Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts

Monday, 1 June 2026

Home and Lifestyle Design Showcase: Wow!house 2026 at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, London - from June 2 - July 2

WOW!house 2026, now in its fifth year, is deemed the ultimate design barometer.  The month-long exhibition runs from 2 June to 2 July 2026 at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, featuring 22 full-scale rooms and outdoor installations created by 22 internationally renowned interior designers and architects in collaboration with leading sponsoring design brands and suppliers.

Schumacher Dining Room by Max Rollitt
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Widely regarded as one of the most influential destinations in the luxury interiors sector, the  immersive showhouse is erected within the Design Centre's Design Avenue, offering visitors the opportunity to experience highly detailed interiors as they walk through the connecting rooms as if in a real home.

The Art of Arrival - Entrance Hall by Francis Sultana
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Among the highlights is the Entrance Garden by landscape designers Hay Hwang and Simon Kitchin of The Gardenists. Inspired by the façade’s arched colonnades, the garden incorporates columnar evergreens, clipped bay laurel trees and white digitalis blooms arranged around English limestone and hand-crafted stone detailing supplied by Artorius Faber. A lead lion-mask fountain by Garden Art Plus provides a classical focal point to the space.

Artorius Faber Entrance Garden by The Gardenists
Photo by James McDonald

Another debut installation comes from Studio Enass, whose Garden Folly Room draws on designer Enass Mahmoud’s North African and Arab heritage. Conceived as a secluded island retreat, the room combines gemstone hues, layered textures and ornate decorative details including bronze mirrored ceilings, patterned textiles and handcrafted lighting.

Phillip Jeffries Morning Room by Sara Cosgrove
Photo by James McDonald

A recurring theme throughout WOW!house 2026 is the idea of slowing down and creating spaces of retreat from modern life.  In the Morning Room sponsored by Phillip Jeffries, interior designer Sara Cosgrove has created what she describes as “a quiet, uplifting analogue sanctuary”. ‘Aura’ mural with softly glazed surfaces designed to capture and reflect light.

Shepel' Library by Roisin Lafferty
Photo by James McDonald

Similarly, the Shepel’ Library by Dublin-based designer Róisín Lafferty embraces art deco influences through the use of burl timber, parchment and ebony finishes. The room has been designed as a contemplative environment where “the tempo softens” and discovery takes precedence over distraction.

Misia for Casamance Group Bedroom Suite by Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Art deco references continue in the Bedroom Suite by Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay, created in partnership with Misia, part of the Casamance Group. Jazz Age-inspired fabrics, period furniture and hand-carved detailing combine to evoke the glamour of 1930s interiors.

Samuel Heath Primary Bathroom by Rigby & Rigby
Photo by James McDonald

In contrast, the Primary Bathroom by Rigby & Rigby adopts a minimalist Japandi aesthetic, blending Scandinavian simplicity with Japanese-inspired wellness traditions. A circular wooden ofuro bath forms the centrepiece, while integrated technology is used to create a calming sensory experience.

Elsewhere, De Rosee Sa’s Ca’ Pietra Bathroom transports visitors to a Mediterranean hotel of the 1970s, while Samantha Bartlett’s Martin Moore Kitchen celebrates tactile natural materials including fumed oak, bronze and Verde Natura quartzite.

Martin Moore Kitchen with Samantha Bartlett
Photo by James McDonald

“This is a room rooted in the poetry of nature,” says Bartlett. Martin Moore’s Legacy kitchen is the key focus, in a quietly glamorous combination of grained fumed oak teamed with bronze handles paired with Verde Natura quartzite.

Lalique Home Bar by Elicyon
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Luxury craftsmanship also takes centre stage in the Lalique Home Bar by Elicyon, where designer
Lalique Home Bar by Elicyon
Photo by James McDonald
Charu Gandhi h
as incorporated crystal panels inspired by René Lalique’s celebrated 1928 designs for the Orient Express.  

The iconic French house's art deco heritage is referenced in the many arches and curves.  The ceiling is a showcase for the magnificent "Swallows" chandelier while the walls and bar are inset with a bold, asymmetrical composition of crystal panels inspired by stories of goddesses and mythology.








Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh
Photo by James McDonald

Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by Young Huh
Photo by James McDonald

International influences continue in the Benjamin Moore Minhwa Salon by New York-based designer Young Huh, who references Korean folk art alongside the opulent miniature paintings of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace.  The Salon is bursting with colours and patterns.  The lacquered walls are inset with 55 boxes painted in joyful high gloss colours often found in fold art, according to the designer.








Technology-driven design features prominently in the Nucleus Immersive Room by Russell Sage Studio. Equipped with a HYRISS immersive sound system by L-Acoustics, Sony display technology and integrated Crestron controls, the installation combines light, sound, scent and texture to create what designer Russell Sage calls “The Momentarium” — an environment intended to redefine shared sensory experiences.

Traditional craftsmanship is also celebrated throughout the exhibition. Max Rollitt’s Schumacher Dining Room juxtaposes 18th-century-inspired architecture with contemporary interpretations of dining culture, while Tiffany Duggan’s Speakeasy Salon combines theatrical interiors with multifunctional living.

Richard Miers’ Courtyard for Munder Skiles
Photo by James McDonald

Outdoor living spaces form another key component of the showhouse. Richard Miers’ Courtyard for Munder Skiles recreates a timeless stone courtyard shaded by London plant trees.

The main focus of the courtyard space is a showstopping "Whispering Water" feature.


Fettle Design’s Garden Terrace for Perennials and Sutherland
Photo by Lucia Carpio

Fettle Design’s Garden Terrace for Perennials and Sutherland evokes the atmosphere of a relaxed romantic Italian holiday setting with Mediterranean-inspired materials, furnishings and textiles, inspired by Perennials’ La Dolce Vita collection and incorporating Sutherland’s skillfully-crafted performance furniture.

Perennials and Sutherland Garden Terrace
Photo by Lucia Carpio

To explore all the Rooms in preparation for your visit to WOW!, click HERE.

In addition to the showhouse itself, more than 130 showrooms across the Design Centre will open to ticketed visitors during the event, showcasing luxury interiors, furnishings and design innovation from across the industry.

A series of more than 20 talks will take place across the month, curated to inspire and inform. For more information and tickets, click HERE.  There are also special guided tours throughout the month where visitors can gain extra insights into the creativity behind the WOW!rooms. 

Now in its fifth year, WOW!house has established itself as one of the UK’s leading cultural and design events, offering visitors immersive interiors intended to inspire, entertain and redefine how design is experienced.    

Monday, 18 May 2026

London Event: RHS Chelsea Flower Show collection from Sophie Allport; A ban on garden gnomes at the Chelsea Flower Show is temporarily lifted

Widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious flower and garden show, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns to London from 19–23 May, marking the beginning of the UK’s summer social season. Organised annually by the Royal Horticultural Society, the event takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London and continues to attract global attention for its celebration of horticulture, garden design and British creativity.

Sophis Allport's RHS Chelsea Flower Show Mug
made from fine bone china.
Hand-decorated and finished in the UK.

Among the brands embracing the spirit of this year’s show is Sophie Allport, the British lifestyle and homewares company founded by illustrator Sophie Allport, who runs the family business alongside her brother, Jem. Known for creating timeless collections inspired by nature and the countryside, the brand has unveiled its Signature Edit from the official 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show collection.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Edit – Classic
From Sophie Allport

The collection features a range of homeware and accessory pieces, including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Mug, Tea Towel, Tote Bag and Serving Tray. They showcase Sophie Allport’s hand-painted garden illustration, inspired by the tranquillity and creativity of a summer’s day.

A Limited edition RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 print  (Print size 12" x 16") is shown below.

The design depicts a serene pond with frogs beside a flourishing greenhouse, surrounded by hollyhocks, lupins and colourful cottage garden flowers. Bees and butterflies move among the blooms, while hares, hedgehogs and parakeets emerge from woodland greenery. With the Great Pavilion in the background, the design aims to capture the atmosphere and charm of the Chelsea Flower Show.

