Friday Thoughts
The Decorex Diaries
Have you ever been to one of the big design exhibitions?
The Decorex Diaries
Have you ever been to one of the big design exhibitions?
The ones in London with hundreds of displays and exhibitors, workshops to attend and samples to snag?
Well, I visited two in two days last week - Decorex and Focus 24. It’s lucky I love these things, but 15,000 steps in, I must say even I spent a little while ‘browsing’ some of the sofa collections!
TBH, if you’re into interiors, annual exhibitions are just the best way to see what’s coming along for the new season. And to discover new and exciting designers, as well as new collections from old favourites.
And this year was no exception. From A/W colour palettes, to cast concrete, I can’t wait to share it all with you below.
Design notes from Decorex
Let’s talk colour!
With sponsorship from YesColours, it was hardly surprising there were plenty of bold colours around. But as we move towards 2025, it was apparent that many of the designers are embracing what they’re calling ‘quiet luxury’. Deeper colour palettes and earthy tones, with fewer elements of ‘bling’ than we’ve seen in recent seasons.
I, for one, am loving the move towards these more sophisticated interiors, full of rich colours, sumptuous textures and luxury materials. It fits perfectly with the kinds of interiors I love to create.
I particularly enjoyed this stylish display from Graham & Greene, with its mauve hues and clever mix of pattern and texture! And even the paint company displays captured a new mood for 24/25. But don’t worry, there were still plenty of bold stripes and geometrics out there for the pattern lovers among you.
My 5 Finds for Friday
The ‘Spotted at Decorex’ edition
1. Kast
In their own words, Kast “focus relentlessly on one thing; making the most beautiful concrete basins anywhere in the world.” I’ve definitely earmarked these sinks for a future bathroom project - now to find a client who will let me include one of these in their designs!
2. The Soho Lighting Company
I love the idea of lighting that is reliably and responsibly made, so when I came across Soho’s pendants made from recycled plastic I was intrigued. Not only eco-friendly, but with soft creams and green fluted edges, what’s not to love?
Soho sustainable, Soho stylish
3. A Rum Fellow
This distinctive duo brought along new rug collection, LITHIC, as well as their Tekton collection, launched earlier this year. Both inspired by nature, geology and timeless traditions, I loved the bold patterns, geometrics and earthy tones. And I love their ethos too.
4. Collett & Victor
First-timers at Decorex, I spotted Collett & Victor’s gorgeous upholstered seating from the other side of the room. Bespoke, made-to-measure using traditional Belgian techniques, I love the contemporary curves in their designs, not to mention the stunning fabrics and colours.
5. Off the Loom
It may be no surprise to hear that I love a stair runner, particularly a striped one. So I made a beeline for Off the Loom. And I wasn’t disappointed. Beautiful and super hard-wearing, these are made from 100% pure New Zealand 3-ply. So it’s a given they’ll stand up to busy family life.
Focus on wall coverings
Away from Decorex, I was blown away by the beautiful wallpapers, fabrics and murals at Focus 24. So much so, there’s simply too much to chat about here.
Instead, I’ll devote the next issue of my Friday Thoughts to all things wallcovering, including plenty of the designers I came across at Focus 24.
Here’s a sneak peek.
Did you spot Juno in The Bristol Magazine?
She’s hard to miss! The Bristol Magazine chose one of my absolute favourite photos, featuring Juno (my dog) as Carmen Miranda, to accompany their autumn interiors round-up. You’ll also find a few of my top hallway tips in the article, including how to manage multiple doorways.
Let me know if you’ve seen a copy.
In the meantime, if you would like to see how any of the above could work in your home, book an Inspire Session and let me show you exactly how it could work for you.
