SA Home Owner: One-on-one with Rachel Pretorius

Rachel Pretorius, a professional model and interior design enthusiast, is the co-owner of Flexbox – a stylish furniture piece designed to accommodate a wide range of exercises, helping you stay motivated and committed to your fitness goals. Rachel faced challenges in finding workout equipment that also complemented her home decor. To address this, she and her husband, Van, who has a background as a trainer and conditioning specialist, collaborated to create Flexbox. This innovative solution fulfills both their needs: workout equipment that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.

What is Flexbox? What is its function in the home?

Flexbox is a unique fitness bench that doubles as a stylish furniture piece you can proudly display in your home. With built-in smart storage and an elegant, compact design, Flexbox seamlessly blends into your living space, fitting easily in various locations and keeping your home tidy by discreetly storing workout equipment out of sight. When not in use, Flexbox serves as a sleek bench – perfect at the end of your bed or in any living area – making fitness both accessible and convenient at home. Compact yet fully equipped with resistance training options for various workout styles, from strength training to Pilates, Flexbox enables a complete workout experience without the hassle of gym commutes, wait times, or sacrificing valuable floor space or your home decor.

What inspired the overall aesthetic of Flexbox, and how do you envision it fitting into modern home decor?

The inspiration behind Flexbox’s aesthetic was to create something timeless, with clean lines and neutral tones that complement various home decor styles, whether modern, minimalist, or traditional. We wanted a design that feels luxurious and sophisticated but also functional enough to be a natural part of everyday life. Flexbox is more than just workout equipment; it’s meant to look beautiful in your home, creating a seamless blend between fitness and decor.

How can homeowners seamlessly integrate Flexbox into their existing home decor while maintaining a stylish look?

Flexbox was designed to integrate effortlessly into any home decor. With its neutral colours, sleek profile, compact design, and hidden storage, it fits seamlessly into spaces of all sizes – whether in your living room, bedroom, or home office- without disrupting the aesthetic. Place Flexbox in an open area where it can double as a bench, coffee table, or side seat, styled with a throw blanket, decorative pillow, or a beautiful tray with decor items. This way, it blends form and function while staying ready for a quick workout whenever you need it. Simply move it to your preferred workout spot, and you’re ready to go!

Can you elaborate on the choice of vegan leather for the Flexbox upholstery and how it contributes to both functionality and home aesthetics?

We chose vegan leather for Flexbox because it combines durability, easy maintenance, and an animal-friendly approach with a refined look and feel. Highly resilient, water-resistant, and easy to clean, vegan leather is ideal for a piece that serves as both a workout bench and functional furniture. Its luxurious texture and finish elevate the space, adding a touch of elegance without compromising functionality.

With Flexbox available in Midnight black and Daybreak tan, what tips do you have for coordinating these tones with different interior styles or colour palettes?

Both the midnight black and Daybreak tan options are versatile, timeless shades that blend beautifully with a variety of interiors. Midnight black adds a bold, sophisticated contrast that pairs well with modern or industrial styles, and it complements lighter shades for a balanced look. Tan, on the other hand, has a warm, neutral tone that works seamlessly with natural woods, earthy colour palettes, and traditional decor styles. For a cohesive look, choose decor elements that echo or contrast these shades to either complement or subtly accentuate Flexbox within your space.

How can Flexbox be used to enhance a multi-functional room, balancing both workout and living spaces without compromising on style?

Flexbox is ideal for multi-functional rooms because it doesn’t look like typical gym equipment. Its dual purpose as a storage unit and stylish furniture piece allows it to integrate naturally into living spaces, home offices, or bedrooms without disrupting the room’s aesthetic. You can easily store your workout essentials inside, minimising clutter, and then use it as extra seating or a table when not in use. Flexbox enhances the functionality of your space while allowing you to seamlessly switch between workout mode and relaxation.

Are there any plans for personalised or customisable options for Flexbox that would allow users to integrate it further into their home decor?

We’re exploring the idea of customisable Flexbox options in the future to make it even more adaptable to individual tastes and decor needs. This could include additional colour choices, different finishes, or personalised touches that would allow users to make Flexbox truly their own. The goal is always to create a product that feels personal and fitting for each home, enhancing both fitness and style.

Read the full article here.
By: Shereen Lurie