Our journey into interior design is rooted in a deep appreciation for both beauty and functionality. We specialise in working on domestic spaces, and our aim is always to understand and translate client desires into homes that are aesthetically pleasing, effortlessly usable and above all, personal. Each client has a unique perspective, and we work closely with them to achieve a shared vision for the home.
Rather than adhering to a single design style, our overall commitment is to thoughtful interiors that are timeless and cosmopolitan. We want our work to be beautifully layered as well as comfortable to live in, using a mix of design eras and styles. We try to reuse existing furniture and decor items where possible, rather than taking a completely “blank slate” approach, and strive to design interiors informed by the architecture of your home and the place in which it is set.
We look forward to bringing this philosophy to your home, and working with you to craft spaces that reflect your personality, forming a uniquely stylish setting that is attuned to your lifestyle.
My interest in interiors started early on, and my childhood home remains one of my biggest inspirations. I grew up on a farm in Tulbagh with a mother whose biggest joy was restoring a 100-year-old farmhouse back to its roots after being renovated in the 1970s (in the wake of the 1969 earthquake that flattened many of the region’s historic buildings).
At university I could often be found “rearranging” my room instead of going out at night, showing a compulsive need to beautify my environment, an affliction that I still suffer from today:). I started my career in advertising and lived in Brussels, London and Paris before returning to Cape Town, where I worked as a brand strategy consultant.
My strategy role led me into the world of publishing and I was fortunate to spend a few years honing my design perspective by working on some of South Africa’s best-known magazines. After this experience, I felt I was ready to strike out on my own creatively, and Lian Lombard Design was born.
I find the impact that our physical environment can have on our inner world fascinating and believe that paying attention to our homes is a valuable investment in our wellbeing.
“Lian guided me through the process of moving back into my apartment after renting it out for several years. A full renovation was needed. Not only did she choose decorative features, but more importantly, she made useful and necessary practical decisions and suggestions as to where my furniture should be situated, and commissioned bespoke pieces suited to my needs.
In the past, I have utilised the services of other interior decorators, but Lian is the only one who was able to truly translate my unique personal requirements into a practical and beautiful space. She is a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her, particularly as interior designer for advice on the utilisation of space.”
“It was probably my second-best decision to hire Lian after the decision to move to South Africa!
Lian is a very patient, competent person, has an incredible ability to see details in the big picture, and she is very responsive and flexible. We made decisions together and when I was unsure, I trusted Lian's judgement and there is nothing I regret today, everything is perfect thanks to Lian and I recommend her very highly.”
“Working on my nursery, Lian demonstrated a very valuable skill set: the eye of a stylist, the organisational ability of a project manager, and a strong feel and respect for my own personal style. She has an unlimited supply of energy and enthusiasm in sourcing the perfect pieces from all over town and beyond. And she won't stop until the end result is perfect - I was very impressed by her dedication and attention to detail.”
“My journey with Lian was inspiring and fun from the get go. Her passion and excitement for all things beautiful is contagious. I especially appreciate how she can channel the essence of a space and the preferred aesthetic of the client, without it necessarily being similar to her own.
She also kept my space in her thoughts long after we finished our professional journey, and regularly sent me pictures of and links to pretty things she encountered. I warmly recommend her to anyone.”