Decorex 2020 Design Edit: Trend Highlights From London

I recently returned from a trip to London...a blend of work, resourcing, window shopping, family time and a tour of duty at the Olympia Decorex International design show.  

Here are a few of my show favorites as well as some London highlights. Perhaps it will inspire you to make a few purchases or book a flight into Heathrow to enjoy this design-savvy city! 

DECOREX 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

Some of my favorite brands were showcasing some incredibly inspiring, artistic perspectives on colour and design.

Blackpop

Unique, timeless and quintessentially British, this luxury UK label was founded in 2013 creates artisan wallpapers, fabrics, home furnishings, and custom upholstered furniture. The combination of eclectic historical prints transformed into contemporary designs is no less than outstanding. See them here.

Design Note - The use of rich saturated colours that present a contemporary view of neutrals

House of Hackney 

Luxury British interiors, fabrics, wallpapers, and so much more. Their rich, intoxicating and multi-layered sensibilities are not for the faint of heart. The US will have a chance to embrace this unique style since they just launched a new NYC location located at 209 Elizabeth Street.

Design Note- Multicolor and pattern layering

Love Your Home 

A family run business owned by husband and wife team Leigh Harmer and Abi Boura. Abi was style editor for Elle Decor and Leigh credits many years in the design industry. They showcase comfort and style and won “Best In Show” for me, personally. Having tested many of the pieces firsthand, I know the comfort factor and workmanship are authentic. See the beautiful pieces here. 

Design Note - A blend of neutrals for the fabrics with trend colour accents.  A good toned green velvet for a super comfy chesterfield couch.

Arley House

This is a new company showcased through the Victoria and Albert Museum booth that uses vivid, playful and whimsical designs and colours. 

Design Note - Love the collection of V&A beautifully printed fabrics, on quality fabrics. View it here.  

Pinch

Simple furniture and lighting designs that celebrate excellent craftsmanship with their mantra:  “About making things beautiful”.

Design Note- Neutral, light woods, clean lines - construction craftsmanship

Philip Watts Design

His multi-disciplined company offers a variety of services but it's his stylised decorative metal hardware and jewel-like pieces that can make any room a statement.

Design Note - the magic of metal lives on in every variety. Layer unabashedly. 

Highlights from Home: My Local Favourites

If you’re traveling to London for work or play, here are some local/city gems you simply can't miss:

Favourite Showroom: Plain English 

My favourite showroom to visit (partly because I’m on a personal crusade resourcing kitchens at the moment) was Plain English bespoke kitchens. Their amazing painted kitchens were an inspiring adventure to view. They pay close attention to every detail with their handsome, homey and much-revered colour palette with names like Burnt Toast and Teabag. So inspiring. America can now enjoy this incredible brand as they’ve just launched an NYC showroom.

TRY:  Adopting some of their painted kitchen drama with some rich, warm colour pairings and get creative with placement.

Favourite place to Eat and Sleep: The Ned

Formerly the Midland Bank headquarters located in the middle of the City, they implement luxury accommodations down to the last detail. Alongside the lavish hotel is a more traditional (yet brilliant) selection of dining options.

TRY: Millie’s for traditional fare or the Karia for their flower-adorned poke bowls. Both restaurants provide a perfectly buzzy atmosphere and great ambiance any night of the week.

(Another) Favourite place to Eat and Sleep: London Edition Hotel + Berners Tavern

Ok, I actually have two favourite places to rest after a long day. The super-stylish London Edition Hotelin Soho. (Berners Tavern has a long waitlist so make sure to book well in advance). This striking hotel is perfect for those in search of luxe comfort, chic rooms, and a craft cocktail after a long day touring shows and shops.

TRY: The fresh pear champagne cocktail is a perfect brunch beverage. I had two just to make sure!

Favourite Coffee + Pastry: PAUL

Grab a quick coffee and pastry at PAUL (a wonderful coffee chain) and enjoy all London has to offer. It’s much more affordable these days, so bring an extra suitcase to pack all your purchases.

TRY: One of their baking masterclasses!

Favourite Window Shopping: Liberty's of London

Always an engaging window shop and their flower section is consistently beautiful. This true classic never goes out of style.

TRY: The Liberty of London fabric collection full of iconic prints and textures.