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.

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.

Exhibition: The Monkey Puzzle Tree Unveils Innovative Full-Colour Cork Wallpaper at Clerkenwell Design Week in London

British design house The Monkey Puzzle Tree is set to unveil a new full-colour cork wallpaper design, Up Hill Down Dale, at Clerkenwell Design Week (May 19 - 21, 2026) in London.

The new wallcovering marks a significant technical development for the Leeds-based company, which is traditionally known for embracing heritage craftsmanship and artisanal production methods. The design has been created using an innovative digital printing process capable of printing white and full colour directly onto real cork wallpaper

'Up Hill Down Dale' is the result of a collaboration between The Monkey Puzzel and Yorkshire artist Olivia Beau
who uses acrylic paints and found items such as old maps to depict
the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside where she grew up.

Created in collaboration with Yorkshire painter and multimedia artist Olivia Beau, the panoramic design celebrates the changing beauty of the English countryside throughout the seasons. The artwork depicts sheep sheltering on the moors as spring blossom gives way to snow, while the vivid greens of summer transition into autumnal tones beneath circling red kites. Graphic contour lines inspired by vintage maps add a bold visual layer to the large-scale composition.

According to the company, the design was created entirely without the use of artificial intelligence and instead relied on traditional artistic techniques combined with extensive experimentation and sampling.

The wallpaper is produced in England using a highly specialised printing technique on natural cork, with production limited to just three metres per hour. The wallcovering measures 130cm (51 inches) wide and is sold by the metre, with installation carried out using a paste-the-wall application method and standard pre-mixed wallpaper paste.

Company founder Charlotte Raffo said the printing process requires patience due to the delicate nature of the machinery involved.

“‘Walter’ the printer is a little temperamental and doesn’t like to be rushed, and it takes an hour to print just 3m of this wallpaper, but we think it’s worth the wait,” she said.

Raffo added that development of the design began more than a year ago, starting with hand-drawn concepts before inviting Beau to help realise the final artwork.

“Olivia uses acrylic paints and found pieces such as vintage maps in her work. I particularly love the graphic elements created by the map contours,” Raffo said. “With a natural background like real cork, it’s quite challenging to make the colours complement and stand out, so there have been weeks of behind-the-scenes work and sampling to get the design just right.”

The Monkey Puzzle Tree has previously received widespread recognition for its cork wallpaper collections, including the award-winning Hit The North, created in collaboration with graphic artist Drew Millward, known for his psychedelic poster artwork for bands including Foo Fighters and Arctic Monkeys. The design seen above, inspired by Northern industry and creativity, received the prestigious Design Guild Mark Award in 2021 for excellence and innovation in British design.

The company has also won accolades including Best in British Product Design at the Brit List Awards and several subsequent Design Guild Marks. Its cork wallpapers gained further national attention following appearances on the BBC Two interior design programme Your Home Made Perfect.

Based in Leeds, The Monkey Puzzle Tree is an independent British design studio known for its artist-led fabrics and wallpapers.

Images from The Monkey Puzzle Tree.

Product Launch: Bobbi Beck goes for gold with new William Morris Wallpaper Collection

Bobbi Beck, a British design & print studio specialising in sustainably-made luxury wallpaper, has newly launched William Morris Gold wallpapers, a collection that places a refined gold twist on some of the most iconic Morris patterns, bringing a fresh decorative perspective to home interiors.

AS one of the most influential figures in decorative arts, Victorian designer William Morris was a leading voice in the Arts and Crafts movement; he pushed back against industrial mass production, championing craftsmanship, beauty, and integrity in design.  He transformed wallpaper and textiles into serious art forms, creating nature-inspired patterns featuring flowers, vines, birds, and foliage arranged in richly layered, rhythmic repeats. Among his most celebrated designs are Strawberry Thief, Willow Bough, and Trellis — all of which have inspired Bobbi Beck’s new Gold collection.

The new range has been developed as a celebration of design heritage and elevated craftsmanship, exploring how gold can add richness and depth to patterns that are already deeply expressive. The refined finish introduces a sense of luxury that feels considered rather than ornate, enhancing the visual impact of each design while remaining true to its origins.

