“At New-Room Design, we believe that interior design is more than just decorating a space; it’s about creating an environment that reflects the personality, lifestyle, and needs of those who live in it.” For owner and lead designer Kelly, this philosophy has been the cornerstone of her business for the past 18 years.
Born in the industrious mining town of Oranjemund in Namibia, Kelly’s journey into interior design has been anything but ordinary. Her family moved to Kokstad when she was at the age of 6, before settling in Gqeberha when she was 8. It’s here that she found her passion for design and a deep connection to the community that would eventually become the heart of her thriving business.
From Custom Nurseries to Full-Service Interior Design
In 2007, Kelly founded New-Room Design, a business that initially specialised in custom nurseries and children’s rooms. For five years, her retail shop, a veritable “kids’ emporium,” offered bespoke pieces that were carefully crafted to fit the needs and dreams of every family. As her children grew older, her business expanded and shifted. She transitioned into residential and commercial interiors, maintaining her focus on custom-designed solutions that fit seamlessly into her clients’ lives.
Over the years, New-Room Design has evolved, with an expanded portfolio that includes everything from home renovations and office spaces to large-scale residential projects. The hallmark of New-Room Design is the ability to create personalised, functional spaces that meet both aesthetic and practical needs—whether it’s a single scatter cushion or a full home transformation.
A Growing Team, A Shared Passion
Key to the success and evolution of New-Room Design is the team behind it. Michelle, an integral part of the company, joined after a 15-year career in tourism. Under Kelly’s mentorship, Michelle has honed her skills in interior décor, bringing her unique perspective and dedication to the business.
While Michelle’s primary focus is on managing the administrative side, her role extends far beyond that. She plays a vital part behind the scenes, assisting with showroom schemes, client appointments, and supplier coordination. Her hardworking nature and cheerful personality make her beloved by both clients and colleagues.
Michelle describes herself as a simple soul who treasures the meaningful work she does at New-Room Design. “I love what I do and the clients I work with. Every day is an opportunity to learn and create something special.”
A Unique Bond Between Colleagues
Michelle and Kelly share a relationship that is more like a friendship—or even a sisterhood—than a traditional boss-employee dynamic. This close-knit bond infuses warmth and authenticity into everything they do, helping to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
A Family Affair: Collaborating for a Turnkey Solution
What sets New-Room Design apart is not just the creative vision but also the ability, going forward, to offer a comprehensive turnkey solution to clients. For much of her business’s early years, Kelly worked alone, but everything changed when she joined forces with her husband, Dean, an engineer by trade. Dean runs Taylor Turnkey Solutions, a company specialising in alterations, painting, tiling, and other contractor services.
New-Room Design is now providing clients with a seamless experience—from design concept to execution. Gone are the days of dealing with multiple contractors or trying to coordinate between different suppliers. New-Room Design offers a single point of contact, making the process simpler and stress-free for clients. The support of Taylor Turnkey Solutions has opened up exciting new possibilities, allowing the business to take on larger projects and offer even more customised solutions.
“We can now offer a truly integrated service,” says Kelly. “From design to building, our clients can trust that everything will be taken care of by one team. It alleviates a lot of the stress that often comes with renovations and redesigns.”
A Passion for Creating Beautiful and Practical Spaces
For Kelly, interior design is about more than just choosing colours and fabrics—it’s about creating functional, beautiful spaces that work for families. “I love seeing my visions come to life,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to create environments that are not only visually pleasing but also practical and functional. Every space I design is meant to improve my clients’ everyday lives, whether that’s through better flow, more storage, or just making their space more comfortable.”
Her designs are always tailored to the unique needs and tastes of each client. Whether it’s a complete home makeover or a small, personalised touch like a custom cushion or a revamped space, every project is treated with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail.
The Ideal Client: Anyone Who Wants to Transform Their Space
New-Room Design’s ideal target market is simple: anyone who wants to decorate or redesign their space. Whether it’s a first-time homeowner looking for help with styling a new house, or a busy family wanting to revamp their living room, Kelly and her team are here to help.
“We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every client deserves personalised service, no matter how big or small their project is,” she says. “It’s about listening to what the client wants and making sure their vision comes to life in the best possible way.”
A Life Outside Design: Passion for Gardening and Travel
When she’s not transforming spaces, Kelly enjoys spending time in her garden. Gardening is one of her greatest passions and offers her a peaceful, creative outlet away from work. She also loves travelling, finding inspiration in the world’s many cultures and landscapes. “Travel is essential for my well-being,” she shares. “It’s important to have things in life to look forward to, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer trip abroad. It keeps me inspired and refreshed.”
What’s Next for New-Room Design?
Looking ahead, New-Room Design is excited to continue offering exceptional design and turnkey solutions. The ability to offer both creative design and expert construction under one roof gives clients peace of mind and a streamlined experience. Whether it’s a residential renovation or a commercial design project, New-Room Design is dedicated to creating spaces that inspire and enhance the way people live and work.
With a growing team and the support of Taylor Turnkey Solutions, Kelly is ready for the next chapter in her design journey. “The future is full of exciting opportunities, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our wonderful clients to create spaces they will love for years to come.”
For more information or to start planning your next project with New-Room Design, contact us today. Whether you’re looking to redesign a single room or transform your entire home, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Mobile: 082 874 7527
Email: kelly@newroom.co.za
