Textiles and Design Trade Fair: Heimtextil 2027 sharpens its focus on quality, performance and sourcing

New Carpets & Rugs Excellence segment, Comfort & Connect area and Heimtextil Trends 27/28 address changing market demands

Heimtextil, the leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles and textile design, is refining its offering for a market under increasing pressure. The 2027 edition will introduce a new premium segment, Carpets & Rugs Excellence, alongside the Comfort & Connect area and the latest Heimtextil Trends 27/28, reflecting the industry's growing emphasis on quality, functionality, durability and long-term value.

Taking place from 12 to 15 January 2027 in Frankfurt, Heimtextil will present innovations spanning the entire textile value chain, from fibres and yarns to international textile design, finished collections, functional contract textiles and integrated interior solutions.

As consumers become more discerning about price, quality and product longevity, manufacturers and suppliers face mounting pressure to demonstrate the value of their products. Geopolitical uncertainty is also complicating international supply chains, increasing the importance of dependable production partners capable of delivering consistent quality and the required volumes.

Against this challenging backdrop, Heimtextil 2027 is expected to maintain the previous edition's level, with around 2,900 exhibitors underlining the event's international reach and continued relevance to the global textile industry, according to organisers at Messe Frankfurt.

“In a market that is increasingly difficult to predict, quality, reliability and strong personal relationships matter,” says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt. 

He highlights the importance of experiencing materials first-hand, discussing requirements directly with manufacturers and identifying production partners able to meet buyers' needs. This combination of product expertise, international sourcing opportunities and personal exchange, he says, positions Heimtextil as a strategic partner for the industry.

With its expanded sourcing concepts, dedicated product areas and emphasis on functional and design-led innovation, Heimtextil 2027 is seeking to address the practical challenges facing the textile industry. Its programme combines access to international manufacturing capacity with material research, emerging design talent and solutions for residential and contract interiors, placing quality, reliability and commercial relevance at the centre of the event.

Heimtextil Trends 27/28: performance meets sensory experience

Under the theme Home-Maxxing – The Performance of Everyday Living, Heimtextil and Milan-based design platform Alcova will explore how interior spaces can become more functional and adaptable without placing additional demands on their users

Under the theme Home-Maxxing – The Performance of Everyday Living, Heimtextil and Milan-based design platform Alcova will explore how interior spaces can become more functional and adaptable without placing additional demands on their users.

The Heimtextil Trends 27/28 translate this concept into three approaches to textile and surface design, balancing technical performance with material expression and sensory appeal.

Staged Competence makes performance visible through codes, numbers and micrographics, bringing the language of technical sophistication and durability into the aesthetic of textiles.

Inside, Out reveals how products are constructed, using details such as seams, straps, zips and replaceable covers to make complex technology more accessible and understandable.

Hyper Presence responds to digital overstimulation by emphasising the physical qualities of materials. Natural fibres, rough surfaces, folds and patina bring texture, tactility and the effects of ageing to the forefront.

Together, the trends offer practical direction for retailers, designers and manufacturers developing future collections and interiors. They encourage the industry to communicate performance more clearly, make construction more transparent and give material quality a stronger sensory presence.

To explore the Heimtextil Trends 27/28, click HERE.

Architect and designer Patricia Urquiola will bring an additional creative perspective to the Trend Space, presenting her unique interpretation of the trend theme “The Performance of Everyday Living”. Continuing her material research from previous Heimtextil editions, she will showcase both new works and further developments of existing ideas. Her contribution, alongside Alcova's curatorial direction, reinforces the fair's links with Milan's influential design community.

Architect and designer Patricia Urquiola will present three sculptures: alongside the familiar element “Bambi” in the Trend Space, as Urquiola is developing two new pieces specifically for Heimtextil. 

Carpets & Rugs: a more targeted approach to global sourcing

The Carpets & Rugs segment is being reorganised for 2027 to reflect purchasing and distribution channels more closely, helping buyers identify suitable products and suppliers more efficiently.

Hall 3.0 will combine hand-knotted one-off pieces, quality doormats and flooring solutions with the broader interior concepts presented in Interior Design Concepts: Window, Wall & Floor.

Hall 3.1 will bring together established international manufacturers, including Oriental Weavers with EFCO and MAC, Ragolle Rugs, Balta Industries, Merinos, Verbatex and Welspun. Its proximity to Decorative & Furniture Fabrics will enable buyers from retail, wholesale, department stores, discount retail, hospitality and the contract sector to compare carpets and fabrics when planning complete interior projects.

Halls 11.0, 12.0 and 12.1 will focus on hand- and machine-woven carpets for international volume business.

A key development is the launch of Carpets & Rugs Excellence in Hall 11.0. An independent expert jury has selected international volume manufacturers according to product quality, workmanship and production expertise. The aim is to help buyers identify suppliers whose manufacturing capabilities match their quality expectations and order requirements.

Confirmed exhibitors in Hall 11.0 include Bhadohi Carpets, Hafizia Arts & Crafts, Heritage Overseas and Jaipur Rugs. Teppich de Orienta, Bikaner Handloo Carpets and Rugs Inc. will exhibit in Hall 12.0.