Over the decades the RHS Chelsea Flower Show became the premier showcase for new garden design, rare plants, and horticultural trends. The modern era of Chelsea increasingly emphasises environmental themes, biodiversity, sustainability, and accessible gardening. Many show gardens are now relocated after the event for community or charitable use.

The 2026 edition continues those trends, with gardens focused on wellbeing, sustainability, British-grown plants, and ecological design. It has also attracted attention for temporarily lifting the show’s long-standing ban on garden gnomes — a rule dating back to 1927.

A poster print of playful garden gnomes by Hanna Melin at Wallsauce.com.
Made in the UK, this print is available in a range of sizes and wooden frames. 

So for the second time in the history of the world’s most famous gardening event, the gnome ban at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is being lifted to raise funds for the RHS’ work with schools.  

Chelsea Gnomes 2026 online auction from May 15th - 24th
Photo from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show website.
 Celebrities including Sir Brian May, Dame Mary Berry and Cate Blanchett have decorated gnomes which will be on display at the 2026 Show and available to bid on, in an online auction that will run from Friday 15th to Sunday 24th May.

The funds raised will go towards the RHS Campaign for School Gardening, to help inspire the next generation of gardeners.  The RHS’ work with schools enables pupils to learn through gardening as well as boost their wellbeing, skills and environmental awareness.   

The initiative will be highlighted in The RHS and The King's Foundation Curious Garden, which aims to encourage visitors to embrace curiosity and enjoy gardening in a fun and accessible way. The inclusion of garden gnomes within the Curious Garden, as well as elsewhere across the showground, also pays tribute to a long-standing tradition at Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of King Charles III in Gloucestershire, where a gnome is frequently spotted among the features of the Stumpery.

To bid on the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden Gnomes, click HERE. 


Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Product Design News: Tom Dixon Presents Art & Industrie in Paris

British designer Tom Dixon has unveiled a special curatorial project in Paris during Maison & Objet, the international trade fair for decoration, design and lifestyle professionals, which took place from 14 to 19 January 2026.

Presented at Galerie RX&SLAG, the exhibition marked a notable collaboration between the London-based designer and one of the leading contemporary art galleries operating between Paris and New York. 

Tom Dixon seating comfortably in his PLUMP Sofa, at RX&SLAG, Paris.

RX&SLAG is widely recognised for its museum-quality exhibitions, large-scale sculptural installations and its commitment to showcasing bold, concept-driven international artists.

Tom Dixon's BELL Portable Lampss in Fluoro.
Tom Dixon's BELL Portable Lamps in Baby Blue and Silver.

Located in the heart of the fashionable Marais district — a centre for contemporary art, design and cultural experimentation — the exhibition brought together a selection of striking works under the working title Art & Industrie. The project examined the evolving relationship between creative expression and industrial production.

Tom Dixon's GROOVE Side Chairs in Moss, Hydro Chairs, Trumpf Chairs
with MELT Portables Large in Silver.

As guest curator, Dixon explored his long-standing preoccupation with materials, manufacturing processes and the intersection between art and industry. The exhibition established a dialogue between RX&SLAG’s contemporary artists and a curated selection of Dixon’s own designs, combining newly launched pieces from his Spring/Summer 2026 collection with vintage works drawn from his personal archive.

Tom Dixon's JACK Lamp.

Among the works on display were the PLUMP Sofa; PRESS Frosted Sphere Pendants and Surface Lights; BELL Portables in Baby Blue, Silver and Fluoro; GROOVE Side Chairs in Moss; Hydro Chairs; Trumpf Chairs paired with MELT Portable Large lamps in Silver; JACK Portable lamps; and POSE Task Lights in Gold. New SS26 designs, including the GROOVE collection, were presented alongside earlier pieces to highlight Dixon’s evolving industrial aesthetic.

POSE Task Lights in Gold

Tom Dixon, who was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to British design, is internationally regarded for his material-driven approach and his ability to bridge manufacturing, art and interior design. Founded in 2002, his eponymous brand is known for its lighting, furniture and accessories, often produced using innovative industrial techniques and distributed globally through flagship stores and key international stockists.

