IKU Studio & Jalita Design House: How It All Fits Together

Written By Jalita de Waal

For a while, I’ve been navigating a creative evolution—one that brings together my love for art, interiors, and design in a way that feels expansive, exciting, and aligned. If you’ve been following along, you may have noticed two names appearing in my world:

✨ IKU Studio
✨ Jalita Design House

So, how do they fit together? Let’s dive in.

IKU Studio & Jalita Design House

A labor of love, color, and sometimes a bit of chaos.

IKU Studio: The Heart of My Art

IKU Studio has been my creative home for almost two years now—which, in my world, is a long time. Before that, I had a different brand name, but the essence remained the same.

I spent a decade working in agencies (2012-2021) and loved it—so much fun, work, and growth. It shaped me, and while I sometimes feel nostalgic, I also know that everything evolves. IKU Studio is that evolution.

It’s more than just a business; it’s my physical space, creative hub, and design studio. A place where ideas take form, and where I continue to work with amazing clients while building my own artistic path. I even had a studio before I had a permanent home (still working on that house, by the way!).

At its core, IKU Studio is:
🎨 My shop for art & prints – If you’re looking for my work, this is where you’ll find it. Currently, the shop is South Africa-only, but I might reopen international sales in the future.
🏡 A creative space – I practically live here. It’s where I experiment, create, and share my journey—sometimes with my dogs, always with a lot going on.
🌍 A connection point – Through exhibitions, collectors, and workshops, IKU Studio has grown into a space where art meets people. Last year, I hosted two exhibitions with 50-70 guests in a night—that energy is unmatched.


What does “IKU” mean?

"IKU" (育) means "to nurture" or "to grow" in Japanese, while (行) means "to go" or "to travel." These ideas—growth, movement, and transformation—are at the heart of the studio.

Tokyo in 2010 wasn’t just a place I lived—it was a catalyst. Immersed in its artistry, whimsical, precision, and creative energy, I experienced an awakening that shaped my vision for design for life.

IKU Studio is about more than aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and connection. Good design sparks wonder, joy, and transformation—not just in spaces, but in how we experience the world. Whether through bold art, interiors, or curated treasures, IKU Studio exists to nurture creativity and infuse the extraordinary into the everyday.

Jalita Design House: A New Chapter in Design

So, what about Jalita Design House? Am I overcomplicating things? Maybe. Most probably. But if you know me, you know I have a thing for branding. And sometimes, something comes along that’s too good to let go.

Jalita Design House is different. It’s a design label—a space where I can explore surface pattern design, interiors, and licensing. It’s an extension of my creative world, where art moves beyond the canvas into the spaces we live in.

This year, I’m diving into:
🏡 Interior Design – While building my own home, I’ve been experimenting with color, space, and materials (yes, the yellow and purple walls are just the beginning!).
🎨 Surface Pattern Design – After years in branding and digital design, I’m finally returning to illustration, patterns, and textures. Right now, I’m playing with line art, watercolor, and charcoal—seeing where it all leads.
📖 Immersion with Bonnie Christine – I’m in an incredible community of fellow designers, learning the world of surface design and textiles. No more lonely freelance work—this is a game-changer.

Jalita Design House is where:

🖼️ Art meets applied design – Think wallpapers, textiles, and objects that bring creativity into everyday spaces. (Still in the early stages, but I’m loving the process.)
🏛️ Interiors & storytelling come together – A blend of artistic vision and functional design.
🌟 The future unfolds – I’m working towards launching my first design collection—and yes, textiles are on the horizon.

How They Work Together

Instead of choosing one over the other, I’ve embraced the fact that IKU Studio and Jalita Design House are two sides of the same creative vision.

🖌️ IKU Studio = My art shop and creative hub
🏡 Jalita Design House = The evolution into interiors, patterns, and licensing

Both are connected, both are me, and both are growing into something truly exciting.

What’s Next?

Right now, I’m working on some big projects—including my debut surface design collection, which will launch at Decorex Cape Town 2025. It’s a bold step into the world of interior design, and I cannot wait to share more soon.

If you want to follow along and get behind-the-scenes insights, sign up for Studio Notes—where I share my journey, creative process, and first access to new work.

✨ Thank you for being part of this adventure. Here’s to bold creativity, artful spaces, and all that’s to come.

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Jalita de Waal
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