The new premium segment strengthens the sourcing proposition by bringing quality-focused manufacturers into a dedicated area, while retaining the scale and production capacity required by international buyers.

Bed, Bath & Living expands its offer

The new Comfort & Connect area, located in the foyer of Hall 5.1, will bring together premium bed and bath textiles, decorative cushions and home accessories. Participating brands include Essenza Home, Hermann Biederlack, Ibena Textilwerke and Zoeppritz.

Designed as a central sourcing point for specialist bedding retailers, hospitality professionals and contract furnishers, the area will complement the wider Bed, Bath & Living offering in Halls 5.0 and 5.1, as well as part of Hall 4.2. These areas will feature additional brands, collections and suppliers serving the private-label market.

The Smart Bedding segment in Hall 4.0 is also expanding, with more German and European mattress manufacturers expected to participate.

Organised in cooperation with the German Mattress Industry Association, Sleep & Meet will once again bring together leading mattress and sleep-system suppliers. Exhibitors include Auping Germany, Dormiente, EuroComfort Group with Badenia, Brinkhaus, Lück and Schlaraffia, f.a.n. frankenstolz with Heinrich Häussling and Centa Star, and Schwarzwald Schlafsysteme.

Together, Comfort & Connect and Sleep & Meet will create a stronger platform for established brands across the bedding, sleep and home-lifestyle sectors.

Integrated solutions for residential and contract interiors

Heimtextil is also strengthening its emphasis on complete interior concepts for both residential and commercial projects.

In Hall 3.0, Interior Design Concepts: Window, Wall & Floor will bring together solutions for windows, walls and floors. DecoTeam will demonstrate how fabrics, sun protection and flooring can be combined to create cohesive interiors, offering practical inspiration for interior designers and other professionals.

Adjacent to this area, the Design Lounge powered by DecoTeam will feature selected brands translating interior and textile trends into coordinated colours, materials and surfaces.

The wider material offering extends into Halls 3.1 and 4.1, where Decorative & Furniture Fabrics presents an extensive international selection of upholstery and decorative fabrics, outdoor and contract textiles, artificial leather and products from European weavers.

The proximity of these complementary segments will enable interior professionals to compare collections, assess material performance and combine products to meet the specific requirements of individual projects.

Functional textiles for the spaces of tomorrow

Performance requirements vary considerably across hotels, offices, healthcare facilities and retail environments. Heimtextil's Interior.Architecture.Hospitality segment will address these needs by bringing together functional contract textiles, specialist suppliers and industry expertise.

A new Functional Futures Lab, presented in Hall 4.1 in partnership with Future Fabrics Expo, founded by Nina Marenzi, will showcase innovative materials and design solutions for future interior environments, with a particular emphasis on functionality and performance.

An accompanying programme at the Talk Spot will include presentations and guided tours highlighting potential applications, connecting visitors with relevant exhibitors and helping project specifiers identify suitable materials and business partners.

The initiative reinforces the growing importance of textiles that must satisfy practical performance requirements while contributing to the design and user experience of commercial interiors.

Textile Design: established studios and emerging talent

Hall 4.2 will host Heimtextil's extensive Textile Design offering, bringing together international studios presenting patterns, colour palettes and design concepts for home and contract textiles.

Buyers, product developers and creative professionals will be able to assess colours, scales and textures in person, select designs for forthcoming collections and establish direct relationships with designers.

The New Talent Area, curated in cooperation with Jennifer Castoldi of Trendease International, will return for its second edition with more than 30 participants already confirmed. The expanding platform will showcase the work of emerging designers, highlighting new creative approaches, innovative materials and sustainability-led ideas.

Its continued development reflects the importance of connecting established industry players with the next generation of textile design talent.

Global Home targets international production requirements

Through its Global Home segment, Heimtextil positions itself as Europe's largest sourcing platform for home textiles, connecting international buyers with manufacturers serving a wide range of order volumes and market requirements.

Halls 8.0 and 9.1 will feature volume manufacturers, private-label suppliers and country pavilions offering bed, bath and kitchen textiles, while Halls 12.0 and 12.1 will present international manufacturers specialising in window and decorative textiles.

Buyers will be able to review collections, discuss private-label opportunities and negotiate order volumes directly with suppliers.

The Global Home Excellence areas in Halls 9.0 and 11.0 will feature manufacturers selected by an independent expert jury according to defined quality criteria. The initiative is intended to help buyers compare international production partners and identify suppliers capable of maintaining required quality standards at high volumes.

Images: Heimtextil / Messe Frankfurt

Interior Trade Fair: Heimtextil 2027: New Talent Area expands showcase of emerging textile design

Therapeutic patterns, mythology, circular materials and contemporary craftsmanship will feature among the themes explored by a growing generation of textile designers at Heimtextil 2027, as the New Talent Area returns for its second edition with an expanded international presence.

Taking place from 12 to 15 January 2027 in Frankfurt, the curated platform will bring together more than 30 emerging designers and creative practitioners from around the world, many of whom will be presenting their work internationally for the first time.

Curated by Jennifer Castoldi of Trendease International, the New Talent Area was introduced at Heimtextil 2026 to provide a dedicated platform for emerging creative talent. Following a strong response to its debut, the initiative is expanding for 2027, with increased participation from institutions and sponsors supporting young designers as they move towards the commercial marketplace.