Tom Dixon's PLUMP sofa, PRESS frosted sphere pendant and Surface Lights. 

The Spring/Summer 2026 collections are available through Tom Dixon flagship stores, selected retailers and online at tomdixon.net.

Maison & Objet, held biannually in Paris, is one of the most influential events in the global design calendar. The fair attracts thousands of designers, buyers, architects and specifiers from around the world, offering a platform for new collections, trend forecasting and experimental installations across the fields of interior design, furniture, lighting and lifestyle products.

Images courtesy of Tom Dixon.

Wednesday, 7 January 2026

Trade Fair: Top Drawer Returns to London with Innovation and Commercial Focus

 The Top Drawer S/S26 trade fair is set to open its doors at Olympia London from 11 to 13 January 2026, bringing together the UK’s design-led brands, retailers and industry influencers for three days of discovery, commerce, networking and insight. 

Now established as the leading destination for independent and speciality retail sourcing, Top Drawer’s “Fast FWD to Design” theme signals a forward-looking programme that blends curated product showcases with commercial insight and trend foresight. The show’s organisers report significant growth in exhibitor numbers and sector diversity, reflecting strong demand from both established buyers and new entrants to the market.

More than 550 contemporary exhibitors will present across seven curated sectors, including Home, Gift, Fashion, Wellbeing, Play, Greetings & Stationery, and Launchpad, an area dedicated to emerging designers and makers, according to the organisers.  They say around 26 per cent of exhibitors are new to the show, while key categories such as PLAY, Home and Fashion are experiencing double-digit growth compared with previous editions. 

For retail buyers, Top Drawer delivers a blend of trend insights, practical workshops and live pitches as part of its expanded content offering. The Retail Revealed Live stage returns with future-facing talks and expert panels, while The Social Studio, a new addition for 2026, provides hands-on sessions aimed at helping brands refine their digital and social media strategies. 

The Headline Speaker this season is Nick Robertson, Co-Founder of ASOS, who is bringing a high-profile perspective on scaling an international online fashion brand; his session is expected to include insights into customer behaviour, strategy, and the future of retail growth.

Speakers who will focus on Retail Strategy and Innovation are Hanan Tantush, Founder & Creative Director, Intotum on co-designing with disabled communities shapes adaptive fashion and inclusive product development; and Kate & Lyns, Co-founders, Buying & Beyond, who will feature in the Buying & Beyond Podcast LIVE, exploring how AI can support smarter retail operations and merchandising. 

On the topic of Brand Building, Marketing and Social Media, speakers Kirsty Raper and Andie McDowell, Co-founders, Reels Rockstars will share practical guidance on avoiding common pitfalls when using Reels and other short-form formats.  Aggie Meroni, Founder of White Bee Digital, is a Specialist in creative digital advertising and will lead discussions on simple ad creatives and platform strategies. 

Other speakers include Andrea Rainsford, Creator, Buyology who will explore the psychology of buyer behaviour, helping retailers understand what drives purchase decisions; Priscilla Pollara, Founder & PR Coach of Top Trick to address how founders can communicate clearly about their business to better engage customers and media.  Alice Loveday, Founder, Loveday Social will host a hands-on Social Studio masterclass to demonstrate real-time content creation for social platforms with attendee participation, while Cara Bendon, Brand Consultant, will speak on differentiating a brand in crowded markets and building iconic positioning.

A particularly notable feature for this season is Product Pitch, developed in partnership with Retail Huddle and co.lective Pop-Up. This live pitching event gives selected exhibitors the opportunity to present directly to industry judges in front of a live audience — a format organisers describe as bringing investment-style energy to a traditional trade fair setting. 

Trend forecasting remains a core component of the show’s draw. Working with The Better Trends Co., Top Drawer will showcase season-defining insights that translate emerging aesthetic and consumer shifts into commercially relevant guidance for buyers. 

Industry leaders have welcomed the return of Top Drawer, emphasising its value as a sourcing platform that combines creative discovery with serious buying opportunities. According to prior show data, previous editions have attracted a substantial increase in high-budget buyers and international attendance, underlining the event’s growing global relevance. 