James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director at Bobbi Beck says “Gold wallpaper brings a unique sense of warmth to a room, it doesn’t just sit on the wall, it interacts with light and the atmosphere around it. The subtle glow of the gold finish makes spaces feel richer and more inviting.”

“Morris’s patterns continue to inspire 160 years on, they resonate with a desire for authenticity and character in interiors that feels just as relevant now as it did then. Reinterpreting these designs with gold brings a new layer of excitement honouring the intricacy and originality of his work” explains Mellan-Matulewicz, who is also a founding member of Bobbi Beck in Cornwall.  Its wallpaper is designed and produced in-house using FSC-certified paper and toxic-free inks. Its dedicated design and production studio runs on 100% renewable energy.

This luxurious collection breathes a luminous new life into the iconic botanical patterns of the 19th century, blending the intricate organic forms of the Arts & Crafts movement with a modern, sheen metallic palette. Featuring beloved designs such as Bough and Strawberry Thief, each roll is rendered in a rich, honeyed gold that shifts beautifully under varying light conditions. The collection offers homeowners a way to infuse their spaces with a warmth that feels both timeless and decidedly bold.

The collection offers remarkable versatility, effortlessly adapting to a wide range of interior styles and architectural settings. In a grand, traditional dining room, the gold-on-gold patterns provide a long-lasting effect that honors the heritage of William Morris, while in a sleek, contemporary living space, they act as an impactful, metallic statement piece.

Mellan-Matulewicz says to style the William Morris Goes Gold collection, aim for a “Modern Maximalist” aesthetic that balances the wallpaper’s ornate shimmer with deep, saturated colours. This approach reflects a clear shift in current interior trends towards more bold, personality-led decorating, where spaces are designed to tell a story rather than fade into the background.  By giving these iconic designs a gold twist, the collection presents a fresh perspective on a celebrated legacy, demonstrating how Morris continues to feel relevant in today’s homes.

Modern maximalism embraces richness and confidence, creating the perfect counterpoint to the gold detailing, allowing the wallpaper to feel opulent yet grounded. Rather than matching everything precisely, the focus is on curated contrast, mixing textures, layering materials to create depth and dimension. Ultimately, these wallpapers are designed to take centre stage, setting the tone for expressive, character-filled spaces.

Interiors Fair: Decorative Fair Winter 20–25 January 2026 - Set to Inspire New Interior Design Directions

Interior design trends continue to evolve year by year, shaped by cultural shifts, lifestyle changes and new ways of living. As 2026 begins, a fresh wave of design thinking is emerging—one that places greater emphasis on personal expression, comfort and thoughtful functionality.

Savino Del Prete 

These emerging influences will be on full display when The Decorative Fair Winter Fair returns to Battersea Park, London, from 20–25 January 2026, offering interior designers, collectors and homeowners a timely source of inspiration for the year ahead. 

Christopher Hall Antiques

Organisers say the fair will reflect the desire for interiors that support mood and wellbeing, whether calm, expressive or deeply personal.

Two Poems Gallery

Widely regarded as London’s premier antiques, design and decorative arts event, the Winter Fair will bring together approximately 130 specialist exhibitors, presenting a wide-ranging selection of pieces spanning the 1700s to 1979, alongside works of art from antiquity to the present day.

Gallery Yacou

The fair runs concurrently with The London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair (LARTA) on the Mezzanine level, further strengthening its appeal for collectors and interior professionals. LARTA features around 18 specialist dealers, showcasing carpets, rugs, textiles and associated works of art from cultures with long and distinguished traditions of woven design.

Dorian Caffot de Fawes

Across the fair as a whole, exhibitors will present decorative and fine furniture, silver, glass, ceramics, folk art and vernacular objects, alongside paintings, maps, prints and sculpture. Luxury items including jewellery, watches, vintage couture, luggage and handbags will also be available. Outdoor spaces are equally well represented, with statuary, garden furniture, planters, urns and larger architectural elements included in the mix.  

V Design

Shapero Rare Books

Organisers have confirmed the return of Shapero Rare Books and Dinan & Chighine, both leading print specialists, to an already extensive roster of established exhibitors. They are also welcoming a new generation of younger dealers making their Winter Fair debut, bringing a diverse range of material—from painted Gustavian furniture and sculptural natural history objects to contemporary still life paintings, traditional antiques and sporting works.

