Hotels 02 Sep 2026 read
The African designer Thebe Magugu brings his distinct eye for bold colours, patterns and African storytelling into the interiors of this signature suite and atelier space
At the base of Table Mountain in South Africa’s Cape Town is a sprawling property, painted in a hue of soft pink; Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel that stands tall, in its 127th year since opening as a luxury hotel to visitors in 1899. Among its many iconic and lux design forward accommodations are two new additions, South African designer’s namesake Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House, an atelier and gallery space, celebrating the label’s 10 year anniversary.
Tucked along Palm Avenue, Thebe Magugu brings his distinct afro-modernist vision to both the spaces. The two story suite looks unassuming on the outside, painted in a shade of pristine white to fit right into the calming colour palette of Mount Nelson. The interiors though are a completely different story. As is true of Thebe’s designs, the bold colours, striking patterns and retro silhouettes find a design expression in this suite too. The colour palette moves effortlessly from vibrant greens and rust reds to warm harvest shades, setting a rich and welcoming tone. While outside the window, the suite offers magnificent views of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the iconic palm-lined entrance, the inside space is curated to feature a rotating mix of artworks, beginning with paintings by acclaimed artists like Mmangaliso Nzuza, Lulama Wolf, Zandile Tshabalala, Banele Khoza, Lorenzo Plaatjies and Trevor Stuurman. "My work is rooted in preservation,” says Thebe. “I created this suite with the intention of offering guests the experience of living within a space that encapsulates our culture through art, craft, and history - while also providing a sense of ease and comfort, reflective of the gracious hospitality the Mount Nelson has extended for over 126 years."
The doors open to a striking lobby, leading into a lounge and dining area, characterised by carved timber and stone furniture and hand-sketched wallpaper, an ode to classic British interiors, representing a reimagined panoramic view of the South African landscape. Thebe also pays homage to his own heritage in the design. A pendant light, inspired by the Basotho Mokorotlo (a straw hat widely used in Sotho clothing), hangs above the dining table, while the wooden furniture pieces take after curves of traditional pottery. Hand pleated textiles used in the space echo back to the time when Thebe’s grandmother lovingly tended to all the garments she wore to church, embodying each fold with nostalgia and memory.
The stairs, painted in a deep green hue with artworks on the left, lead up to the bedroom which is designed to be a calm retreat from the outside world. A four poster king size bed anchors the bedroom in the centre and the room opens into a balcony that offers views of Mount Nelson’s open lawns. Painted in neutral tones and accented with rust red, the bedroom features hand-carved bedposts, custom made textured rug and pleated lighting fixtures. The ensuite bathroom follows the same design language but mimics the natural warmth of a cave through its rusty tones of browns and burgundy, juxtaposed with marble and bronze accents and a free standing bathtub. You can find Thebe’s own bespoke gown and slippers in the bedroom, Thebe Magugu bath amenities and Basotho fabric piches in the bathroom, adding a hint of personalisation to the space.
For the design of this suite, Thebe teamed up with interior designers at StudioLandt, to bring to life an Afro-English aesthetic that seamlessly weaves in design approaches from both to bring to life a cultural dialogue that seems every bit fresh, unique and yet rooted in the true vibrant identity of the region.
As far as fashion is concerned, Thebe’s designs are never just one thing. They aren’t just sleek and contemporary or cultural, they’re both. He expertly amalgamates modern designs with patterns and colours that reflect African heritage and culture. Hence it’s no surprise that the Thebe Magugu Suite didn’t launch by itself but with the Magugu House, an atelier space that serves as both a boutique and a gallery displaying limited edition pieces, archival garments and accessories from Thebe’s collections rotating seasonally. The gallery will feature works from sculptors, photographers, other emerging artists as well as curated picks of books and artefacts celebrating African design. Magugu House isn’t intended to be just an atelier but a dynamic space where art, craft, literature can mingle together in the form of exhibits, events and screenings to champion a cultural exchange.
“This project has allowed me to explore how fashion can live beyond the body – extending into space and atmosphere. After two years of planning and production, the level of care is evident in the narrative layering, emotional backbone, and craftsmanship throughout. The result is a delicate balance between English grandeur and African sensuality,” says Thebe Magugu.
