Design Syndicate: Africa’s Total Source of Wallcoverings

Introducing Design Syndicate: a premier provider of comprehensive interior decorating solutions and Africa’s total source of wallcoverings. From meticulous planning to sourcing the perfect wallcovering and expert installation, Design Syndicate handles every detail with precision and care.

Design Syndicate boasts experienced installation teams to ensure a hassle-free project, delivering seamless transformations for clients. With their exquisite wall coverings adorning spaces across Egypt, Zanzibar, Malawi, Botswana, and beyond, their trusted reputation for quality products and installation expertise speaks volumes. Join Design Syndicate as they redefine interior design, one wall at a time.

How and when did Design Syndicate get started?

We opened our doors 48 years ago. The company first started with partners and in 2017 was bought by Mr Nicolas Dagher. Subsequently, Nicolas sadly passed away in 2021. The company was left to his sons Stephan and Christian who stepped up to the take over the role as directors of Design Syndicate.

What makes Design Syndicate so unique in the industry?

Our established international network of tested wallpaper suppliers affords us the ability to furnish the market with the absolute best quality wallcoverings and the most affordable prices. We are the biggest source of wallcoverings in JHB for the past 40 years. We pride ourselves in offering a comprehensive interior decorating solution that spans from planning and sourcing the perfect wallcovering, to expertly installing the wallpaper of your choice. Our experienced installation teams take the hassle out of any decoration project. We launch at least two new wallpaper collections per year that have been hand selected by our experience’s sales team. We also offer a library of specially imported books with designs that cater to an extensive market.

What led to opening a store in Cape Town?

Currently we have our head office in JHB, and our branch in Durban has been open for 42 years. After the past few years many South Africans semi grated to Cape Town, we realised opening a branch in a different city can offer numerous advantages allowing us to tap into new markets and expand our customer base.

To establish a presence in a different city will enhance our brand’s visibility and recognition, strengthening the company’s overall market position and competitiveness. Additionally, having multiple branches geographically dispersed can improve logistics and distribution, enabling faster and more efficient delivery of products to customers across different regions.

The living room no longer seems to be the only place in the house that deserves to be decorated. Speaking of wallpaper, we see more and more wallpapers used in bathrooms and kitchens and not only restricted to living rooms. What is it changing?

By incorporating wallpaper into bathrooms and kitchens, homeowners are opening a wider range of design possibilities. Wallpaper can introduce colour, pattern, and texture in spaces that were previously overlooked in terms of décor to express their personal style and individuality throughout their home. A well-chosen wallpaper can transform these rooms which are often considered functional spaces into more inviting and aesthetically pleasing environments. Our vinyl wallpapers are designed to be more durable and moisture-resistant, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens. This versatility allows homeowners to experiment with different styles and designs without compromising on practicality. Every room in the house deserves attention to detail and thoughtful design, contributing to a cohesive and harmonious living environment.

What inspires you when investing in a new collection?

Firstly, we do not compromise on quality. We look only for high-quality materials, innovation and our long-standing relationship with our suppliers affords us the privilege of this. Items that are designed with usability in mind, while still maintaining aesthetic appeal, can be particularly attracting.

Unique designs that push boundaries and introduce fresh perspectives whether it’s a new colour palette or pattern, or concept, creativity often stands out. Consumer feedback and recommendations are also considered and influence our choosing of a new collection.

The collection-choosing process is done at our JHB branch with our experienced sales team.

What does Design Syndicate offer designers and customers that keep them coming back?

High-quality products and exceptional customer service and support! These factors enable us to keep the customer base that we have.

From professional installations available throughout Sub-Saharan Africa to keeping high levels of stock availability… we are consistently delivering value, fostering trust, and exceeding expectations.

We differentiate ourselves in the market and encourage repeat business and referrals from satisfied and engaged designers and customers more than our competitors because we meet the diverse needs and preferences of their target audience.

Tell us about the latest pattern and colour trends.

The latest pattern trends in wallpaper are leaning towards nature-inspired designs, with botanical prints, floral motifs, and lush greenery taking centre stage. These natural elements are not only popular but also reflect a growing desire to bring the outdoors in and create serene, organic spaces. Alongside botanical designs, abstract and artistic patterns are also gaining traction, offering modern aesthetics with geometric shapes, bold lines, and asymmetrical designs that allow for creative expression and personalized style.

In terms of colour trends, soft and neutral tones continue to dominate, with soft pastels like blush pink, sage green, powder blue, and lavender offering calming and soothing palettes that complement various design styles and create tranquil environments. Earthy and neutral tones such as warm beiges, soft greys, creamy whites, and terracotta remain popular choices, reflecting a preference for versatile, understated, and timeless colour schemes that provide a neutral backdrop for other design elements and allow for easy coordination and customization.

For the customers that know exactly what they are looking for we offer ultimate personalization with our digital wallpaper service, where you have the freedom to choose and customize your design to perfectly match your taste and style, creating a truly unique and bespoke interior space.

Fortunately, we can cater to a diverse range of trends that are constantly evolving, blending timeless classics with modern innovations and evolving consumer preferences.