Located in Hall 4.2, the New Talent Area will showcase projects at different stages of development, ranging from experimental approaches to materials and surface design through to finished products suitable for retail and practical applications. The diversity of the work reflects some of the wider issues currently influencing textile design, including bio-based materials, circularity, sustainability, neurodiversity, heritage and craftsmanship.

The more than 30 participants registered so far represent Canada, China, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland and Wales. While the majority will be making their first appearance at Heimtextil, two previous participants are returning under the New Talents Plus label.

These include Elis Blackwood, whose studio e.L.s designs focuses on contemporary textile art and surface design, and artist, designer and hand embroiderer Severina Seidl. Their return demonstrates how the initiative can provide a continuing platform rather than simply a first opportunity to exhibit at an international trade fair. For emerging creatives, the programme offers the potential to develop industry contacts, strengthen their market position and establish longer-term professional networks.

Mythology translated into textile design

Among the newcomers is colour specialist Hallie Graham, who will present Tales of Lost Wonder, a collection of hand-printed textile wallpapers inspired by Scottish folklore and mythology.

Graham combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary digital design applications, using techniques including devoré, discharge dyeing and reactive dyeing to create elaborate surfaces. The resulting collection demonstrates how heritage and storytelling can be translated into commercially relevant textile products without losing the character of their handcrafted origins.

Design with a therapeutic purpose

Barcelona- and Zurich-based creative agency Cascavel is taking a different approach, combining design with scientific research, historical archives and contemporary craft.

Its scientific division works with research partners to investigate patterns with potential therapeutic properties, including designs intended to have a positive effect on blood pressure. The approach reflects growing interest in the relationship between the built environment, visual stimuli and wellbeing, and points towards a broader role for textile design beyond purely aesthetic considerations.

Cascavel is also drawing on historical sources through a project to restore and digitise its collection of approximately 60,000 rare books. The archive is being used as a source for new designs with strong narrative qualities, while a third strand of the studio's work focuses on contemporary handcrafted collections informed by trend research.

Turning textile waste into new materials

Circularity is another prominent theme within the New Talent Area, with London-based start-up FibreLab presenting its approach to textile recycling.

Working with companies across the UK, FibreLab develops tailored solutions for converting textile waste into new materials with commercial potential. At Heimtextil 2027, it will highlight a paper material developed in-house and made from 100 per cent recycled textile waste.

Designed for applications including marketing and packaging, the material illustrates the growing emphasis on finding practical end uses for textile waste rather than treating recycling simply as an end-of-life solution. For the textile and interiors sectors, such developments also point towards opportunities to connect waste streams with new material applications and product categories.

A platform for the next generation

The expansion of the New Talent Area comes at a time when the textile and interiors industries are looking increasingly closely at new materials, responsible production methods and alternative approaches to design. By bringing experimental concepts alongside commercially developed products, the platform provides a snapshot of how emerging designers are responding to these challenges while exploring new creative and market opportunities.

For Heimtextil, the initiative also strengthens the fair's role as a meeting point between established industry players and the next generation of creative talent. The growing international participation suggests that the New Talent Area is evolving beyond a showcase of student and emerging work into a platform designed to help new ideas move towards professional recognition and commercial application.

Photos courtesy of Heimtextil

Interior design trend: Decorex 2026: Designer Claudia Dorsch Reimagines the Alpine Chalet for Year-round Everyday Living

An immersive alpine chalet in the heart of London, layered with sumptuous textures, tactile fabrics in rich autumnal hues and the welcoming glow of a cosy fireplace — what’s not to like? Although October’s weather remains relatively mild by seasonal standards, there is something particularly inviting about stepping into this wintery retreat at Decorex 2026. 

Photo: Decorex / Claudia Dorsch

Claudia Dorsch

Created by London-based interior designer and ski chalet specialist Claudia Dorsch, the VIP Lounge, themed ‘Back to the Future, The Chalet Reimagined’, offers a fresh interpretation of alpine living, combining the nostalgic charm of 1970s European ski culture with contemporary design, craftsmanship and understated comfort.

By transforming the VIP Lounge into an immersive alpine retreat, Claudia's installation invites visitors to experience the evolution of chalet design through a considered combination of architectural heritage, contemporary materials and the convivial spirit of European ski culture, says Dorsch.

Running from 11–14 October, Decorex, the premium interiors trade fair at Kensington Olympia, London, provides a platform for Dorsch to challenge conventional perceptions of the mountain home. Moving beyond the familiar association with dark timber, rustic finishes and traditional alpine motifs, her concept presents the chalet as a more architectural, tactile and adaptable living environment, designed for year-round use rather than exclusively for winter holidays.

Photo: Decorex / Claudia Dorsch

Drawing inspiration from the heritage of alpine architecture and the glamour of 1970s skiing in Switzerland, France and Italy, the designer's intention is to offer visitors more than a conventional hospitality space, recreating the atmosphere of a well-established mountain home shaped by time, use and shared experiences.