Visitors will be greeted on arrival by the Foyer Display, curated by the fair organisers using items sourced from multiple exhibitors. This year’s installation is set in the early 1920s, a pivotal moment when emerging modernism and early Art Deco began to intersect with the lingering influence of Art Nouveau and fin de siècle aesthetics—just before the landmark 1925 Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes reshaped global design.

Held three times a year at Battersea Park, across the river from Sloane Square and the King’s Road, The Decorative Fair has championed cultivated, collected interiors for more than 40 years. It remains one of the UK’s most influential and inspiring destinations for distinctive antiques, design and art.

For more information, click HERE.

Images from The Decorative Fair 2025 events.

Interiors Trade Fair: Heimtextil 2026 to Spotlight AI, Sustainability and New Hospitality Partnership

Heimtextil, organised by Messe Frankfurt at its Exhibition Center, will take place from 13–16 January 2026, bringing together global professionals from the home and contract textiles sector. The trade fair is regarded as a key industry platform for insights into innovation, sustainability and the leading interior trends for 2026/2027, covering interiors, architecture, hospitality, retail supply, weaving and carpets.

Alcova x Heimtextil: Image created with ChatGPT 4.0, using various prompts
relating to upcoming textile trends © Alcova/Messe Frankfurt.

The event has announced a new partnership with Hospitality Interiors Europe (HINT). As part of the collaboration, a complementary hospitality-focused format will launch alongside Heimtextil 2027, targeting decision-makers from the hotel and high-end hospitality design sector. Hospitality Interiors Europe will already be represented at Heimtextil 2026 with a dedicated lounge area. The partnership aims to strengthen synergies between architecture, interior design, hospitality and the contract sector.

Hospitality Interiors Europe is organised by Strive Exhibitions, whose founders Toby Walters and Sam Murray also launched Cruise Ship Interiors Expo. Messe Frankfurt said the partnership reflects the growing importance of hospitality and contract interiors as key growth areas for the global textile industry.

A central focus of Heimtextil 2026 will be Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the textile sector. On the Texpertise Stage, visitors will explore how AI is transforming design, production, retail, sustainability and communication. The programme will examine both strategic and practical applications of AI across design, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing.

The Heimtextil 26/27 colour palette contrasts earthy shades — sand, clay, soot and olive — with vivid digital accents such as acidic green, lilac and screen blue. The result is a dynamic blend of natural calm and synthetic disruption, reflecting the balance between handcraft and high-tech innovation.
Photo: Alcova for Heimtextil

Key highlights include the Heimtextil Trends 26/27 by Alcova, a bespoke design installation by Patricia Urquiola, and a live talk by architect and AI specialist Tim Fu. Urquiola will present her creative process and discuss material cycles, sustainable design, and the integration of craftsmanship and technology. Her Architonic LIVE TALK will take place on the Texpertise Stage in Hall 6.0.

Additional programme topics include AI-driven textile innovation, exhibition design in dialogue with material and technology, and the DNFI Innovation in Natural Fibres Award.  Click HERE for the Events Programme.

Guided tours led by Daniel Stier will run throughout the three-day event, offering insights into Urquiola’s installation and the convergence of textiles, technology and sustainability.

Heimtextil 2026 will also introduce the New Talent Area in Hall 6.1, showcasing emerging textile designers from around the world. The curated exhibition has been developed in collaboration with trend expert Jennifer Castoldi of Trendease International.

Images from Messe Frankfurt/Heimtextil

Design, Lifestyle and Interiors: Clerkenwell Design Week Returns May 20 - 25 2025

London’s annual Clerkenwell Design Week is back from May 20 - 22 2025, celebrating its 14th edition with its largest programme to date.

CDW is a distinctive platform for showcasing leading interior brands and emerging talents, with a wide-ranging programme of showroom events, curated exhibitions, installations, as well as informative discussions, design hotspots, fringe events, culinary delights, and more. 

Spread across the district's exhibition venues, the event curates a global array of furniture, lighting, textiles, surfaces, accessories, and product design, solidifying its status as the UK's premier design festival.

