What Not To Miss at Decorex Joburg 2026
From inspiring interiors and contemporary African design to property advice, gourmet food and independent makers, Decorex Joburg returns to transform the Sandton Convention Centre into a five-storey celebration of how South Africans are living, designing and creating today.
Taking place from 30 July to 2 August, this year's edition embraces The Soft Life, a theme that explores how thoughtful design can create homes that prioritise comfort, connection and wellbeing. Presented in partnership with Lifestyle Partners Lexus and Santam, the exhibition invites visitors to experience every aspect of the home, with each floor dedicated to a different corner of the design world.
Whether you're planning a renovation, searching for investment property, shopping for statement furniture or simply looking for inspiration, here's what to expect at every level.
Level -2: Property, Renovation and Home Improvement
The journey starts on Level -2, where practical advice takes centre stage.
Making its Decorex debut, The Property Show by Private Property, in partnership with Nedbank, brings together property experts, developers and renovation specialists to help visitors navigate everything from buying and selling to upgrading their current homes.
The adjacent Private Property Studio will host conversations on property, interiors and renovation trends, while the DIY Studio, presented by Discovery Bank Home Loans, offers practical demonstrations and expert guidance for homeowners eager to tackle projects themselves.
One of the floor's standout attractions is The Recharge Garage, proudly brought to you by Lexus and featuring Tshepo Sealetsa. Challenging the traditional idea of the garage as a purely functional space, the installation reimagines it as a stylish extension of the modern home.
Before heading upstairs, visitors can recharge at the ever-popular Street Food Market, serving a variety of local flavours throughout the day.
Level 0: The Kitchen and Bathroom Take Centre Stage
As two of the hardest-working rooms in any home, the kitchen and bathroom receive their own dedicated showcase on Level 0.
Leading the floor is The Sacred Pause, created by Lifestyle Ceramics in collaboration with Kohler and Cocoon Lifestyle. Inspired by the restorative qualities of water, the immersive installation combines architecture, handcrafted weaving, premium ceramics and natural materials to create a tranquil sanctuary celebrating everyday rituals.
Nearby, The Kitchen Project, presented by Cosentino, showcases beautifully designed kitchen spaces created alongside Eljen Kitchens, Franke and Hisense. Organic layouts, tactile finishes and practical functionality demonstrate how today's kitchens have evolved into spaces for entertaining, gathering and everyday living.
Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy.
The @home Cooking Studio, built by Sprung Outdoor Living, returns with live cooking demonstrations featuring some of South Africa's leading culinary personalities, while the Eiger Experience, together with Oakmont Kitchens, combines premium kitchen design with live food experiences.
For those wanting to pause for lunch, Kanpai Restaurant brings the atmosphere of Tokyo and Kyoto's hidden laneways to the convention centre, while Woolworths Grab & Go offers coffee and refreshments throughout the day.
Level 2: Contemporary African Design
For many visitors, Level 2 will be the heart of Decorex Joburg.
Dedicated entirely to 100% Design Africa, the floor celebrates the designers, artists and makers shaping contemporary African creativity through furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles and collectible design.
Among the highlights is 100% Local, showcasing work from leading South African studios including Louw Roets, Stripped Collective, uMugqa Studio, Woodbender and Rialheim.
This year's 100% Iconic exhibition honours Decorex Africa's Designer of the Year, LRNCE, with an immersive presentation of handcrafted artworks, tapestries and furniture inspired by the Marrakech-based studio.
Another major attraction is Ten x Ten, which brings together 100 carefully selected design objects across ten categories, offering visitors a snapshot of the trends currently shaping South African design.
Lighting also takes centre stage in FloodLight, developed alongside spatial lighting designer One to One by Martin Döller, demonstrating how illumination transforms the atmosphere and emotional experience of a space.
Emerging talent receives its own platform through 100% Fresh, where students from Tshwane University of Technology and Greenside Design Centre present fresh interpretations of this year's Soft Life theme. Greenside also introduces Plotville, exploring Johannesburg's next generation of creative practice.
The floor extends beyond exhibitions.
Visitors can enjoy The Good Table, where interiors and hospitality come together in a shared dining experience, while The Social Library transforms the traditional show bar into a cultural destination celebrating food, cocktails, music and design.
Other highlights include presentations by Design Week Lagos, the latest AIDA Awards winners, and The Collector's Room by Russell Kaplan Auctioneers, featuring museum-quality furniture, artworks and design pieces, including a limited-edition Le Corbusier LC4 Chaise Longue and an Eileen Gray Rivoli Tea Table.
Throughout the show, the Future Talks, presented by Oggie, will host architects, designers, curators and international speakers discussing the ideas shaping the future of design.
Levels 4 and 5: The Continent's Best Independent Makers
Visitors looking to take home something unique should make time for the Capitec Design MRKT, which stretches across Levels 4 and 5.
The curated marketplace features independent designers and makers offering ceramics, homeware, furniture, artwork, jewellery, accessories, gifts and handcrafted décor.
It provides an opportunity to buy directly from creators while discovering emerging brands from across the continent.
Adding to the atmosphere are curated DJ sets, Paul's Homemade Ice Cream, and the Oli Mazi Market, creating a relaxed space to browse, shop and unwind.
Level 5: The Biggest Names in Interior Design
The final floor brings together many of South Africa's leading décor and furniture brands, offering complete interior inspiration through furniture, lighting, textiles, artwork and room installations.
Sleep and wellbeing receive particular attention this year.
Premium bedroom specialists Granny Goose and Volpes showcase luxurious sleep environments, while The Bedroom Project explores how thoughtful design can improve rest, relaxation and overall wellbeing.
Elsewhere, Moments of Attention by Woolworths explores how scent, texture, lighting and carefully selected objects influence the way people experience their homes.
The Soft Life Design Pods invite five design studios, Chivalry Designs, Noom Custom Furniture, Samani Africa, Meraki Design and Décor, and Misitu Showroom, to interpret this year's theme through fully realised interior spaces.
Meanwhile, the Kramerville District recreates Johannesburg's famous design precinct inside the exhibition, bringing together some of the city's most respected furniture and interiors brands.
Visitors can round off their experience at the Bodega Pop-up Wine Bar, offering wine tastings and a relaxing space to reflect after a day exploring the exhibition.
More Than a Design Exhibition
One of the defining features of this year's Decorex is the way hospitality has been woven throughout the exhibition rather than confined to a single food court.
Visitors can move between Japanese dining at Kanpai, cocktails at The Social Library, communal meals at The Good Table, wine tastings at Bodega, street food on Level -2 and numerous cafés and refreshment points spread across the venue.
Those with VIP tickets can also enjoy access to the Soft Life VIP Lounge, an exclusive art-inspired space designed for relaxation, networking and quiet conversation away from the busy exhibition floors.
Event details
Dates: Thursday, 30 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre
Times: 10:00 to 18:00 daily
Ticket prices
Ticket | Price |
Adult (online) | R160 |
Adult (onsite) | R170 |
Pensioners & Students | R130 |
Children (12 to 16 years) | R50 |
Children under 12 | Free |
VIP | R450 |
Trade (pre-registration) | Free |
Trade (onsite) | R170 |
VIP Trade | R550 |
Whether you're renovating your home, investing in property, discovering Africa's leading designers or simply spending the day immersed in beautiful spaces, Decorex Joburg 2026 offers one of the country's most comprehensive celebrations of design, creativity and contemporary living. Comfortable shoes, an open mind and a little extra room in the car are highly recommended.