“I wanted visitors to slow down and experience Alpine rituals,” Dorsch explains. “We have built a home inside an exhibition hall, and my hope is that once you step through the curtain you forget that entirely, and simply feel you are somewhere in the mountains, in a house that has been lived in for years.”

Photo by Lucia Carpio

The project’s title encapsulates Dorsch’s approach to design: revisiting the ideas, lifestyles and craftsmanship of earlier generations while adapting them to contemporary needs. Rather than reproducing a traditional chalet or creating what she describes as a luxury hotel in a mountain setting, she has sought a balance between historical references and modern living.

Photo by Lucia Carpio

The 1970s influence extends beyond aesthetics to the social culture surrounding skiing. For Dorsch, the appeal of the period lies in its emphasis on outdoor pursuits, communal dining, music and time spent with friends, rather than conspicuous displays of wealth. This philosophy informs the lounge’s arrangement and its emphasis on gathering, relaxation and shared experiences.

“I don't begin with style. I begin with behaviour. I don't design rooms. I design rituals,” she says, placing the way people use and experience a space at the centre of the design process.

Photo by Lucia Carpio

The experience begins at the entrance, where a bespoke tapestry by Embroidery by Design incorporates a collection of heritage-inspired badges designed by Dorsch. Visitors pass through a fur-clad threshold and a shimmering silvered-metal curtain supplied by Amron Architectural. Manufactured by Catalan specialist Kriskadecor, the curtain introduces a striking contemporary element while referencing the visual language of 1970s ski culture. Founded in 1926, the company celebrates its centenary in 2026, adding another connection between heritage and innovation.

Photo by Lucia Carpio

At the heart of the chalet, a sculptural suspended fireplace by French manufacturer JC Bordelet, supplied by Caleo, establishes the principal gathering point. Four curved seating areas, inspired by the conversation pits of the 1970s, are arranged around the fire to encourage informal interaction.

Upholstered by Ben Whistler Blue Label, the sofas, armchairs, poufs and bespoke banquettes combine bouclé, sheepskin and leather. Textiles from Romo’s Kirkby Design line, Pierre Frey, Dedar and Misia Paris contribute to the layered material palette, while House of Hackney’s Plantasia wallpaper in tobacco brings a woodland reference into the interior.

Lighting plays an equally important role. Cameron Design House’s sculptural Vetta pendant hangs above the fireplace, while its Pilvi clusters illuminate the bar seating areas. Rechargeable wall and picture lights from Pooky provide softer, more intimate illumination. A bespoke USM room divider introduces structure to the sloping lounge architecture while accommodating books, plants and decorative objects.

The connection with traditional craftsmanship is reinforced by hand-carved mouldings from Ebanisteria Marelli, the Italian family atelier with which Dorsch has collaborated on several award-winning chalet projects. The carved details provide a sense of permanence and continuity, setting the historical foundations against which the contemporary furnishings and lighting are placed.

The chalet is organised into distinct zones that reflect the different rhythms of alpine hospitality. The Bar & Dining Club features a bespoke bar in backlit onyx and burr walnut, created by Orange Tree Joinery, providing a focal point for entertaining and socialising.

Photo: Decorex / Claudia Dorsch

Connected in an adjacent space is the Mountain Terrace that evokes the relaxed atmosphere of après-ski. A DJ supplies the soundtrack for leisurely afternoons from a customisable console by Club Kiva, while deckchairs upholstered in a bespoke stripe of rich red, blue and green, designed by Dorsch with British fabric atelier Colours of Arley, establish an outdoor-inspired setting.

Tom Dixon’s Melt pendants hang overhead, their fluid forms referencing molten rock and melting ice. The lighting reinforces the project’s wider approach: drawing on the natural environment and alpine associations without resorting to literal interpretations of mountain scenery.

Photo by Lucia Carpio

Art and collectible objects are integral to the installation. A varied selection of artworks, ceramics, glass and sculpture has been commissioned or selected from McKay Williamson, 99 Concepts and Nadia Waterfield Fine Art, giving the interior the character of an evolving personal collection rather than a staged showroom.

The sensory experience extends beyond visual design and materiality. Birdsongs on the terrace, the sound of a crackling fire, film footage of mountain life and a fragrance evoking alpine air, pine and resin combine to create a more immersive environment.

For more information on Decorex, click HERE.

Art and Culture: Tschabalala Self’s Lady in Blue Brings Colour and Contemporary Womanhood to Trafalgar Square, London

It is a delight to see Tschabalala Self’s sculpture Lady in Blue finally installed and unveiled on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London. A 10-foot-tall bronze depiction of a contemporary metropolitan “everywoman”, she wears a flowing dress patinated in a vibrant lapis lazuli blue, creating an arresting presence against the architecture and historic surroundings of one of London’s most iconic public spaces.

Tschabalala Self’s sculpture: Lady in Blue, taking pride of place in Trafalgar Square, London,
in the company of Nelson's Column.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Self’s proposal  was voted in the public ballot called by the Mayor of London - Sadiq Khan, so it is particularly satisfying to see the finished work now taking its place in Trafalgar Square.

The Fourth Plinth is regarded as one of the world’s most important public art commissions, bringing new work by internationally renowned artists to the heart of London. Lady in Blue is the 16th commission since the programme began and follows Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant) by Mexican artist Teresa Margolles.