The allure of Clerkenwell - London EC1 -  lies in its fusion of historical heritage and contemporary flair. Characterized by cobblestone streets, repurposed warehouses, and industrial edifices transformed into modern workspaces and galleries, the district exudes an inspiring ambiance. 

This year CDW introduces three stunning new venues for the festival: the historic Charterhouse, the iconic St Bartholomew the Great, and Studio Smithfield, a creative space above the legendary Smithfield Market.

A standout feature will be a major public artwork by British artist Alex Chinneck, installed in Charterhouse Square, alongside outdoor living displays and curated talks. Inside the Charterhouse, top design names like Geberit, Colefax & Fowler, and Victoria + Albert Baths will showcase their latest collections.

Over 350 design brands will exhibit across 16+ venues and 160+ showrooms, including Roche Bobois, Ercol, Kasthall, and Ultrafabrics, with talks, workshops, and product launches throughout. Returning favourites like Design Fields, British Collection, and Light will host global talent, while the new Church of Design venue will stage a special programme by US design publisher Sandow.

“We’re thrilled to be back in Clerkenwell this May with our largest programme yet, both in scale and content,” says Marlon Cera-Marle, Design Division Director at Media 10, the organiser of the annual design festival. “The new venues, including some of London's most historic landmarks, will provide a stunning backdrop for presenting some of the world’s most exciting design brands. We’re also partnering with incredible international names, from country pavilions to leading media outlets from the UK and US.”

Cera-Marle adds, “This year, we’re especially excited to announce one of our headline features: a surreal public artwork by the acclaimed British artist Alex Chinneck. As one of the most attended specification events on the A&D calendar, CDW 2025 will once again serve as a platform for discovering new trends, talent and ideas. We look forward to sharing more details about the programme in the coming months.”

Visitors can also enjoy exclusive food, drinks, and guided design tours, plus a brand-new interactive map to help navigate EC1 with ease.

The New Venues:

Dating back to the 14th century, The Charterhouse is a historic complex of buildings, courtyard gardens and green spaces reflecting over 600 years of British history. This May, this heritage site will serve as a striking backdrop for contemporary furniture, decorative lighting and luxury finishes. It will feature an array of global bathroom brands, from Geberit and Toto to Bette, C.P. Hart and Victoria and Albert Baths.

Also joining them will be British fabric and wallpaper company Colefax and Fowler. In addition to design brands, the venue will host Conversations at Clerkenwell, the festival’s official talks series. For 2025, the talks will take place in a theatre designed by the London-based design studio Kapitza, known for its colourful public art installations for British Land, wayfinding designs for the Royal London Hospital, as well as public and leisure architecture projects. 

Outside, Charterhouse Square will showcase products for outdoor living and hospitality, alongside Alex Chinneck’s new sculpture. 

Studio Smithfield is a 27,000-square-foot Grade II* listed building above Smithfield Market, Studio Smithfield is a new creative event space and will be home to commercial and workplace interior brands during CDW, including Houzz Pro and Bandalux.

Church of Design is set within St Bartholomew the Great, a 900-year-old Grade I listed medieval church, Church of Design will offer a breathtaking setting for modern design showcases. 

In addition to the new venues, existing locations will house a variety of product-focused exhibitions, including:

● Clerkenwell Green and Installations – Structural stone will take centre stage in the recently refurbished Clerkenwell Green, where Albion Stone and Hutton Stone will reveal a special new commission by Hawkins\Brown, demonstrating the durability and beauty of British stone bricks.

Nearby, the ambitious Stone Tapestry structure by the Stone Federation will be featured, along with showcases from exhibitors specialising in contract and workplace interior products and solutions.

● Project – Focused on contract furniture and surface design.

● Design Fields – Showcasing contemporary furniture, lighting and product design with an

international focus. The Design Meets talks series will also return, inviting representatives from

trade bodies and associations to engage in a range of intimate, industry-led discussions.

● Light – Home to global lighting companies. Darc Thoughts, Darc’s talks series, will also return.

● Elements – Dedicated to architectural hardware and finishes.

● British Collection – Taking over the whole of St James’s Church again and highlighting the best British design talent and brands.

