The homeware branch of local illustration and design studio Aurora Creative Studio, Aurora Home creates a hand-crafted and quirky range of products. Each product features illustrations personally drawn by owner and artist Lize-Marie Dreyer, which means that the items are truly unique. The result? Homeware and décor elements that are pretty, authentic, and proudly South African.
The Creation
The range from Aurora Home includes custom-illustrated aprons made with 100 percent cotton, adjustable leather straps and brass details; napkins and kitchen towels that are both fun and functional; gorgeous table runners; reusable and stylish shopper and tote bags; and beautiful soft pots for plants. Their collection also includes a striking throw that depicts Lion’s Head peeking through the local fynbos — it’s a limited-edition piece and a truly unique décor item.
The Talent
Aurora Home is owned and run by Lize-Marie Dreyer of Aurora Creative Studio. Lize-Marie personally illustrates all of the unique designs before they are printed onto the handmade fabrics. Lize-Marie has won several awards for her illustration work and was shortlisted in The World Illustration Awards by the Association of Illustrators in London for her work on a children’s book.
As an artist, Lize-Marie draws much of her inspiration from plants, flowers and nature and many of her homeware items feature these elements — think plenty of fruity and floral prints, as well as distinctly local designs like fynbos-inspired patterns.
While Lize-Marie creates the designs and manages the business, she employs four sewists who hand-craft the pieces. Each item is made with the utmost care and attention to detail and the result is a range of inimitable boutique products, each of which is locally made by women.
The Process
The team at Aurora Home is committed to operating their business according to sustainable principles. They use only 100 percent pure cotton, as well as genuine leather. No synthetic materials are used in the process of creating their range of homeware products, and there is a strict zero-wastage policy that ensures that no fabric or leather is discarded.
We Love
It’s difficult to choose our favourites from the Aurora Home offering, but if you love to cook at home, be sure to check out the range of cotton aprons. They’re available in several fun designs, including a quirky mushroom print. Serve your home-cooked meal upon a beautifully set table — the napkins and table runners are also available in some striking designs.
In the spirit of sustainability, we also love the beeswax wraps. They’re an environmentally friendly alternative to cling wrap and can be simply wiped or rinsed before reusing. An added bonus — they come with a cute bee design.