Tschabalala Self's Lady in Blue will remain in Trafalgar Square until August 1, 2028. 
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Set against a beautiful blue sky on a warm autumn day, Lady in Blue makes a particularly striking impression. The work pays homage to a young metropolitan woman – a “quotidian figure” reflecting many of today’s Londoners – and was inspired by Self’s desire to bring a contemporary “everywoman” to Trafalgar Square.

Colour plays an important role in the sculpture’s visual identity. Made from bronze, the figure’s dress is painted a vibrant blue, while her jewellery replicates the rich colour of lapis lazuli, a rare rock that has been used as a pigment since antiquity. The intense blue gives the figure an immediate visual presence while also connecting the contemporary work with a much longer history of colour, adornment and artistic representation.

 Tschabalala Self’s Fourth Plinth commission: Lady in Blue in Trafalgar Square, with the National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Field Anglican Church behind it.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

The work also demonstrates how fashion, art and public sculpture can intersect. The figure’s distinctive silhouette and intensely coloured dress are central to her visual impact, transforming clothing from a simple element of the figure into a powerful statement of identity, presence and self-expression.

Before the final decision was made, maquettes of the seven shortlisted proposals were displayed at the National Gallery, giving the public an opportunity to see the competing designs and cast their votes. More than 10,000 people participated, offering their views and feedback as part of the selection process.

Although the ultimate decision was made by the independent Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, the public’s votes and comments played an important role in informing its final choice. The result is a monumental bronze “everywoman” whose vibrant blue dress gives the work an unmistakably contemporary visual language.

The New York-based artist is also presenting a concurrent special project in the viewing room at Pilar Corrias Gallery, London, which delves deeper into her concept of the “quotidian figure”. The project runs until 7 November, offering a further opportunity to explore Self’s distinctive approach to representing everyday figures and contemporary identity.

Photos by Lucia Carpio

London Event: The Decorative Fair Returns to Battersea with 130 Dealers and a Rich Mix of Design Periods

The Decorative Fair returns to Evolution London in Battersea Park from 29 September to 4 October 2026, bringing together 130 specialist dealers offering an eclectic mix of antiques, fine art, decorative objects, furniture and 20th-century design.

Image: The Decorative Fair - Battersea London

Now established as a major fixture in London’s interiors and collecting calendar, the Autumn Decorative Fair provides a marketplace for decorators, designers, collectors and private buyers seeking distinctive pieces with the potential to give interiors individuality and character.

For dealers, the Autumn edition represents an opportunity to unveil collections accumulated over the preceding months, while for interior designers and decorators it arrives at a key point in the project cycle, when new schemes are being developed and sourced. Large furniture, seating, mirrors and lighting are traditionally among the strong categories at this time of year, alongside the smaller decorative elements that complete an interior.

The breadth of the offering means that visitors can source everything from major furniture pieces and works of art to textiles, ceramics, jewellery and decorative accessories, with the Fair spanning design and craftsmanship from antiquity to the present day for works of art, and from the 16th to 20th centuries for furniture and decoration.

New dealers broaden the offering

Five new participants are joining the Fair this autumn, adding further specialist expertise to an already wide-ranging line-up.

Earl & Rymer will present decorative antiques, art and antique country furniture, while Indigo Antiques specialises in Oriental, Chinese and Indian antiques. Stephen Kalms Antiques brings a focus on fine silver, and Textile Antiques will showcase fine European textiles dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. Furniture Odyssey will concentrate on 18th- to early 20th-century furniture, with particular expertise in upholstered pieces.

They join returning specialists whose offerings encompass a remarkably broad spectrum of collecting categories. These include ethnographica, Spanish antiques and art, contemporary sculpture, vintage Chinese indigo textiles, Brutalist artworks, vintage couture jewellery and bags, treen and folk art, antique prints, British studio pottery by Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, Delftware, African modernism, Art Nouveau glass, antique maps, painted European furniture, fine antique silver, antique frames, post-war British and Scandinavian jewellery, English blue-and-white china and vintage watches.

The result is a deliberately eclectic environment in which historical pieces can sit alongside modern and contemporary works, reflecting the increasingly individual and layered approach to interior design.

Fine art across the centuries

Alongside decorative antiques, the Fair features a substantial selection of fine art dealers covering different periods, styles and media. Visitors will find works ranging from Old and Modern Masters, including still lifes and portraits, to sporting, equine and country-house paintings, contemporary pictures, Modern British artists and Scandinavian modernists.

The established dealer community includes names such as Sans Pretention, Nick Jones, Dorian Caffot de Fawes, Macintosh Antiques, Wakelin & Linfield and Rebecca Christie Miller, alongside a younger generation of dealers including Punch the Clock, 1923 Antiques, Gilbert Bannerman and Brillig & Borogrove.

This combination of established expertise and emerging dealers is central to the Fair's character, bringing together traditional collecting disciplines with a more contemporary approach to sourcing and displaying antiques and design.

John Vanbrugh inspires the Autumn Foyer Display

The Autumn Foyer Display will provide a historical focus, exploring furniture and decoration from the period spanning the lifetime of architect, designer and dramatist John Vanbrugh (1664–1726), whose tercentenary is being marked in 2026.

