An intimate sensory experience in Johannesburg explored the relationship between luxury furniture, immersive sound and the art of intentional living
What if furniture could tell a story? At the SOFACOMPANY x Bang & Olufsen Living Sound experience, luxury design took on a new dimension as two leading brands came together to explore the emotional connection between comfort, sound and contemporary living.
Hosted at the Bang & Olufsen Experience Centre in Kramerville, Johannesburg, the exclusive event transformed a traditional showroom into an immersive sensory environment. Rather than simply showcasing furniture and audio technology, Living Sound invited guests to experience how thoughtfully designed spaces can influence the way we feel, connect and unwind.
With SOFACOMPANY’s contemporary Danish furniture taking centre stage and Bang & Olufsen’s premium sound technology setting the atmosphere, the evening offered a refreshing perspective on modern luxury living.
Where Luxury Furniture Meets Immersive Sound
At the heart of Living Sound was a simple philosophy: furniture is more than something we own. It becomes part of the moments that shape our everyday lives.
From conversations that stretch late into the evening to quiet afternoons spent reading or listening to music, our living spaces hold memories and create opportunities for connection.
The SOFACOMPANY x Bang & Olufsen collaboration brought this philosophy to life through a carefully curated experience that engaged the senses.
Instead of traditional yoga mats, guests settled into SOFACOMPANY sofas for a guided somatic breathwork session led by storyteller and facilitator Lesego Mapeka.
Combining breath, storytelling and immersive audio, the session encouraged guests to slow down and become more aware of their surroundings. The result was an intimate exploration of how furniture, sound and thoughtful design can contribute to a sense of comfort and wellbeing.
Meet the SOFACOMPANY Designs That Tell a Story
Rather than introducing each sofa through conventional product specifications, Living Sound gave the furniture its own personality.
Each piece represented a different mood, memory or moment, highlighting the emotional qualities of Danish-inspired furniture design.
Paula, designed by Line Nevers Krabbenhøft, embodied sculptural elegance and effortless comfort. Its inviting silhouette suggested long conversations and relaxed afternoons spent in good company.
Otis, designed by Cathrine Rudolph, captured the pleasure of slowing down. With its understated appeal, it evoked the comfort of a favourite reading corner or a quiet moment after a busy day.
Babette, designed by Katrine Bjørn, introduced a sense of boutique hotel luxury, combining softness with a sophisticated aesthetic.
Greta reflected the warmth and relaxed character of contemporary Danish living, while Judi and Daphne offered their own interpretations of comfort, connection and understated elegance.
Together, the collection demonstrated how luxury furniture can bring personality into a home while creating spaces that encourage people to gather, relax and reconnect.
“SOFACOMPANY is built on the belief that a sofa is more than an object. It is where people come together, unwind, and make the everyday feel like home. Living Sound was the natural way to bring that belief to life, because it allowed guests to experience our pieces through the feeling they create, not only through their form,” said Jonno Sherwin, Managing Director of SOFACOMPANY South Africa.
Bang & Olufsen Redefines the Listening Experience
While SOFACOMPANY provided the physical comfort, Bang & Olufsen introduced an equally important element: sound.
Renowned for its premium audio technology, sophisticated aesthetics and craftsmanship, Bang & Olufsen transformed the Kramerville Experience Centre into an environment where sound became an essential part of the design experience.
Rather than functioning as background music, the immersive audio shaped the atmosphere and complemented the storytelling throughout the evening.
The collaboration highlighted the relationship between luxury furniture and high-performance home audio. Together, these elements can transform an ordinary living room into a more personal and engaging space.
“Bang & Olufsen has always worked at the meeting point of sound, design and craftsmanship. Living Sound made that intersection tangible. By allowing sound to shape the room and the pace of the experience, we could show how audio and furniture together can create a more personal and lasting connection,” said Gareth Payne, Managing Director of Bang & Olufsen South Africa.
The Rise of Experiential Luxury Design
Living Sound also reflected a growing appreciation for experiential luxury, where the value of a product extends beyond its appearance or technical features.
Today’s approach to luxury interiors increasingly considers how a space supports everyday rituals, personal wellbeing and meaningful connections.
By combining storytelling, somatic breathwork, premium audio and contemporary furniture, SOFACOMPANY and Bang & Olufsen created an experience that placed emotion at the centre of design.
Guests were encouraged to consider not only how a sofa might look in their homes, but how it could become part of their daily lives.
The activation offered a compelling example of how luxury brands can connect with audiences through shared experiences rather than traditional product presentations.
The Art of Living More Intentionally
Ultimately, SOFACOMPANY x Bang & Olufsen Living Sound was about more than beautiful furniture and exceptional sound.
It was a reminder that the spaces we create have the power to influence how we live.
A thoughtfully chosen sofa becomes a place for conversation, relaxation and cherished memories. A carefully considered sound system can transform the atmosphere of a room, turning an ordinary evening into something memorable.
Together, these elements contribute to a home that feels personal, inviting and connected.
In a world that rarely slows down, Living Sound encouraged guests to rediscover the pleasure of simply being present.
Perhaps that is the real luxury of contemporary living: sitting a little longer, listening a little closer and creating spaces that make every moment feel meaningful.
