Hemelhuijs’ Jacques Erasmus Opens Stand-alone Homeware Store in Joburg!

If you’ve ever been to the famous Hemelhuijs and sampled Jacques Erasmus’ sensational food then you will know that entrepreneur is all about celebrating the art of craftsmanship as well as unique flavours and design. Now he is bringing that ethos to Joburg with the launch of his latest project, BASALT home, in the suburb of Parkhurst in Johannesburg! The home collection store is a wonderland of everything and anything truly beautiful and is bound to get your creative juices flowing when shopping for rare and delightfully unusual items to spice up your home.

Inside the store, a massive laboratory-style shelf showcases a wonderful display of handmade and blended spices, Jewel-coloured jellies and preserves (handmade using ingredients from the restaurant’s country garden), a carefully curated selection of fine napery, and other handcrafted and exotic finds. Of course, taking pride of place is Jacques’ very first collection of black ceramic tableware. The collection was inspired by ancient shapes and finishes which include rich sepia, bone and luscious gold. Even the store’s name was inspired by the first collection – ‘Basalt’ draws reference to the organic matt black volcanic compound that has inspired Jacques’ very first collection of black ceramic tableware.

The great thing about BASALT is that is all about living life beautifully and finding pieces that are unique to your style. Products are designed, specially made or sourced while still placing a large focus on the everyday needs of clients. “We do not sell just another plate or cup or bowl, we provide our clients with the service of craftsmanship, the pride of quality over quantity and most of all, the passion for a product completely made by the human hand,” says Jacques.