After 34 years the Decorex interior and design show has been attracting young and new exhibitors each year, many of whom are contemporary designers launching themselves on an international platform for the first time. This September 25-28 in London will be no exception with many young designers on show each displaying their own fresh new approach. While traditional techniques and designs are used the end result is totally contemporary, both in form and colour.
Design duo Barneby Gates is showing at Decorex for the second year after debuting last year. Their wallpapers bring the past to the future, by using a mix of old and new, with two new collections being launched at Decorex: Chairs and Horse Trellis. Chairs was designed by their simple love of the object, using a selection of their favourite designs. From the traditional antique Chippendale, Louis XV’s and Windsor chair to the Cherner armchair and modern classics by Philippe Starck. Horse Trellis shows the use of a classic subject the horse, in bright acid yellow on a classical grey background; yet another traditional to modern design approach, that this duo enjoy creating.
French based company Soca may be an established furniture company, however they work with a number of younger designers. Their Frizz chair collection mixes the old with the new, drawing inspiration from a 1980’s ice cream brand, with seats in acid ice cream flavours. The Oxoye chair was inspired by the conclusion that past experiences and modern technology are the future of design, based on the style of the 1950’s car, retro and dynamic.
Louise Body is another young wallpaper designer who, having designed the restroom entrance at Decorex last year, is returning to Decorex with a twist to her decorative Victorian tile designs. Her retro tile print wallpaper, Paper Tiles is officially launching at Decorex, offering an alternative to traditional ceramic tiles.
The Crafted initiative enables young designers the opportunity to gain insight and advice from experienced names in the design industry. Young entrepreneurs gain valuable mentoring and business advice over the year to increase their sustainability and stimulate business growth. Among the handful chosen this year are:
Textile designer Margo Selby has a bold approach to creating her fabrics, which can be used within both traditional and modern interiors. Margo is mentored by Mark Henderson, Deputy Chairman, Gieves & Hawkes.
Kelvyn Smith Letterpress Workshop creates contemporary, bespoke ephemera using traditional letterpress processes and materials. Kelyvn is being mentored by Richard Stevens, Creative Director forpeople while furniture designer Gareth Neal uses wood as his core material, which he then sculpts in a variety of interesting ways; his technique combines traditional forms of craftsmanship with contemporary tools and design.
La Lou is a further example of a young British lighting designer showcasing at Decorex for the first time. Her collection sources beautiful handcrafted pieces from local craftsmen, markets and antique fairs around the world, that are fashioned into exquisite lamps. Each piece is unique.
Tickets for trade visitors are £15 per ticket for pre-registered trade visitors and £10 for an additional colleague; otherwise £25 per ticket on the door. Tickets for the general public are £30 each.
