Life By Design

A Personal Journey to Designing Your Life from Within

Life By Design is an invitation to step into the role of a Designer in your own life. Rooted in the belief that we design our lives just as we design the spaces we live in. This journey blends self-discovery, personal growth, and conscious living.

Curated by Nthabi Taukobong, Life By Design applies timeless design principles – not to interiors, but to the way we build and experience our own lives. It’s about learning to clear what no longer belongs, create space for what truly matters, and align the life you live with the life you truly desire.

Life By Design

STEP INTO THE DESIGN OF YOUR LIFE.

There comes a moment when you stop searching outside yourself and begin creating from within. Life By Design is your invitation to step into that moment – to create with purpose, to trust your vision, to build a life that feels deeply and unmistakably yours.

Available as an ebook and paperback.

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Overview

What is Life By Design?

Life By Design is the process of consciously designing your life from the inside out – just as a well-designed space reflects its owner’s values, choices, and vision. It’s about creating a life that is purposeful, aligned, and deeply personal, allowing you to move with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

Why ReadLife By Design?

Because life is something you create – through the choices you make, the beliefs you carry, and the way you live each day. Life By Design is about becoming more aware of that process, stepping into it with clarity, and building a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and deeply yours.

There is no rigid structure to follow – only the path that unfolds as you move forward with awareness and trust. This is your opportunity to design a life that reflects who you truly are.

Focus Areas

Learn how to bring the principles of Life By Design into your career, daily habits, and lifestyle – so that every decision you make moves you closer to a life that feels aligned and fulfilling:

Personal Insights & Stories:

In Life By Design, Nthabi shares her personal experiences and reflections on navigating change, stepping into self-awareness, and curating a life that feels truly aligned.

A Step-by-Step Approach:

The book is structured like a design project, taking you through phases such as:

The Brief:

Getting clear on what you truly want.

The Floor Plan:

Mapping out the possibilities.

The Vision Board:

Defining the essence of your designed life.

The Build:

Taking action and bringing it all together.

Join the Journey

Life By Design is a journey of learning how to create a life that feels like home to you.

Stay connected for new reflections and resources to support you in this process. Whether you’re clearing space for a new chapter, redefining your purpose, or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, Life By Design is here to guide you toward a life that is beautifully and uniquely yours.

The Real Interior

“It was in writing a letter one evening, congratulating herself on reaching the milestone of 21 years in her career, that Nthabi discovered she was not only writing to herself, but to every creative…”

Nthabi Taukobong

Synopsis

“The Real Interior” is an inspirational narrative penned by the remarkable businesswoman, Nthabi Taukobong. Born in Soweto in the 1970s, during the turbulent era of apartheid, Nthabi learned early in life the importance of excellence and perseverance.

Nthabi writes with candid authenticity about her formative years, detailing her extraordinary journey from Soweto to Canada as a Rotary Exchange Student – a trip that would forever change her perspective. She recounts her academic pursuits at Natal Technikon (now Durban University of Technology) and the serendipitous path that led her to secure her dream job at an esteemed interior design company in Parktown North, renowned for its work on luxury hotels and casinos….

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Nthabi’s Reflection

✦ What are the greatest memories and lessons from my life in design?

✦ How do I document my journey – the highs and the lows?

These reflections culminated in a heartfelt letter to herself, which evolved into this book.

Nthabi Taukobong’s illustrious career spans over 25 years, during which she has designed prestigious residential and leisure spaces for presidents, African royalty, captains of industry, and five-star hotels. Her expertise has taken her across Africa and the globe, allowing her to study and work in diverse cultural landscapes. Today, she continues to trailblaze in the world of interior design, inspiring others with her story of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to her craft.

Book Excerpts & Media Interviews

These excerpts illustrate the themes of inner transformation, resilience, and authentic living that are central to Nthabi Taukobong’s memoir.

“You are not the product of your environment, you are the product of your thoughts, your heart and your soul.” This quote highlights Nthabi’s belief in the power of inner strength and personal mindset in shaping one’s destiny【Working Women’s Wealth】

“In life, the fact that you get up every morning and you try, even when everything is against you, and you still make it. That is a successful life.” This excerpt emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges【Working Women’s Wealth】.

“Every day needs to be appreciated for whatever it brings to you.” Nthabi underscores the value of being present and finding gratitude in daily experiences【Working Women’s Wealth】.

“Those experiences built me to be ready for anything in this world.” This quote captures the essence of how her diverse experiences have prepared her for the complexities and challenges of life and career 【Working Women’s Wealth】.