Interior Design Trade Fair: Decorex taking place October 8 -11 at Olympia London

The 45th edition of Decorex is welcoming thousands of interior design professionals and trade buyers from October 8th to 11th at Olympia, the iconic exhibition pavilion in West Kensington, London. 

Decorex image

Decorex is highly regarded as an important trade show for professionals to discover brand new products for their upcoming interiors projects and find design inspiration and new trend directions, as well as posing opportunities to network and exchange insights and ideas between peers.

This year, the Decorex 2023 entrance features an installation in which visitors are greeted with a selection of pre-owned pieces chosen from the 400,000+ items from the Vinterior online marketplace that represents 2,000 vintage and antique sellers from over 30 countries.

This installation sets an example for championing the eco-ethics, as the structure is fully reusable and has been designed so that it can be easily dismantled, according to organisers. Working without nails or glue, the timbers used will be reincarnated.

Decorex events director Sam Fisher says, "We are constantly striving to become more sustainable and to encourage our industry to do the same, so throwing a spotlight on a company such as Vinterior and the creative ways in which you can display interior pieces is a great way for visitors to start their journey around the show!"

Decorex exhibitor Blackpop is launching its new AW23 collection ‘Populuxe’ that consists of five pared back colour designs that combine sleek lines and organic shapes, with an added hint of Art Deco to reference the part it played on influencing the mid-century vibe.  These designs are available as wall murals, wallpaper and fabric - you can choose from our British cotton velvet to our sustainable version.
Photo courtesy of Blackpop.

British lighting and chandelier expert Curiousa is launching the Maya Collection.  Inspired by Aztec and Mayan graphic fabric patterns and architectural motifs, the stepped geometric shapes of the Maya Collection evoke the silhouette of iconic ancient Mayan temples. These shapes were translated into bone-china components through a creative and organic process from clay on the wheel to slip-casting before then being carefully curated with glass.
Photo by Will Slater.

Decorex 2023 exhibitors.
Image from Decorex

While trade visitors are able to view new product launches covering the full spectrum of interior design products ranging from soft furnishings to furniture, from flooring to design ornaments, lighting, wall coverings and home and interior decorative products and everything in between, by design houses and brands, Decorex has joined forces with New Designers,  an annual showcase of the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent, and awarded two designers with the Decorex International Sustainability Award.  They are Georgia Johnson (a textile design graduate of Arts University Bournemouth who uses eco-friendly and sustainable materials}, and Burniture (a brand that gives new life to vintage furniture). The two winners displayed a stunning range of designs at this year’s New Designers show, and will be on show at this edition of Decorex.

New Designers has provided a platform for over 3,000 graduates to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public every year. The event takes place over two weeks, with different disciplines highlighted in Week 1 (in June) and Week 2 (in July), spanning fashion, textiles, furniture, product design, illustration, and more. 

Decorex visitors can discover in Curio  an evolving collection of handcrafted objects, beautiful art, great craftsmanship and imaginative design from around the world.  Here organisers have brought together makers, aesthetes and contemporary collectors, who work to preserve and safeguard precious skills for the future. 

Design Talks in the Decorex 2022 show.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Organisers have also put together a programme of Design Talks featuring 85 speakers and industry professionals who will share essential design tips and advise attendees on a range of topics, such as the association of interior and well-being, sustainability within design, the myths and mysteries about colour, the relationship between fashion and interiors, sustainability and practical insights on various aspects to help improve and grow businesses, and others. For the full agenda of Design Talks, click HERE. 

"Making Spaces" in the  Decorex 2022 show.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Returning this season due to its popularity in previous shows is Making Spaces, which allows makers to demonstrate the making of their products and thus providing the producers the opportunity to demonstrate the design and production process of their products and to give hands-on experience to the luxury design community.  

Joining this year are Cockpit, a centre for excellence in craft, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity and home to 160 independent creative businesses; The Black Artisans that showcases and celebrates established UK based black artisans; Future Icons which showcases a select collection of design and craft led businesses that produce the finest interior accessories, furniture, jewellery, fashion accessories, artwork and objet d’art internationally; QEST which supports and champions excellence in British craftsmanship by funding the training and education of talented and aspiring makers; and Rycotewood Furniture Centre.