Spaces That Tell Stories

When you step into a room designed by Donald Nxumalo, you don't just observe how it looks - you notice how it feels. There's a warmth, a familiarity, and a narrative woven into the space

- MAEGAN-LEIGH JACOBS

Donald Nxumalo is redefining African luxury design.

For him, luxury isn't about excess or show; it's about depth. 'I define African luxury as a multisensory experience,' he says. 'Rooms need to be beautiful and practical, but they also need to be felt. When a space is well-made and thoughtfully curated, it evokes emotion.' This philosophy has shaped Donald's career, and he's become one of SA's most exciting voices in interior design. His work straddles a delicate balance between the refinement of modern sophistication and the richness of African heritage. It is interior design that celebrates identity, while remaining timeless and inviting.

A SEED PLANTED AT HOME

Donald's eye for interiors began in the most personal of places: at home. He remembers growing up in a household where decorating was a family affair. 'My parents would move furniture around or paint walls themselves. We were always involved, even if it meant helping with the painting,' he recalls. 'I wasn't particularly good at it, but watching spaces transform and seeing how proud it made us left a lasting impression.'

That sense of transformation – of turning everyday spaces into something that sparks joy – planted a seed. It showed him the power of interiors to affect mood, create comfort and express identity. Today, those same values continue to shape his approach to design.

HERITAGE IN EVERY DETAIL