2010. It all started with The Lab Light, crowned the "Most Beautiful Object" in South Africa at Design Indaba that year. Since then, founders Megan Hesse and Andrea Kleinloog have expanded into a powerhouse of product and interior design, with showrooms in Kramerville and Cape Town. Their Southern Guild Chair went from local showcase in 2013 to a Christie’s London auction in 2017. As the Anatomy Design retail store and design studio flourished, Hesse Kleinloog was established in 2016 as a dedicated interior design wing, allowing Anatomy Design to continue crafting both exciting products. Anatomy Design champions locally made, beautifully functional pieces, from sofas to lighting.
Lower Ground Floor, 9 Kramer Road, Kramerville
3. Cocoon Lifestyle at Steyn City
Photo: Cocoon Lifestyle via Instagram.
If you've eaten at Signature restaurant in Sandton or at Level Seven restaurant and bar at the Radisson Hotel OR Tambo, then you've seen the work of Cocoon Lifestyle. Cocoon Lifestyle is more than just interiors – they are about creating soulful sanctuaries that radiate elegance, comfort, and pride. Founded by Bilala Mabuza, the studio draws from nature and Africa’s design heritage to craft future heirlooms, with Mabuza noting, "True value lies in love and time invested in crafting future heirlooms with a deep appreciation for details and the honesty of materials." With an intuitive, detail-driven approach, Cocoon Lifestyle seamlessly blends residential, hospitality, and corporate design, delivering bespoke spaces that feel like home, wherever they are.
Steyn City, Upper Piazza, City Centre, Central Lane, Midrand
4. Magicode at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub
In 2012, Claudia Panzeri launched Magicode with the vision to transform workspaces into inspiring, functional environments with high-quality, sustainable furniture. A decade later, Magicode stands as the Sub-Saharan Africa sales partner for Swiss design icon USM Modular Furniture and home to Africa’s largest USM showroom. Located at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub in Rosebank, Magicode recognises that great furniture isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about adaptability, longevity, and sustainability. That's not to say their furniture isn't incredibly aesthetic pleasing. It's pared-back yet playful, and available in a wide range of colourways.
By making USM the heart of its business, Magicode supplies local customers with a modular system that evolves with them, whether in a dynamic office or a stylish home. This is a nifty feature that means, for instance, you can take a four-drawer storage unit and adapt it into a six-drawer one, or add open shelf storage on top of closed storage systems as needed. Essentially, these pieces can be customised to suit your needs, and fit into your space. From corporate offices to residential interiors, Magicode’s full-service approach – including space planning, installation, and project management – ensures clients get more than just furniture; they get a future-proof solution designed to grow with them.
223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub, 223 Jan Smuts Avenue, Rosebank
5. True Design at Keyes Art Mile
True Design at Keyes Art Mile is where global furniture icons meet local interiors with flair. As the South African home of many Italian labels including the likes of Cassina and Kartell, they offer everything from plush sofas to statement lighting. Whether you're after a sleek armchair or the perfect décor accent, their expertly curated collections have you covered. More than a showroom, they’re a creative partner – working with brands such as their neighbours, Mesh Business Club at Keyes Art Mile, and MultiChoice City to craft inspired spaces.
The Trumpet building at Keyes Art Mile, Keyes Avenue, Rosebank
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