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Pineapple House Interiors launches new furniture and décor collection in Woodstock

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Les and Rupert Sykes raise a glass to the launch of Pineapple House Interiors at The Palms in Woodstock, bringing their distinctive world of colour, craftsmanship and character from hotel to home
Les and Rupert Sykes raise a glass to the launch of Pineapple House Interiors at The Palms in Woodstock, bringing their distinctive world of colour, craftsmanship and character from hotel to homePicture: Supplied

What began with guests asking whether they could buy the furniture and décor at Pineapple House Boutique Hotel has evolved into Pineapple House Interiors, a new collection of bespoke furniture, textiles and handcrafted pieces.

Founded by Les and Rupert Sykes, Pineapple House Boutique Hotel has become known for its distinctive interiors, created through collaborations with South African makers, artists and suppliers.

The 14-room hotel, housed in a restored 1920s Victorian home in Sea Point, is filled with pieces chosen for their character and craftsmanship rather than to decorate the space.

Les and Rupert Sykes have created a distinctive interior that celebrates craftsmanship, colour and character
Les and Rupert Sykes have created a distinctive interior that celebrates craftsmanship, colour and characterPicture: Sinazo Mkoko

Guests wanted to take it home

“We did not set out to open a shop,” says Les.

“We built the hotel around pieces we loved and the work of talented makers, and guests kept asking if they could take a little of it home. At some point, we realised that idea had legs for something even bigger.”

That idea has now become Pineapple House Interiors, bringing together bespoke furniture, custom joinery, upholstery, soft furnishings, authentic Indian block-printed textiles and handcrafted objects.

But for the Sykeses, the appeal goes beyond how a piece looks. They want customers to understand the people, places and traditions behind what they bring into their homes.

“Pineapple House Interiors is for people who notice the small details, the people who want to know where something came from, who made it, and how it was created,” says Les.

“We want people to know the story of what they are bringing into their homes. Where did it start? Who made it? What hands has it passed through?”

The collection includes pieces inspired by, and in some cases directly connected to, furniture and décor found at the hotel
The collection includes pieces inspired by, and in some cases directly connected to, furniture and décor found at the hotelPicture: Sinazo Mkoko

A symbol of welcome

The collection includes pieces inspired by, and in some cases directly connected to, furniture and décor found at the hotel. Customers can also commission one-of-a-kind pieces or use the sourcing service to find something personal.

The Pineapple House name itself has a story rooted in hospitality. A pineapple decal on the couple’s windows during their years in the UK eventually made its way back to Cape Town and became the emblem of the hotel.

“It was serendipitous that the pineapple has long been a symbol of hospitality and welcome,” says Rupert. “It made it the perfect emblem for our hotel and now for a brand that is about creating homes and interiors with warmth, personality and a sense of welcome.”

Pineapple House Interiors opened at The Palms in Woodstock on Thursday, September 3, inviting visitors to discover the pieces and makers behind the Pineapple House aesthetic, and perhaps take a little of it home.

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