Behind the scenes - Decorex 2022
This year, we are delighted to have been able to take a day out of the barn to get across to London’s Olympia for Decorex 2022.
Running for the last 44 years, Decorex is Europe’s leading interior design event, showcasing suppliers from all areas of the UK’s interior design world.
Arriving just before the event opened, the atmosphere was electric.
A busy coffee cart stood, with a steady queue fuelled an eager line interior designers and creatives ready to get a glimpse of the very best in design.
From hand printed fabrics and paint manufacturers to custom made pool tables - the exhibition was endless.
Here are our main takeaways from behind the scenes - Decorex, 2022
Paint colours
With a several paint manufacturers showcasing, the exhibit was alight with wonderfully bold palettes. But, that aside, there was one running message.
Soft and warm.
In fact, according to Mylands, their most popular colour this year is No. 266 Soho House.
“Pretty in its muted nature”
“Soho House No.266 combines umber, red and blue, with hints of magenta which results in a wonderfully rich and complex paint shade. It is easy to pair with complementary colours and looks soft and muted.”
Mylands.com
However, they are set to reveal their 2022/23 colour of the year as a bolder pink!
Bathroom finishes
We loved catching up with the team at Samuel Heath who are not only passionate about their product, but are at the cutting edge of bathroom hardware design.
We discussed current high street trends and fads, and how they expect bathroom finishes to change over the next 12/24 months.
Stainless steel, chrome, brushed chrome, gold, black, rose gold are all now commonly seen with high street bathroom retailers BUT the most timeless look of all is the antique brass.
Our contact at Samuel Heath explained how whilst many fads have come through other retailers, such as rose gold, these looks have a shorter lifespan - so for a greater longevity, a more classic and timeless look like the antique brass.
Their “One Hundred” collection is extra special. Whilst tasteful, contemporary and minimal , the intricate detail and quality finish is breathtaking.
Watch this space though. The team at Samuel Heath are hoping that Gunmetal will appear in the 2023 collection.
Lighting
Well, we have never seen so many incredible displays of lighting showing that grandeur, elegance and status are all still serious contenders in the lighting industry.
From the dramatic chandeliers by Pure White Lines, to the bold and playful prints of Pooky lampshades - lighting is something that certainly isn’t taking a back seat in the interiors world.
Mindfulness
Whilst tucked out of the busy flow of the central exhibition pathway the Futuretro stand was intriguing.
“What is going on in here?” Natalie asked the exhibitor, British modern sculptor, Jamie Barrett.
Drawn in by the pulsing light of the wall mounted sculptures and ambient sound in the stand, we couldn’t help but ask more questions.
Designed to aid relaxation, Jamie’s interactive light sculptures are movement and sound responsive creating a feeling of harmony balance with colour changing sequences and lighting effects.
These are an incredible feature for any space, wanting to add an element of calm, creativity and wonder.
AUTUMN COLOURS
As always, we loved catching up with our friends at Fifty Five South, who showcased their hideaway fall collection with a selection of earthy hues and tones of terracotta. The fall collection is a great way to add warmth into your styling and staging this time of year.
"Using colours like terracotta teamed with earthy tones, not only look soothing, but also stimulates creativity, contentment and overall comfort" says Fifty Five South.
BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP
One thing that really stood out throughout the event was level of craftsmanship .
From the hand casted traditional cast iron bed frames of the Cornish Bed Co to the bespoke cabinetry and furniture of HUX, the passion and skill that goes in to every detail makes us very proud of our British brands.
Sustainability
Eco, sustainable, green - all words heavily focused upon throughout the whole exhibition. Creating sustainable working methods and product is a clear focus for suppliers this year.
We spent about 5 hours at the event, which was plenty of time to see the main exhibitors, plus a spot of lunch.
We didn’t catch any of the educational sessions or talks - but there is always 2023!