Top Drawer S/S26 also offers structured networking and business support through the Business Hub, where attendees can access mentoring, strategy sessions and expert advice tailored to independent and design-focused retailers. 

Organisers expect the January edition to set the tone for retail buying and design trends entering the Spring/Summer 2026 season, reinforcing Top Drawer’s reputation as an essential fixture in the UK retail calendar.

Images from Top Drawer

Tuesday, 11 November 2025

Interior Designs: Fiona Howard Unveils New Collection of Dark and Moody Wallpapers

British designer Fiona Howard, celebrated for her hand-drawn patterns and environmentally conscious approach, has launched a new collection of wallpapers inspired by the British coast and countryside. Known for her intricate, nature-inspired designs, Howard continues to champion traditional craftsmanship and sustainability in her latest work.

A rich warm espresso brown colourway of SEALIFE wallpaper in ochre and taupe on a sophisticated coffee brown background. Based on a lino block print design by Fiona Howard this depicts corals, shells, scallops and limpets
swaying softly under the waves.

The collection, produced using the traditional lino block printing technique, features wallpapers created by hand and printed in the UK with eco-friendly inks on sustainably sourced papers. Each design reflects Howard’s dedication to artistry and her belief in the beauty of imperfection.

BIRDSONG wallpaper in Espresso from Fiona Howard - featuring  fresh white blossom and warm ochre tones against a warm coffee coloured background.

WATERLILY wallpaper border in Taupe from Fiona Howard.

As colder months draw in and homes become sanctuaries from the outside world, the designer’s dark and moody palette aims to bring a richer sense of comfort indoors. Deep shades of espresso, inky navy, moss green, plum, and charcoal are combined to create immersive, atmospheric interiors.  From shadowy botanicals to abstract organic motifs, the new range is designed to complement both modern and traditional spaces. Whether used throughout a room or as a striking feature wall, Fiona Howard’s latest designs bring an element of drama, intimacy, and timeless elegance to contemporary interiors.

RADISH wallpaper in Peat, featuring rows of block print radishes in a scallop formation from Fiona Howard. This dark peaty brown wallpaper with contrasting ochre radishes.
Shown here with Radish border (available separately).

“Dark interiors are having a moment because they make us feel safe, grounded, and expressive,” Howard explained. “My aim was to create wallpapers that let you sink into that feeling—where richness and moodiness meet softness and soul.”

WISTERIA wallpaper in Linden from Fiona Howard - a luxury wallpaper featuring pretty white flower trails which enhance a deep rich green background. 

Crafted in Sussex and printed across the UK, the collection maintains Howard’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and artisan quality. Each wallpaper evokes a sense of depth, warmth, and understated luxury, reflecting current trends for tactile, layered textures and natural materials.

A wide selection of the new wallpaper collection available at Fiona Howard Wallpapers.

Images from Fiona Howard Wallpapers

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Interiors Product Launch: British Home interiors brand Laura Ashley launches Autumn/Winter 2024 range

As the weather gets cooler and we step into autumn, British home and interiors brand Laura Ashley invites us to step into a modern country story with Rustic Charm, as we look into developing an intimate story for a residential bedroom project.

Wallpapers and soft furnishings from Laura Ashley showcase feminine ditsy florals with the modern nostalgia of on-trend terracotta orange and autumnal hues.

The new Autumn Winter collection from Laura Ashley featuring warm colour palettes, soft details, and luxurious fabrics, evokes a welcoming and inviting ambience, perfectly suited for snug evenings in autumn, creating a cosy and relaxed atmospher.

This story features a blend of neutral tones and autumnal hues, complemented by large scale floral prints.

Helen Ashmore, Laura Ashley's Head of Design, notes: “Terracotta is more than just a colour; it’s a statement of warmth and comfort. Incorporating this shade into your home, whether through wallpaper, sleepwear, or even carpets and rugs, creates a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. This timeless colour brings a touch of nature indoors, making it ideal for the autumn and winter months.”

