Image used with permission from Design Junction
In September, the design world descends on London for two weeks of special events and shows. The London Design Festival (LDF) is a celebration of the biggest and brightest talent in interior design. It’s essentially the LFW of interiors – where the trends for the next 12 months are revealed.
Some of the major shows include Decorex (a 38-year tradition), 100% Design, Tent and Super Brands London and Design Junction. But all over London you’ll find pop up shops, showrooms and art galleries – including the V&A, celebrating design. As well as exhibitions and demonstrations, there were fascinating talks and panels by designers and experts on a wide range of topics. Luminaries such as French designer Philippe Starck, Christopher Turner, editor of Icon Magazine and Johannes Torpe took to the stage to discuss inspiration, experimentation and the future of design.
I’m a regular at London Design Festival. The shows are a great source of inspiration and I love coming into a new season with a notebook full of fresh ideas.
In this two-part series, I’ll be sharing the latest trends, insider gossip and industry news from LDF.
Scandinavian Design
Scandinavian design is still making waves in interior design. The trademark of this trend is beautiful craftsmanship, natural materials (especially wood) and sleek form. Denmark based furniture designers, Mater, exhibited at Tent this year, showing pieces such as the Shell lounge and dining chair made from hand-stitched leather seats on a wooden frame, and the beautiful acorn-shaped Terho lamp which is made from hand-blown glass and alder wood.
Ceramic and Stone Tiles
Ceramic and stone tiles in every shape and size are hugely popular at the moment. I saw large format, oversized tiles as well as tiny, delicate mosaics. The more traditional, muted offerings are of course still on trend (they are style classics, after all), alongside slightly quirkier patterned tiles.I noticed a real focus on reclaimed materials and more sustainable production methods. Renowned architectural salvage company, Bert and May, were exhibiting their reclaimed and handmade tiles at both 100% Design and Decorex.
Handcrafted Products
Handmade was another major highlight of this year’s shows. The handmade trend has been blossoming for a few years but it has really come into its own recently. At Design Junction’s Flash Factories exhibit, we got to see how companies like Bert and May, Waterford Crystal and Coakley & Cox make their products. There were similar craft shows at Decorex, the highlights of which included rug weaving by Front London and block printed wallpapers by Watts of Westminster.
Colour Trends
As for colours, deep sea hues were the focus at Decorex; teal, rich greens and a variety of blues. These were contrasted against copper and brass accents, creating a really striking but cosy effect. Walls in navy, dark grey and black were also featured proving that dramatic, moody hues are the order of the day. But there was a lighter side too, with a delightfully modern ‘autumnal leaf’ combination at 100% Design in yolk yellow, apple green and rust orange teamed together with concrete and wood.
Tune in later in the week for part two, where I share my personal highlights!
