Design Events – More Than Just A Day Out, Part 3 - Decorex
Fresh impetus and inspiration
In my previous two blogs, I have discussed the importance of regularly attending design fairs, how they can provide fresh impetus and inspiration, introducing interior designers such as myself to fresh work by new suppliers, giving us the chance also to put names to faces when we visit some of the leading designers and artisans of the day at their stands. Having already covered two of the biggest design fairs of the year, this time we’re going to focussing on another famous annual event, Decorex.
Decorex
Over 200 established and emerging exhibitors were featured this year at the four-day interior design event held at Olympia. It used to be the main showcase for fabric houses until Chelsea Harbour was created. Nevertheless, it remains one of the leading design events of the year, with exhibitors from around the world showcasing unique and bespoke products in textiles, furniture, lighting and accessories. This year, 15 artisans showcased their crafts live in the show.
Highlights for me were:
Louise Heighes: A leather artisan, Lousie creates bespoke leather art pieces at her luxury textile studio in Margate. Inspired by the flow and movement which she sees in the natural world, her work is suitable for use as upholstery, or even for framing as wholly original pieces of leather art.
Soho Lighting: Designed in London, and hand-made in Cornwall by skilled artisans, Soho’s elegant lighting designs combine the best of British talent with technological creativity. One of their standout pieces is the award-winning collection of shades made from 3D-printed recycled plastic and clothing, demonstrating how central sustainability is to their design process.
Roger Oates Design: Long established as a household name in the industry, Roger Oates make the most wonderful flat-weave rugs and stair runners, and I really love their unmistakable trademark stripes.
On a personal note, I am currently working with them on a runner for my barn conversion project. We are looking for the perfect option in rust-red to blend with the iron oxide steel beams in the barn.
Alternative Flooring: One of my ‘go-to’ flooring companies. Based in Andover, they make high-quality carpets, rugs and runners, using wool, natural and faux fibres. At Decorex they were showcasing their new Quirky Bloom carpet collection, designed in partnership with Kate Watson-Smyth (seen in the picture below). The colourful and beautifully playful design of this British wool carpet caught everyone’s eye and received plenty of attention.
The Mews Fabrics and Furnishings: Owner and creative director Annabel Haan is known for working with small, artisan companies who create original and beautiful pieces, in both homeware and fabric. Her Pardis Fabric collection was featured at this year’s Decorex. I found it to be super-pretty, and particularly engaging for use in period properties. Annabel was also keen to stress that the collection is printed to order in the UK, cutting down on wastage and using revolutionary technology, reducing the need for chemical dyes.
Refreshed and reinvigorated
As I always do after visiting the annual round of design fairs, I came away feeling refreshed and reinvigorated, brimming with new ideas. I can’t wait to start applying these to my new and ongoing projects, and to see how I can use some of my new contacts to best effect. Watch this space…
Read about my experiences at Focus/23, at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour and the Decorative Arts Fair at Battersea.
I love providing interior design direction for family homes, considering colour, furnishings, flooring and lighting, along with family living, with an element of indulgence, a little bit of drama and plenty of personality.
If you would like a hand creating your dream home or want a second opinion, give me a call, 07773 372 158, or send me an email via nicky@nickypercival.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Nicky