Country living is brought to life with timeless earthy tones featured in upholstery fabrics, cushions and washed-oak furniture pieces, like the Braystone collection. Featuring a painterly floral design with trailing hibiscus flowers amongst scrolling leaves, Aylworth Trail is a hero print with terracotta orange adding a romantic charm. 

Autumnal hues of fern green, duck egg and sage green with touches of mustard yellow create a rich and cosy ambience in the home.  Wallpapers and soft furnishings combine feminine ditsy florals with the modern nostalgia of iconic stripe patterns in on-trend terracotta orange and autumnal hues.

Thursday, 23 May 2024

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




Saturday, 14 January 2023

Trade fair Top Drawer opens January 15 to kickstart the 2023 buying season at Olympia London

Top Drawer has opened on January 15th at Olympia in the heart of Kensington, London, reporting a buzzing atmosphere on the first day that attracted trade buyers from some of the biggest retailers from the UK and abroad, including Harvey Nichols, HMV, Harrods, Glasgow Museums, John Lewis, Oliver Bonas, National Trust, the Government of South Australia and Dobbie’s Garden Centre. Still registered to attend and source over the next two days are the likes of Liberty, Selfridges, Wolf & Badger, The Conran Shop, SCP, Aria, Fortnum & Mason, TJ Maxx Europe, Fenwicks, Marks & Spencers, Waitrose, the Walt Disney Company, and Waterstones.  

The London trade fair's S/S 2023 edition slated for January 15 - 17 2023  features 1000s of new launches across nine curated sectors -  Home, Wellbeing, Gift, Fashion, Food Emporium, Craft, Greetings Cards & Stationery, Play and Launchpad for promising new talent – to help buyers source the key products for the season ahead, and professional visitors to grasp in one venue the key trends that will help drive business.  

Organisers say 50% of exhibitors are exclusive to the show and 25% are making their Top Drawer debut. More than 500 brands from the UK and abroad are presented in this latest edition, including the likes of Aery, British Colour Standard, CABAIA, Inside Out Toys, Kind Bag, Lifeguard Press + Ban.do, LIGA, Ohh Deer, Poppy + Ted, Reeves & Reeves, Roger La Borde, Scream Pretty, Swole Panda, The Bottled Baking Co. and Wanderlust Paper Co. to name just a few, showcasing their latest product launches and Christmas collections.

Featured are Discovery Journal; Dahlia London Official; Charlotte's Web Jewellery;
Trixie Baby and We Are Proper Good
All images from Top Drawer SS 2023.

Show Manager, David Westbrooke said: “As the first show of the year, we understand just how important it is that Top Drawer offers our visitors the most exciting and inspiring sourcing opportunities of the season. In addition, the unique curation process that makes Top Drawer the event that it is, saves retailers time and effort by hand-selecting only the very best established brands and emerging names for them to discover on the show floor.”

Joanna Hockett, International Sales Manager for Lifeguard Press further expands on the appeal of the event: “Top Drawer is easily our favourite trade show - the timing, the location and the buyers here put it a cut above the rest, and this season is no exception!”

Once again The Better Trends Co. are providing attendees an exclusive trend forecast service unveiling fully two of the biggest trends for the season ahead at the show.   

Musango - HOME

“Rhythmic form” is a trend that emphasises the use of repetitive shapes and patterns to create a sense of visual harmony within a space and usher in a feeling of calm. By utilising a variety of materials and textures, this timeless trend can be easily incorporated into any space and is just what we need as we enter 2023. 

“Modern psychedelic”, on the other hand, is a trend characterised by bold, vibrant colours and patterns that evoke a sense of defiant, unapologetic joy. This style often features a mix of geometric shapes and organic curves, as well as a variety of textures and materials to create an eye-catching look that is sure to turn heads. 


Locomocean - GIFT
Tihara Smith - LAUNCHPAD

Alongside the top brands and household names, fresh new talent will be put in the spotlight in the “Launchpad” sector (which made its debut during the SS22 edition),  allowing them to network with high-calibre buyers and build lasting connections within the industry. For this edition, we’ll also see the return of the show’s partnership with the University of Arts London who have been hand-selected to showcase their products and are eager to increase their brand exposure.    