The display will feature pieces dating from the reigns of Charles II, James II, William & Mary, Queen Anne and the first Hanoverian monarch, George I. It will examine the changing influences on British interiors during this period, including Continental styles brought to Britain by a Court that had spent periods in exile in France, the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Netherlands.

It will also highlight the arrival of increasingly exotic imports from the Far East and the subsequent development of a more distinctly English decorative language during Queen Anne's reign in the early 18th century.

Organised by the Fair's press office with contributions from multiple participating dealers, the Foyer Display changes three times a year, using historical themes to highlight the breadth of specialist disciplines represented at the Fair.

Tribal Art London joins the Autumn programme

The Autumn Decorative Fair will also host Tribal Art London on the Mezzanine. The specialist event brings together dealers presenting carefully selected ethnographic works from across the world.

The display will encompass sculptures, masks, textiles and ritual objects, offering visitors an opportunity to explore artistic traditions and cultural heritage from a diverse range of societies.

With its combination of historical furniture, fine art, textiles, decorative objects and contemporary collecting interests, the Autumn Decorative Fair continues to reflect the increasingly eclectic nature of today's interiors market — where period pieces, modern design and art can be brought together to create highly personal spaces.

Interior Trade Fair: Decorex 2026: How Craftsmanship, Outdoor Living and AI Are Reshaping Luxury Interiors

Decorex 2026 will bring the high-end interior design community together at Olympia London from 11–14 October, as the sector responds to changing patterns of living, renewed interest in craftsmanship and the accelerating influence of technology.

N7 Collection by Nth Degree Clerkenwell

For an industry accustomed to continually redefining luxury, the themes emerging around this year's Decorex point towards a significant shift in what premium interiors are expected to deliver. Rather than simply focusing on visual sophistication, designers and brands are increasingly responding to demand for interiors that feel authentic, tactile, individual and connected to the way people actually live.

Decorex, which has been a fixture in the high-end interior design calendar for nearly five decades, will bring together more than 280 exhibiting international brands, alongside a programme of talks, workshops and demonstrations. The organisers say the event connects more than 12,500 design professionals, including designers, architects, retailers, buyers and hoteliers.

The 2026 edition also comes at an important moment for its venue. Olympia London has undergone a £1.3 billion redevelopment, while Decorex has secured a new two-year commitment to remain at the West London destination. Olympia says the expanded hospitality, restaurants and social spaces are expected to encourage visitors to spend more time at the venue and continue business conversations beyond the exhibition floor.

From decoration to experience

One of the clearest developments within contemporary interiors is the move away from the idea that luxury is necessarily synonymous with sleekness, restraint and pristine minimalism.

Instead, designers are increasingly exploring materiality, tactility and individuality. Wood, stone, cork, natural fibres, woven fabrics, plaster and limewash finishes are being used to create environments with greater depth and sensory appeal.

This reflects a wider consumer interest in interiors that feel lived-in rather than showroom-perfect. For the premium design market, it also creates opportunities for specialist manufacturers, artisans and makers whose products can offer something distinctive that is difficult to replicate through mass production.

Decorex's Making Spaces programme, where master artisans demonstrate their skills, is particularly relevant to this movement. Alongside the commercial business of sourcing products, craftsmanship itself has become part of the design experience.

The result is a more nuanced definition of luxury: not simply the cost or exclusivity of an object, but the quality of its materials, the skill involved in producing it and the story behind its creation.

Outdoor living becomes an extension of the home

The growing sophistication of outdoor living is another important indicator of how the interiors market is evolving.

Decorex is highlighting 10 luxury outdoor furniture brands, including Nth Degree Clerkenwell, Barbacoa, Ligne Roset, Capital Garden Products, Maison Gatti, Modus Fireplaces, Heritage Handmade Garden Collections, OKA, Vincent Sheppard and Indian Ocean.

The development reflects a broader blurring of the boundary between indoor and outdoor environments. Gardens, terraces, balconies and rooftops are increasingly being conceived as extensions of the home — spaces for dining, entertaining, working and relaxing rather than simply areas used during good weather.

This is creating a new design challenge. Outdoor furniture increasingly needs to provide the comfort, sophistication and visual coherence traditionally associated with interiors, while also meeting the practical demands of changing weather conditions and outdoor use.

Nth Degree, for example, describes the current direction as creating outdoor spaces that feel as considered and characterful as the interiors they adjoin, with attention to tactile fabrics, natural materials and relaxed silhouettes.

The implications extend beyond residential design. Hotels, restaurants and other hospitality businesses are also investing in outdoor environments as part of the overall customer experience.

In this respect, outdoor furniture is moving from being a peripheral category towards becoming an increasingly integrated part of the luxury interiors market.

British lighting highlights the value of making

Lighting provides another example of the continuing importance of specialist craftsmanship.

Nine British lighting brands highlighted by Decorex — Original BTC, Soho Lighting & Co., Corston Architectural Detail, Rothschild & Bickers, Haslam West, Porta Romana, Heathfield, Kansa Lighting and Tigermoth Lighting — demonstrate the breadth of approaches being taken within the sector.

