DECOREX 2012 – OPERATION ‘MAN CAVE’ , STAND FOR CHARITY DRIVE

MAKING WAVES: Kirsty Badenhorst and her ocean-loving boyfriend Barry Lewin show off Lewin’s Man Cave at Decorex Durban at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

DURBAN interior designer Kirsty Badenhorst is making waves in her industry, just as her boyfriend South African surfski paddler Barry Lewin is doing in his.
Badenhorst, 24, launched her own business three years ago and although she is still a newcomer to the business, she is already considered a mover and shaker and has something of an international reputation.
The Musgrave-based designer was recently called in by a high-profile globe-trotting businessman to do a full renovation of his new three-storey London home.
It involved two trips to London and took three weeks and by the time she had finished, all her client had to do was to move in.
“It took my business to a new level which isn’t bad for little Durban,” Badenhorst said, adding that she is very hands-on and can usually be found with a drill in one hand and a paintbrush in the other.
Now, the Musgrave-based designer has gone from decorating an upmarket London home to building and furnishing a cave for her boyfriend.
Lewin is one of four personalities who have been invited along to Decorex Durban, where their favourite “Man Cave” idea has now gone on show.
The celebrities-Sharks rugby player Ryan Kankowski, former professional surfer and sporting personality Dane Patterson and East Coast Radio Breakfast Stack DJ Darren Maule-have teamed up with designers to create their own man caves which are kitted out with their favourite accessories and where they can seek sanctuary.
Lewin, who also surfs and jet skis and who rode the entire coastline of South Africa on the Coast2Coast4CANSA expedition two years ago, says that Badenhorst has incorporated all the elements that he likes in his man cave, including a surfboard that serves as a coffee table.
“It is a cool and comfortable. I am more used to salt water than true style. However, a man cave without a decent entertainment system is prehistoric ,” he grinned as he relaxed in front of his state-of-the-art TV.
Setting the mood and showing visitors just what Lewin’s ocean-loving lifestyle is all about, is a massive photograph of him on North Beach that was taken by local photographer Anthony Grote.
“It’s unique and it is what I see at about 4am every morning when I go surfing. Not many people get to see the beach at that time of the day,” said Lewin, who will be competing in the SA National Lifesaving Championship in eManzimtoti on Saturday.
Each of the four Man Cave celebrities is raising money for his favourite charity at Decorex, which runs at the Durban Exhibition Centre until Sunday. Visitors are being asked to vote for their best Man Cave and make a donation to the charities. The winning Man Cave will get another R10 000 to go to charity.