● Detail – Featuring luxury interiors.

● Platform – Spotlighting emerging design talent and companies.

● Ceramics of Italy – Hosting Italian ceramic and porcelain tile brands at VaynerMedia’s headquarters on St John’s Square. This exhibition is organised by the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with the Ceramics Association of Italy.

● Old Sessions House – Home to brand activations, presentations and the festival hub (free access for CDW visitors, 20 – 22 May).

● The Goldsmiths’ Centre – Presenting products for commercial and workplace interiors.

● Cowcross Pavilions and Brewhouse Yard – Both presenting leading commercial interiors from the UK and abroad.

For registration and more information click HERE. 

Images from CDW 2024

Art and Culture: El Fenn in Marrakech Announces New Series of Curated Art Weekends; A Deep Dive into the city’s Vibrant Art Scene, Coinciding with 1-54 Art Fair

Marrakech in Morocco has long been a center of artistic exchange and inspiration. The city’s rich history, vibrant colors, intricate architecture, and dynamic culture have drawn artists and intellectuals for decades. Its mix of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship—tilework, metalwork, textiles, and mosaics—alongside contemporary artistic movements, has made it an important cultural crossroads.

The city is a meeting point of Arab, Berber, and European influences, creating a dynamic blend of artistic styles and traditions. Its vibrant souks (markets) are filled with handmade goods, from intricate carpets to leatherwork, which have inspired many contemporary artists and designers.

Now tucked away behind the rose-coloured walls of the Marrakech medina, El Fenn is an oasis of a hotel "for modern travelers seeking abundance in all its forms. Developed thoughtfully and gradually over the course of the past 20 years, El Fenn prides itself as a fusion of the finest modern amenities and a deep connection to place, providing the ideal setting for guests to completely immerse in the rich, vibrant culture of Marrakech while being inspired at every turn."

El Fenn has announced it is inviting art lovers to experience an immersive, curated art weekend from January 30 to February 2, 2025, giving insider access to the best of Marrakech’s vibrant art scene during the increasingly popular 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. 

The exclusive three-night experience offers guests the opportunity to explore the dynamic local art scene like a local, meet El Fenn co-owner, gallerist, and collector Vanessa Branson, and attend the VIP preview of the Marrakech edition of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.

Limited to just 24 participants, this intimate weekend will kick off a series of on-going curated stays and includes a new El Fenn exhibition, alongside guided tours of the hotel’s renowned art collection, which features contemporary works by Moroccan, African, and international artists such as William Kentridge, Hassan Hajjaj, and Yto Barrada. Attendees will also have the chance to explore some of Marrakech’s most exciting galleries, including a special trip to the Montresso Foundation.

The weekend offers experiences that are both guided and self-directed, allowing participants to curate their own experience of Marrakech’s art and culture.

"I can’t wait to introduce people to the exciting art scene here in Marrakech," says El Fenn co-founder,  gallerist and art collector, Vanessa Branson. "The creative energy in Africa is unique and this weekend will offer a chance for people to really experience it all.”

Bookings can be made by emailing retreats@el-fenn.com or visit El Fenn website.

About Vanessa Branson:

Vanessa opened her first gallery in London in 1986, where she showcased emerging artists, including William Kentridge’s debut exhibition in the UK. She also co-founded and curated the Wonderful Fund Collection alongside Prue O'Day, assembling nearly 100 contemporary artworks by renowned artists such as Sarah Lucas, Grayson Perry, Jake & Dinos Chapman, Tracey Emin, and Gavin Turk.

In 2004, Vanessa co-founded El Fenn with her business partner Howell James. She also served as the Founding President of the Marrakech Biennale, North Africa’s only trilingual arts festival, which featured visual art, literature, and film programmes with contributions from acclaimed international and Moroccan artists.

In October 2014, Vanessa was honored with the Royal distinction of Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alaouite, recognizing her significant contributions to Morocco’s cultural scene, particularly her role in establishing Marrakech as a vibrant and diverse platform for the arts.

Interiors Design Event: Focus/24 extended show until October 11 2024 at the Design Centre, London

In Chelsea Harbour, London, the Design Centre’s flagship autumn show, Focus/24 was successfully held from 16 to 20 September.  And this year, for the first time, it has been extended, offering an additional three weeks of activities. 

