If you have ever found yourself meandering down Kloof street in Cape Town, you have probably noticed one of the most elegant showrooms around. I first stumbled past this gem 12 years ago and have found myself, nose pressed against the store front window longingly admiring the exquisite furniture on many occasions over the years. Sometimes I have even managed to drag my partner inside to oooh and ahhhh over all the stylish decor hoping that I might luck out and score a luxurious throw or lamp.
Finally, the time had come for me to order one of their immaculate couches as the centrepiece to my home.
If you haven't yet realised, I'm talking about the amazing Klooftique. It is a design marvel and a place where you can have custom furniture made that will last you a lifetime.
Klooftique was founded in 1973 and has been a successful furniture design company ever since. With its roots in antique Cape Dutch furniture and a love of restoration of these pieces, it seems fitting that the very building that homes Klooftique itself is over 100 years old and forms part of one of Cape Town's heritage buildings.
I think what I love the most about this showroom floor (aside from the gorgeous furniture) is that when you walk in... it feels like home. With a fireplace going in winter, Klooftique invites you in, beckons you to take a seat on a couch or occasional chair and truly gain a feel for how beautiful their pieces are.
The team at Klooftique are highly knowledgeable and no matter the request, are there to guide you with your options from design, fabric, to sizing. Something that is glaringly absent from all the cookie-cutter furniture stores.
Whether you need custom-made scatter cushions, a bespoke coffee, console or occasional table, or a couch... anything is possible. There is something to be said for enduring craftsmanship at a time where overwhelming demand for instant gratification is satisfied by a plethora of cheap imitations.
After discussing my needs with the team, and consulting with them on my available lounge floor space, I decided to go for the NuYork couch with a couple of custom tweaks to make sure it's the perfect fit for my home.
I decided to go for Zambezi leather as I have two very cheeky dogs and I know that this choice of material will last me a lifetime. You can choose from a variety of fabrics if that is to your taste and know that no matter the selection you will be guided by the team to make sure you are investing in a piece that will not only fit your home perfectly and will probably outlast some of your lesser-known extended relatives.
I love supporting local businesses and buying local. Klooftique has been in the business for so long and that longevity means that it's a company you can trust. Sure, you're buying furniture, but you're also buying 48 years experience and expertise with every purchase. Something that I feel in today's day and age is important. To know that I am engaging with a company that has had clientele close to 40 years is just incredible.
Not only is the service and quality a five-star experience but Klooftique offers shipping across South Africa and Internationally. This means no matter where you are in the world you can have this incredible handmade furniture in your space.
If you want to get the inside scoop of this incredible company, then come and find me on Instagram and watch my IGTV with Marianna the owner of this amazing business.
Now all that's left to do is decorate my space and make sure it all compliments my perfect couch. Already I'm dreaming up complimentary items of furniture that will continue to elevate the space and I know that I will forever be knocking on Klooftique's doors to help me realise whatever design dream that needs fulfilling.
The entire experience from start to finish was utterly seamless and an absolute pleasure.
-Melissa