Decorex International

Bert Frank winner of the Decorex Best Stand Award 2019

​Arts Editor: Christopher George

Decorex International’s hit its 42nd edition, with thousands of visitors flocking to one of the the most important show in the UK’s design calendar. Debuting at Olympia London, its new home in the Capital, and this year saw a 10% rise in visitors across the four-day spectacle.  
Over 400 of the world’s top design talents showcased everything from hand-painted wallpapers and printed fabrics to bespoke furniture and conceptual lighting. Visitors could preview the latest launches from leading brands including Arte International, Hästens, Beaumont & Fletcher, Bert Frank, Dedar, Devon & Devon, Ferreira de Sá, Lincrusta, Nicholas Haslam, Officine Gullo, Rose Uniacke, Tom Faulkner, Thibaut, Vaughan and Villaverde

Cameron Design House stand at Decorex

Environmental responsibility was central to year’s edition, with Decorex finding new and innovative ways to put the environment at the heart of luxury design. Nowhere was this more evident than in the VIP room, created by UK interior design studio, Harding & Read. The team worked closely with suppliers, including Vinterior, Matthew Cox, Christopher Howe, British Standard and Farrow & Ball, to encourage a conscious approach to consumption. Mindful of the lifecycle of furniture and fixtures, the studio chose vintage and reclaimed pieces where possible. Each and every piece that featured was given the opportunity to find a new home after the show, with an online auction that raised £14,300 for Emmaus – the charity working to end homelessness.

VIP Legacy Lounge by Harding & Read in association with House & Garden

​Alongside inspiring new ways for brands to think about their environmental impact, Decorex also celebrated those that are already going above and beyond to be sustainable. This year’s Decorex Awards were the ideal opportunity, with the introduction of a new ‘Best Sustainable Product’ prize. Judges Henry Prideaux, interior designer, and Irene Gunter of interior architecture practice Gunter & Co, gave the accolade to Jennifer Manners, whose eponymous rug brand has released two new designs made from 100% recycled plastic.

Jennifer Manners rugs from 100% recycled plastic

​Elsewhere at the show ‘In the Making’ offered live, interactive demonstrations that gave insight into the meticulous journey of skill and care an artisanal piece takes before it reaches a client’s home. One stand showcased the woodworking and stone masonry skills of alumni from the British Crafts College, founded in 1893 by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, while another dedicated a space to Morris & Co. As custodians of William Morris’ original company, Morris & Co., his legacy was bought to life through wallpaper printing demonstrations using original archival blocks.

Corinne Julius, curator of Future Heritage, with Lynne MacLachlan work

​Decorex continued its support of emerging craftspeople with Foundation, a platform for the next generation of designer-makers of contemporary, bespoke furnishings. Featuring craft and design companies from various disciplines, Foundation presented twelve businesses that have been operational for fewer than five years. Testament to the exceptional skill and expertise of this up-and-coming group, Foundation exhibitor and artist Amy Collins was the recipient of Decorex’s ‘Best New Exhibitor’ award.

James Rigler, Future Heritage, Proposal

DECOREX INTERNATIONAL is the UK’s leading design show and the only one of its kind in the UK for the luxury interiors market. Established in 1978, Decorex is firmly recognised among the international design community as the trusted resource for high-end interior designers, architects, specifiers, retailers and property developers. 

It's no  wonder  this years exhibition was such a success.