The extended show entitled "Focus/24: The Longer View" keeps pop-up House Guests in the Design Avenue, while introducing even more brands.

This extended show is timed to align with London’s vibrant art and design scene, bringing renewed creativity to the Design Centre, providing professional designers, specifiers, and design enthusiasts with more opportunities to explore inspirational exhibitors over a longer period.

The extended event also includes Future Heritage (25 Sept – 11 Oct), an installation showcasing emerging and mid-career independent makers, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

In parallel, a curated programme of 100+ events will highlight the craftsmanship of the Future Heritage makers, with a special focus on the artisan skills showcased in the showrooms.

Design Club talks sponsored by Harlequin x Henry Holland and Conversations in Design includes a series of talks to offer access to the industry’s global A-listers. There are also scores of free events in our Access All Areas schedule to enjoy in and around the showrooms, from meet the designer sessions to hands-on workshops, collection launches, alongside daily discovery tours.

For more information, click HERE.

Flower Show: Retro Bedding Brand Weirdstock Featured at James Whiting's Award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show Display

You might wonder why a bedding brand is at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The fact is, the ethical and sustainable bedding brand Weirdstock is prominently featured at an award-winning stand. It is nestled within the stunning, gold medal-winning display "Verdant Visions" by James Whiting at the Houseplant Studios section, sponsored by family history website FindMyPast.

The Verdent Vision exhibit by James Whiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 featuring
joyful retro bedding from Weirdstock.

Johanna Haughey-Lewis, founder of London-based Weirdstock, designed the bedding and fabric featured in the exhibit and collaborated with James Whiting to transform the botanical bedroom space into an immersive retro dreamscape. This unique collaboration perfectly marries joyful retro style with modern comfort and sustainable practices, embodying the philosophy at the heart of the Weirdstock brand.

This year marks the award-winning designer James Whiting's third appearance at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with a new exhibit in the Houseplant Studio category.

"Verdant Visions" reflects Whiting’s passion for sustainable indoor green design. The exhibit takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through the defining soundtracks, bold designs, and vibrant tropical houseplants of the 1970s. Whiting drew inspiration from the fond memories of classic houseplants grown by his grandparents and his parents' love of 70s music.

Designed to evoke a teenager's bedroom from the 70s, the exhibit also includes coverage of RHS Chelsea from that era. Whiting remarks, “Storytelling with plants, interior design, and music are my passions. I hope to reignite a love for staple retro houseplants that are sometimes overlooked in favour of flashy new varieties.” He adds, “Partnering with Findmypast to create this immersive space has opened doors to a wealth of intriguing information. Their extensive archive has provided real insight into this period, allowing me to relive moments from the decade of disco, flares, and Spider Plants!”

"We're thrilled to be part of James' incredible vision," says Weirdstock's Haughey-Lewis. "Verdant Visions captures the essence of a nostalgic 70s haven, and our bedding complements that perfectly. We believe everyone deserves to experience that feeling of pure comfort and joy in their own bedrooms, and with Weirdstock, they can achieve that while supporting ethical and sustainable practices."

Weirdstock's vibrant and bold retro designs are made in GOTS-certified organic cotton and offer eye-catching style and hotel-quality comfort.

Specializing in organic cotton bedding with bold, retro-inspired prints, Weirdstock's designs blend vintage style with modern quality, all while maintaining a minimal environmental impact. Each product is crafted to be fun and uplifting, bringing a touch of 1970s eclecticism into a joyful home.

Photos courtesy of Weirdstock

Design, Lifestyle and Interiors: Clerkenwell Design Week returns to host international brands May 21 - 23 2024 in London

In the heart of bustling London, Clerkenwell stands as a tranquil hub in the east, boasting a vibrant community of creative enterprises and architects. Renowned as a global design epicenter, this enclave, identified by its EC1 postcode, holds profound significance for the creative industries. With its abundance of design showrooms, studios, and galleries, Clerkenwell is poised to host its Design Week from May 21 to 23, 2024.

