Our Story

Started by a husband and wife team in a small Cape Town apartment in 2011. Having studied architecture and interior design respectively in Johannesburg – The creativity, spaces and beauty of Cape Town was the perfect place to set up their studio.

The name – “ Well, no one knew us when we arrived in Cape Town – We were outsiders, doing something new and different and wanting to upset the status quo” says Jarrad Nelson.

Dark Horse – Celebrating almost ten years of design that brings us closer together. 

We design products that promote a connected space,not just simply beautiful products but those that make for a better life. Inspire us, bring us closer and build incredible memories. These products must always be functional, whilst taking into careful consideration the coming together of materials and details. 

Dark Horse is more than a furniture range, it’s an ecosystem for gathering and sharing – A brand with a vision of bringing us closer together and making memories for the journey ahead.

Our mission is to create considered design that can be enjoyed by the next generation. The result is a lifestyle that connects people and let’s them enjoy life together.

Lise Nelson loves products. “ I’m always interested in designing something new to solve a problem in an elegant way, it’s what allows us to constantly innovate.”

Jarrad Nelson says” The vision at its core remains true – The things we curate define who we are and now more than ever we understand that the moments  spent together are the most exciting, treasured and important – Best we do it in style! “ 

Dark Horse has always been focused on sustainability -Through our R’s Repair, Reuse, Recycle – We constantly work to ensure materials are best used, waste is recycled and what can be repaired is. This ethos is carried through our production and products and is a testament to the hardwearing materials we select and our focus on creating designs that can be handed to the next generation.

This is an essential part of ensuring our planet remains liveable.

We’ve now also teamed up with GreenPop to donate tree’s that enable the restoration of ecosystems and empower environmental stewards across Sub-Saharan Africa. With each purchase we’re working on making an impact.