In addition, RetailFest has lined up speakers to inspire visitors, to offer advice and support for businesses by presenting their new Ecommerce Insight programme at Top Drawer S/S23. This will help businesses to tackle digital strategy head on, with actionable takeaways from sessions covering SEO, audience engagement and online advertising.

Speakers include the likes of Cath Kidson, The Conran Shop's Campbell Thompson, Oliver Bonas' Camilla Tress and more, offering the inside scoop on the industry, plus tips to help businesses to understand social media, how to engage with customers and operate sustainably plus marketing insights.

Registration for Top Drawer is free for professional buyers and store owners; more information on registration, exhibiting brands and seminar sessions can be found at their website. 

Tuesday, 14 December 2021

Pantone® 17-3938 Very Peri fires up imagination in Home Décor and Interior Design

Ever since Pantone announced its new colour of the year 2022, the PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, it has animated designer's imagination.  The colour's modernity and creativity spirit inject a sense of playful freshness into home interiors, enlivening a space through unusual colour combinations. It is also a versatile shade and is suited to an array of different materials, textures and finishes, providing a pop of colour, whether introduced through a painted wall, accent furniture or home décor, or acting as an intriguing and eye-catching accent in a pattern.

At Wallsauce.com, creators of premium wallpaper murals, it has released it’s a series of five designs that complement Very Peri. A couple of them are shown here.

The Deep Wall Mural by Lara Skinner at Wallsauce.com

Focussing on Pantone’s description of ‘dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone', the wallpaper designs reflect the energy and confidence of this brand new colour; which for the first time since 1999, they have created an entirely new colour:

From a powerful geode design to carefree watercolour blends, all five wallpapers express tones that complement this brand new Pantone colour. 

Dreamy Pastel And Gold watercolour wallpaper mural available at Wallsauce.com

Rachel Kenny, head of the design studio at Wallsauce.com says:  “Blues have been trending beyond this year since the navy trend decorated our homes. It’s a delight to see a more uplifting tone that’s going to bring us happy and warm vibes.

With its periwinkle blue hue, Very Peri almost reminds us of cornflower blue littering summer strolls in fields with lots of fresh air – something we’ve all been missing recently!

We wanted to reflect that uplifting feeling with statement pieces that complement Very Peri. Choosing wallpaper designs that merge in true blues, purples, pinks and greens, we hope to have created a positive collection that’s also not for the faint-hearted.”

Wallsauce.com is one of the leading producers of custom made wallpaper murals. To discover more powerful purple wallpapers that are ready to bring energy to homes, head to Wallsauce.com.

Meanwhile, at British online art print destination Claude & Leighton® comes a carefully curated selection of wall art prints, which also complement the new Very Peri. 

A Very Peri gallery wall with art prints by Claude & Leighton

The art prints, created by artist, designer and co-founder of Claude & Leighton, Jayne Leighton Herd, feature the periwinkle violet blue shade that interior designers, stylists and homeowners alike will be crushing on during the year ahead.

Scottish Landscape Art Print - Alba III - by Claude & Leighton, 
from an original painting by British artist Jayne Leighton Herd.

The collection includes prints of abstract and landscape paintings, as well as brand new geometric design artwork, ampersand typography posters and abstract face line drawings. All very much in keeping with Pantone’s Very Peri colour ethos of joyous attitude and imaginative expression.

Very Peri Blue Abstract Face Line
Drawing Art Print by Claude & Leighton

The trending colour is positive, uplifting and easily relatable, inspiring thoughts of flowers, spring fresh air and meadows, says Claude & Leighton.

And it’s a colour which can be added to homes and offices simply, through the use of art and accent accessories, without the burden of redecorating.

The prints work well as standalone pieces, or can be included as part of a gallery wall display.

Available unframed in various sizes, each print in the collection is produced with high quality, fade-resistant inks on premium heavyweight, acid-free archival paper, to ensure it will last a lifetime.⁠