Duffy London at the historic St John's Gate of the Order of St John with their latest installation for Clerkenwell Design Week 2024, building on their recent collaboration with Berlin-based designer Orsi Orban. 
Gatekeepers is inspired by organic forms found in nature.
Photo by Lucia Carpio

In celebration of Clerkenwell's diverse design community, Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) orchestrates a distinctive platform. Showcasing leading interior brands and emerging talents, CDW promises over 600 showroom events, 11 curated exhibitions, captivating installations, as well as informative discussions, design hotspots, fringe events, culinary delights, and more. 

Spread across the district's exhibition venues, the event curates a global array of furniture, lighting, textiles, surfaces, accessories, and product design, solidifying its status as the UK's premier design festival.

Clerkenwell's allure lies in its fusion of historical heritage and contemporary flair. Characterized by cobblestone streets, repurposed warehouses, and industrial edifices transformed into modern workspaces and galleries, the district exudes an inspiring ambiance.  Exploiting this charm, the festival utilises diverse venues, from the subterranean House of Detention showcasing lighting brands to the lively Clerkenwell Green hosting contract furniture displays. St. John's Square becomes home to Elements, spotlighting architectural hardware, while St. James's Church and the Order of St. John exhibit British and international luxury collections, respectively. Introducing the Goldsmiths' Centre this year, the festival expands its focus to commercial and workplace interiors.  There will also be special dedicated spaces for displaying collections by Danish, German and Italian designers and brands.  

From innovative farming by-product designs and the renaissance of natural stone and wood to AI-crafted cocktails and industry discussions on neurodiversity, this year's event sees the most extensive programme to date, according to organisers.  As in previous events, organisers will provide a design trail map for visitors to follow at the Farringdon train station.

Among the new collection launching at CDW is Fritz Hansen at its Cowcross Street showroom in a special feature titled 'Inviting Workspaces’ displaying furniture and accessories from designers including Jaime Hayon and Jørn Utzon.

At its Great Sutton Street showroom, Domus will present a colourful exhibit of tile designs created by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby to celebrate their 10-year collaboration with its brand partner Mutina.

In the British Collection (St James’s Church), SCP will launch a new Peonia armchair by Wilkinson and Rivera, a low-lying sculptural armchair made at a specialist factory in Norfolk, using 100% natural and sustainable materials. Meanwhile, Another Country will showcase its new ‘Series Five’ furniture inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.

At Detail at the Order of St John, Omexco will unveil three new ranges, including the Archipelago design crafted from Capiz shells and shimmering mica minerals. While Arte presents its new Lani collection, featuring hand-crafted designs inlaid or embroidered with rattan and raffia, Kasthall will return with its new Vichy collection, a modern interpretation of the classic gingham pattern. 

Wallpaper design studio Erica Wakerly has teamed up with Sixteen3 to debut a new fabric collection, which will be shown at the latter’s Bastwick Street showroom as part of a pop-up that examines the evolving nature of workspaces.

Joining CDW and the neighbourhood for the first time is British lighting manufacturer J. Adams & Co, launching its new St John Street showroom just in time for the festival. Collaborating with tile expert Solus, the in-house team has repurposed materials from the site and factory offcuts to create stunning terrazzo tiles and worktops. Also new to the festival is Pooky Lighting, showcasing its new collection of rechargeable lights at Light at House of Detention.

CDW continues its tradition of championing emerging talent, spotlighting a diverse range of newcomers this year. Showing at Platform (70 Cowcross Street), Selfish Customs collaborates with local makers in East Anglia, repurposing farming by-products such as raw fleece, reed and barley straw to create unique homeware. Visitors can explore the studio’s creations alongside Colombian art historian-turned-designer Manuela Cabrales, who is launching shawls, trousers and handcrafted lamps using materials like lotus fibre and orange peels. Also featured is Barcelona-based Isabel Francoy's La Sobremesa collection, which blends wicker weaving and glassblowing with modern design.

Historically an industrial hub renowned for craftsmanship, Clerkenwell has metamorphosed into a thriving creative nexus, drawing architects, designers, and artisans. Its strategic proximity to other creative hubs like Shoreditch and the West End, coupled with excellent transport links, enhances its appeal to professionals in design and fashion. Furthermore, the district's vibrant culinary scene, replete with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants, fosters a dynamic social milieu, enriching the creative community's experiences and inspirations.

