More Than Décor: Our Story of Afro-Modern Identity.
MoTSO DeSIGNED is an Afro-modern creative studio rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and contemporary African storytelling.
Founded in South Africa, the studio began as an interior design practice and has since evolved into a multidisciplinary creative house specialising in surface design, pattern development, creative direction, and culturally inspired design solutions for spaces, products, and brands.
At its core, MoTSO DeSIGNED explores how African heritage can be expressed in modern, elevated ways. Be it through pattern, texture, symbolism, and thoughtful design.
A Design Philosophy Rooted in Meaning
Every MoTSO DeSIGNED creation begins with a story.
Inspired by African heritage, symbols, and lived experience, the studio translates cultural references into modern, timeless designs that balances boldness with restraint, and tradition with innovation.
Designs are guided by:
- Respect for African visual languages
- A commitment to quality and longevity
- The belief that spaces and products should carry meaning, not just beauty
This philosophy allows MoTSO DeSIGNED work to feel both deeply rooted and globally relevant.
From Interiors to Creative Studio
What started with interiors revealed something bigger.
As projects grew, it became clear that the true strength of MoTSO DeSIGNED lay not only in styling spaces, but in creating original design languages — patterns, surfaces, and visual narratives that could live across walls, textiles, products, and experiences.
This natural evolution led to the formation of MoTSO DeSIGNED Creative Studio, which is the primary expression of the brand today.
The studio now focuses on:
- Surface design & pattern creation
- Design licensing for homeware, textiles, wallpaper, and hospitality
- Digital design collections & creative resources
- Cultural creative direction for brands and spaces
Interior design remains part of the offering, now delivered selectively and with intention.
The Studio Today
MoTSO DeSIGNED works with:
- Homeware and lifestyle brands
- Hospitality groups and boutique developments
- Creative collaborators and manufacturers
- Clients seeking culturally grounded, design-led solutions
Whether through licensed collections, creative direction, or curated interiors, the studio remains committed to honouring African stories through contemporary design.
Through culturally inspired patterns, surfaces, and curated interiors, MoTSO DeSIGNED translates African heritage into contemporary living. From wallpapers and home décor to licensed surface collections, each design balances meaning, craftsmanship, and modern elegance.
Interior design is offered selectively, while the studio’s primary focus remains on original surface design, creative direction, and thoughtfully designed products for spaces and everyday living.
We work in distinct design capsules. Each capsule explores a specific cultural, symbolic, or spatial language.
Individual capsules are developed with intention. Capsules are designed to stand alone while contributing to the broader MoTSO DeSIGNED design language.
Capsule: ROOTS - Inherited Forms
This is a foundational MoTSO DeSIGNED capsule ROOTED in Southern African languages, symbols, and spatial traditions.
Expressed through pattern, texture, and form, this capsule explores how culture lives in the home — quietly, materially, and with intention.
Designed for walls, soft furnishings, and lived-in spaces, ROOTS is not trend-driven....It is enduring.
Capsule: Afro-Future Guardians
The Afro-Future Guardians Capsule is a limited graphic collection exploring power, identity, and legacy through Afro-futurist storytelling. Each piece blends African geometric language with sci-fi symbolism, bold silhouettes, and animated energy, designed as wearable art.
Every Guardian represents a state of being: protection, shadow, courage, rebellion, and self-definition.
MoTSO DeSIGNED
CREATIVE STUDIO - SURFACE DESIGN - CULTURAL STORYTELLING
Let Us Design Your Story
Are you ready to bring Afro-Modern design into your home, hospitality venue, or workspace?
Loved by Homeowners and Designers
Don’t just take our word for it — here’s what homeowners, offices, and design professionals say when their spaces get a MoTSO touch.
Love the custom mural you designed for our shop.
-Dexina Supermarket-
You and your team are such a pleasure to work with.
-Parklane Hospital-
Our boardroom feels like a masterpiece. This space that commands focus while still celebrating culture. Absolutely stunning work!
-Office Design, Johannesburg-