The emphasis is not simply on illumination, but on lighting as an architectural and decorative component capable of influencing atmosphere, colour, texture and spatial perception.

Rothschild & Bickers, for example, is using Decorex to present new handcrafted lighting collections combining British craftsmanship, glassmaking and new finishes. Its exhibition stand itself explores how colour, wallpaper, pattern and lighting can work together within layered interiors.

This illustrates an important commercial distinction in the premium market: lighting is increasingly being treated as a design statement rather than a purely functional specification.

The return of maximalism

After years in which minimalist interiors dominated much of the design conversation, maximalism is returning — but in a more controlled and sophisticated form.

Rather than simply filling rooms with objects and pattern, the emerging approach is based on layering. Jewel colours, contrasting textures, pattern, decorative surfaces and statement furniture are being combined to create interiors with a stronger sense of personality.

This trend also supports the premium design sector because it encourages consumers and specifiers to seek out individual pieces rather than relying on uniform schemes.

Claudia Dorsch's "Chalet Reimagined" design for the Decorex VIP Lounge

The chalet gets a contemporary makeover

The Decorex VIP Lounge provides an illustration of how heritage references are being reinterpreted for contemporary lifestyles.

Designed by London-based international interior designer Claudia Dorsch, the lounge, titled “Back to the Future — The Chalet Reimagined”, explores Alpine heritage through a contemporary lens, incorporating references to the glamour and decadence of the 1970s Italian ski scene.

The concept moves away from the traditional perception of the chalet as an exclusively winter environment. Instead, it considers the chalet as a year-round space, combining timber, fire, craftsmanship and communal rituals with contemporary materials and aesthetics.

This is significant beyond the installation itself. The luxury chalet market has become an influential area of residential design, particularly as high-end clients increasingly expect second homes and hospitality environments to offer the same level of individuality and design sophistication as their principal residences.

Dorsch's concept also reinforces the growing importance of experience-led design — creating environments that encourage people to stay, socialise and interact rather than simply admire individual products.

Botanical art adds another layer of craftsmanship

Deorex 2026 is also collaborating with Norfolk-based botanical artist Claire Coles who creates luxury wallpaper murals using a combination of vintage papers, gold leaf, faux leather, hand painting and freehand embroidery. Her Decorex design brings together deep greens, blues and warm rust shades, with hand-painted elements, vintage papers and suede appliqué.

Her work is particularly relevant to the current design direction because it combines traditional decorative techniques with contemporary scale and application.

The result is a form of craft-led surface design in which wallpaper becomes an immersive artwork rather than simply a background finish.

This points towards another important development within the premium interiors market: the increasing demand for bespoke and highly individual surfaces capable of giving a project a distinctive identity.

AI versus the handmade — or AI alongside it?

Perhaps the most consequential change facing the industry is the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

AI is now being incorporated into areas such as mood-board development, space planning, material selection, visualisation and trend analysis. For designers, these technologies can potentially accelerate early-stage development and enable multiple concepts to be explored rapidly.

But the increasing use of AI also throws the value of human craftsmanship into sharper relief.

The same design landscape that is embracing algorithmic tools is simultaneously placing greater emphasis on handmade ceramics, woven textiles, artisan finishes, hand-painted murals and individually crafted lighting.

Rather than necessarily representing opposing forces, technology and craftsmanship could become complementary parts of the design process. AI can assist with ideation, visualisation and efficiency, while skilled makers provide the physical, tactile and cultural qualities that technology cannot reproduce in the same way.

Decorex's combination of technology-focused conversations with live demonstrations by master artisans reflects this broader industry dialogue.

A softer, warmer colour direction

Colour trends for 2026 also reflect the broader desire for warmth and calm.

Sand, vanilla, clay and earthy tones are emerging alongside richer greens, blues and rust shades. Pantone's Cloud Dancer, a soft off-white with a subtle vanilla quality, also fits into the wider movement towards quieter, more natural palettes.

However, the return of warmer neutrals does not necessarily signal another period of minimalism. Instead, neutral backgrounds can provide a foundation for stronger patterns, decorative surfaces, statement lighting and richly textured furnishings.

The emerging approach is therefore less about eliminating visual stimulation and more about controlling the relationship between colour, texture and pattern.

Decorex as a barometer of the luxury interiors market

Taken together, the themes emerging from Decorex 2026 reveal an industry negotiating several seemingly contradictory forces.

Technology is advancing rapidly, yet craftsmanship is becoming more commercially and culturally significant. Minimalism is giving way to greater decoration, while natural materials are replacing some of the slickness associated with contemporary interiors. Outdoor spaces are becoming more sophisticated, while the distinction between residential and hospitality design continues to blur.

These developments suggest that the next phase of luxury interiors will be defined less by a single dominant aesthetic and more by layering — of materials, technologies, craftsmanship, heritage and personal expression.

As Sam Fisher puts it: “2026 is about pushing boundaries, and Decorex will continue to lead the conversation.”

With its combination of international brands, specialist makers, design talks, workshops and immersive installations, Decorex 2026 will offer an opportunity to assess not simply what is new in interiors, but where the business of high-end design is heading next.

