Decorex Review 2021
Decorex opened its doors for the first time in two years at Kensington Olympia’s Grand Hall from 10-13th October 2021.
With a rich heritage stretching back over 40 years, Decorex’s long standing reputation has proved the test of time and it was good to see the show aisles packed with members of the design community delighted to be able to see new and exciting product launches in person.
BCFA members at the show included Croft & Assinder, Distinction Contracts, Linwood Fabrics, Tetrad, Timorous Beasties, Warwick Fabrics (UK) and Wemyss Fabrics.
Crofts and Assinder were showing their latest cabinet handles and fittings displayed in an variety of antique and modern picture frames.
New fabric launches are always a top priority at this show and Warwick Fabrics stand together with those of Linwood Fabrics and Wemyss were overflowing with visitors excited to view their latest collections.
Timorous Beasties were also showing their fabulous new designs, including foil wallcoverings – one of the most eye catching of which was their new Jellyfish foil wallpaper panel.
BCFA members Tetrad and G P & J Baker were featured on the eye-catching Spink & Edgar stand.
The headline topic of the show was undoubtedly sustainability which featured throughout the event in company displays, the seminar programme and show features.
This was particularly embraced by the Portuguese Pavilion and other European brands who participated.
Ferreira de Sá introduced their sustainable Circular collection of rugs woven from a new regenerated nylon raw material made from old carpets and fishing nets.
Another Portuguese brand – Magna Natura, part of the “The Made in Portugal – Naturally” pavilion, showcased their brand of furniture, ecological wall coverings and decoration with a pioneering use of cork .
Matthew Wailes (London), a designer and producer of finest handmade carpets and rugs, showed his Fusion Collection focussing exclusively on the removal and regeneration of clear plastic waste from the natural environment to create a usable woven yarn.
The Haines Collection presented their platform for the resale of surplus fabric and wallpaper that might otherwise end up in landfill.
Sotis Studio Ceramics featured bespoke ceramic lighting, installations and vessels using 24 carat gold and platinum.
Indigenous displayed interiors inspired by the beauty of natural materials
Agata Rose Laguna is one of the exclusive limited edition In Wool and Bamboo Silk finish carved rugs, part of Italian exhibitor Sahrai’s Artists Selection designed in collaboration with David Elia and inspired by the mythical Brazilian Agate stone.
As part of the thought provoking “The Decorex Talks” programme, the seminar on “Addressing Waste in Design via Sustainability” was of particular significance as was the discussion on “Wellbeing in Hospitality Design” covering how the wellness trend in hotels and resorts has been accelerated by the pandemic.
A long standing tradition for the event, Decorex always invited a renowned interior designer to create a scheme for its bar, perfectly placed this year at the heart of the show. For 2021, Sara Cosgrove – Founder of multidisciplinary interior design and interior architectural practice Sara Cosgrove Studio – created a captivating space with an uplifting circus concept.
Decorex will be followed by a virtual event, Decorex Virtual, which will feature all exhibitors from the live show across three days from 16-18th November.
