Meet Alkaline Design Studio at The Old Mushroom Farm

We caught up with Chelsea and Andrew, the creative minds behind Alkaline Design Studio, based in Tunnel 4 at The Old Mushroom Farm, KZN Midlands. What began as a one-woman project in Chelsea’s mum’s laundry has grown into a thriving design studio known for innovative, sustainable, and effortlessly stylish homeware. In this interview Chelsea and Andrew give us a peek into the Alkaline studio and tell us more about what they've been up to, and what they envision for the business.

Alkaline started small, and has grown tremendously over the last few years, now operating their business from a full tunnel. Alkaline is a model for what The Old Mushroom Farm owner, Nick envisioned for the tunnel renovations. Once dedicated to mushroom cultivation, the tunnels have been reimagined into vibrant artisan studios, shops, eateries, and event spaces—a contemporary hub where industry and art intersect. In this way, Alkaline and the other Old Mushroom Farm artisans have made Nick's vision a reality.

“We love being at The Old Mushroom Farm for its spirit of making,” says Chelsea. “It’s full of creatives and there’s always something going on.” That spirit is central to the farm’s ethos: makers inspiring makers, where the energy of one studio often sparks motivation for another.

Alkaline’s commitment to exceptional, handmade craftsmanship is unmistakable, and watching their evolution from a passion project to a sought-after brand with big ambitions has been truly inspiring. “Alkaline is primarily a home décor manufacturer,” says Andrew. A humble statement, as their approach reveals far more—every product is shaped by design-led experimentation, careful testing, and persistent refinement. Every item is scrutinised under fine tuned eyes, and nothing leaves their studio if it is not up to their high quality standards- setting them apart from others on the market.

From the very beginning, Chelsea and Andrew have approached Alkaline with true entrepreneurial grit—seeing opportunity where others might see risk. Starting with limited resources and a single product —a bar of soap— they’ve built their brand through experimentation, persistence, and a willingness to learn from every challenge. Their range today spans bathroom, kitchen, bar, and home accessories, with sample development underway to expand into larger furniture and décor pieces—always staying true to their distinctive aesthetic and ethos.

Sustainability lies at the heart of Alkaline’s process. Eco-friendly, non-toxic materials are standard, and their love for terrazzo—a centuries-old Italian technique—gives discarded fragments a second life. Overflow material and reject items are reincorporated into durable, eye-catching surfaces. Beyond their own waste stream, Chelsea and Andrew have been experimenting with what others throw away: building site rubble, for example, is transformed into surprisingly sleek homeware, in their latest light fitting crafted from reclaimed red brick. “Instead of searching for new materials on the market, we look for what’s being discarded,” Andrew explains. Thus cycling waste back into their production stream.

For lovers of thoughtful design and sustainable craftsmanship, a visit to Alkaline Design's factory shop at The Old Mushroom Farm is a must. Step into their studio in Tunnel 4, explore their modern creations in vivid colour, and perhaps take home your very own Alkaline item, a token of their inspiring vision.

Film credits to Keren Stanley.