Images: Decorex 2026

Fashion Industry Event: Danish Fashion Community Unites to Strengthen Its International Position

Denmark’s fashion industry is stepping up its collective international ambitions with the launch of The Danish Edit, a joint initiative bringing together Copenhagen Fashion Week (CPHFW), Copenhagen International Fashion Fair (CIFF), Dansk Mode & Textil (DM&T) and Creative Denmark to promote Danish fashion and strengthen its position on the international stage.

SS27 Copenhagen Fashion Week Nicklas Skovgaard Runway show
Photo by James Cochrane

The four organisations will come together during Paris Fashion Week on 1 October for The Danish Edit cocktail reception at Le Mary Celeste, bringing Danish brands together with international press, buyers and industry stakeholders.

More than a one-off networking event, The Danish Edit represents a broader, long-term collaboration designed to give Danish fashion greater visibility in international markets and help more brands develop their export potential.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition within the Danish fashion community that international impact can be strengthened when the industry works collectively, combining the networks, knowledge and resources of its leading organisations.

“The strength of Danish fashion lies not only in the individual creativity of our brands, but in what we can achieve when the industry comes together,” said Sofie Dolva, Director of CIFF. “The Danish Edit is an expression of that collective ambition – uniting our networks, knowledge and resources to connect brands with key international buyers and press, and support them in realising their global potential.”

Building a stronger presence in Paris

A central element of the collaboration is the creation of a more consistent Danish fashion presence in Paris, one of the industry's most important international meeting points.

Following the inaugural CIFF Paris showroom during Men's Fashion Week in June, CIFF plans to establish a Paris presence twice a year. The showroom provides Danish and Nordic brands with a dedicated environment in which to present collections and meet international buyers, press and industry professionals.

The first edition brought together around 20 Nordic and international brands, including Rains, OpéraSPORT, Tretorn and Woodbird, in a three-storey showroom in Le Marais. The programme extended beyond the collections themselves, incorporating industry gatherings, breakfasts, podcast recordings and informal networking.

The forthcoming edition will build on this format, providing participating brands with a collective platform during a commercially significant period of the international fashion calendar.

The emphasis is on creating meaningful business connections rather than simply increasing visibility during Paris Fashion Week. By targeting relevant buyers, press and industry contacts, the initiative aims to establish relationships that can continue to generate international opportunities after the fashion week has ended.

Collective visibility for Danish brands

For Copenhagen Fashion Week, the collaboration also represents an opportunity to extend the reach of the Danish fashion community beyond its home market.

“There is such strength in coming together as an industry to champion Danish fashion internationally,” said Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO of Copenhagen Fashion Week. “Copenhagen will always be our home and our central meeting point, but it is vital that we also create opportunities to spotlight Danish brands beyond Copenhagen and bring their creativity, ambition and relevance to key international audiences.”

The collaboration is intended to translate international recognition into longer-term commercial opportunities. By pooling the expertise and international networks of the four organisations, The Danish Edit aims to provide a stronger framework for brands already operating internationally, while helping other Danish companies establish the contacts and visibility required to enter new markets.

Thomas Klausen, CEO of Dansk Mode & Textil, said Denmark's fashion industry was already well established in export markets, but stressed the importance of maintaining that momentum.

“We need to maintain this momentum and show the rest of the world just how much Danish fashion has to offer,” he said. “The Danish Edit is a brilliant opportunity to give even more people the chance to experience our strong design DNA and international appeal, thereby enabling Danish fashion to translate this international attention into concrete business opportunities and growth.”

Mapping Denmark's fashion presence in Paris

Creative Denmark is further supporting the initiative by developing a dedicated map of Danish brands presenting their collections in Paris during Paris Fashion Week.

The map brings together individual showrooms and presentations across the city, creating a more comprehensive picture of Denmark's collective presence and making it easier for international press, buyers and industry professionals to engage with the breadth of Danish fashion.

For Creative Denmark, the initiative demonstrates how collaboration is central to Denmark's wider creative ecosystem.

“We’re proud to support an international initiative alongside three strong organisations that each play an important role in Danish fashion,” said Majken Kalhave, Executive Director of Creative Denmark. “The Danish Edit reflects the collaborative DNA that defines Denmark’s creative ecosystem and strengthens our shared international platform.”

From Copenhagen to the international market

The Danish Edit points towards a more coordinated approach to internationalisation within Danish fashion. Rather than relying solely on individual brands to establish their presence abroad, the initiative brings together the country's principal fashion organisations to create greater collective visibility and more opportunities for commercial engagement.

Paris provides an important international platform for this strategy, enabling Danish brands to meet global buyers, media and industry decision-makers while presenting a broader picture of the country's fashion and design capabilities.

The collaboration between CIFF, Copenhagen Fashion Week, Dansk Mode & Textil and Creative Denmark ultimately reflects a shared ambition: to turn the strength of Denmark's fashion community into a more visible and influential international presence, while creating practical pathways for Danish brands to expand their businesses in global markets.

Meanwhile, applications for the Copenhagen Fashion Week AW27 Official Show & Presentation Schedule are due to close on 6 October, providing another opportunity for Danish brands to participate in the industry's principal Copenhagen platform.