All photos by Lucia Carpio 

Interiors: New lighting by Sowden to be presented at Top Drawer

Sowden, the homeware and lighting brand created by British Milan-based designer George Sowden, will showcase their full Shades Collection of lights at the design-led trade fair Top Drawer 2024, from 14 - 16 January at Olympia London, announced SCP the UK distributor of Sowden.

Sowden Ceiling Lamps.
Photo by Alice Fiorilli from SCP website.

SCP is also presenting Sowden's new product launches being shown for the first time at the Top Drawer trade fair. 

The Shades Collection is composed of suspension, table and floor lamps, alongside a family of battery-powered designs suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The idea for the Shade Collection took shape in 2020, when George Sowden, while working on another project, discovered the extraordinary potential and ability to diffuse light through soft silicone; a non-toxic material that is easy to clean, stands up to impact and conserves its aesthetic qualities without ever showing signs of ageing.

The use of silicone for this purpose, lends the Shades collection its distinctive allure.

The interplay of shapes and colours, assembled in diverse configurations, brings versatility and life to these remarkable lamps, according to SCP,  manufacturer and dealer of high-quality contemporary furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories, established in London in 1985 by Sheridan Coakley.

Headquartered in Milan, the Sowden brand has emerged as an epitome of design innovation. Created by George Sowden, a British designer originally from Leeds, who established himself in the Milanese design firmament, after moving to the city in the early 1970s. Sowden’s legacy includes co-founding the influential Memphis Group in 1981, alongside Ettore Sottsass and Nathalie Du Pasquier.

With a prolific portfolio spanning decades, Sowden has contributed iconic designs to leading brands such as Alessi, Bodum, Swatch, Steelcase, Tefal, and Pyrex.

Transitioning into the 2000s, Sowden's studio focused on self-branded products like the Sowden Softbrew coffee system, while also collaborating with renowned Danish brand HAY. The Shades Collection represents his latest success, introducing a bespoke lighting brand with a unique approach to designing and developing products.

Impactful Murals from Original Style add stylish settings to bathrooms

Whether one opts for a look that points to a tropical scene or one that conjures up a calm English countryside, Original Style create living tiled murals as practical alternative to wallpaper that add unique atmospheric style to bathrooms.

Here below, Original Style brings a tropical touch with Tropical Oasis, a bold rainforest-style mural busting with detail, colour and impact. 

This design is inspired by warm climes and exotic landscapes stretching out into the horizon, offering an immersive experience in bathrooms.

Designer Becca Keenan says, "It’s all about maximalism. People are incorporating bright colours and bold prints to create show-stopping schemes. We loved designing this statement tile mural and think it fits the maximalism trend perfectly when paired with a bold checkerboard floor.  Opt for luxurious accessories like plush velvet, rich colourways and metallic accents."

Another option is to go for a tranquil countryside scene like the English Garden Mural below.

This features delicate wildflowers, lush greenery and sumptuous rolling hills. Inspired by the abundance of summer blooms found in English gardens, the English Country Mural will instill a feeling of serenity within the home.

"Quintessentially English – This mural is sure to transport you to a beautiful summer’s day in the countryside. We opted for a beautiful bath with gold accents and fixtures and fittings to match.  For a glamorous look, pair with marbles and metallics, style with luxurious accessories in complimenting pastel tones," said Becca Keenan, Designer.

Original Style's Living Murals Collection has been designed on large-format tiles, for extra impact and detail. These large-format tiles measure 99x32cm with a gentle matt finish.

Original Style’s  team hand-painted these detailed designs and replicated the drawings digitally to create one-of-a-kind tile murals. Their skilled artisans then work the designs into their state-of-the-art digital printers. Each mural is then printed in small batches to ensure the utmost quality and excellence.

Original Style have been producing premium wall and floor tiles in Exeter, Devon, UK since 1986 using a combination of quality raw materials and traditional techniques alongside new technology. 

For more inspiration and ideas, Original Style welcome visitors to their nine showrooms set up around the country where one can browse their displays, stand-out colour walls and plan projects with their expert teams.