Clerkenwell Design Week: six trends I spotted

Clerkenwell Design Week

Clerkenwell Design Week is one of the most exciting events in the interiors calendar. Picture this: ten exhibition venues and more than 150 resident showrooms displaying their new furniture, lighting, tiles, textiles, accessories and so much more. With comfy shoes on and coffee to go, I went inside to bring you all the hottest news…

Clerkenwell Design Week has just finished. On the day it opened, I whizzed through Clerkenwell to see the latest launches and report back to you. Thrilling, right? Apart from a hail storm welcoming me (of course, I didn’t bring an umbrella), I feel more inspired than ever after spotting new products, from tiles and brassware to soft furnishings, and chatting to rising designers.

So, if you’ve missed this year’s festival, I’ve rounded up the top six trends that caught my eye. But beware – get your screenshot button ready, there’s so much to explore…

Statement tiles
Be it single-coloured or patterned, stand-out tiles were splashed everywhere at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week. Think dreamy shades such as pastel blue, sunny yellow, burnt terracotta, creams and pinks. And the best bit is they come in many sizes and shapes – from the classic square and metro to oversized slabs and unique shapes. Which would you pick for your new project?
brightly coloured tiles at Clerkenwell Design Week
How pretty are these colourful tiles from Solus?
colourful tiles at Clerkenwell Design Week
The latest launches from Domus include the new eco-responsible tiles made from waste marble, porphyry, and granite chips on the left, the sleek Abiquiu metro tiles in Farrow & Ball-inspired shades, plus the striped Abiquiu Design tiles.
Matt white finishes
Yes, matt black is still hugely popular in the interiors world and I do love it. So, why not make way for this chic finish but in white? It’s perfect if you love bright kitchens or bathrooms with a tactile twist. From the tiniest details like handles and shelf brackets to brassware and sanitaryware, pick your favourite to embrace this trend.
a matt white bathroom basin
Match your basin and vanity surface to your tap and mixer for a cohesive scheme with Inbani‘s solutions, available at West One Bathrooms.
matt white handles at Clerkenwell Design Week
I spotted Armac Martin‘s new matt white finish at the KBB Show in Birmingham and I’ve been obsessed ever since.
a matt white bath at Clerkenwell Design Week
Love a bubbly soak? This Inbani bath, available at West One Bathrooms, comes in a lush matt white finish.
Bold prints and patterns
If you are more of a maximalist, then this trend is for you, and Clerkenwell Design Week showcased it beautifully. I was drawn to lamp shades, wallpaper, cushions, throws and fabrics in heavy prints and vibrant colour palettes. You can keep it simple with a feature wall in your bedroom using stand-out coverings, or go all-out and mix and match prints for your bedding and décor for a daring look.
colourful fabrics at Clerkenwell Design Week
Tatie Lou‘s new Soleil collection.
bright fabrics at Clerkenwell Design Week
All Tomorrow’s Futures by The Monkey Puzzle Tree.
Chunky and industrial showering
When it comes to bathrooms, I noticed at Clerkenwell Design Week that brands are slowly moving away from sleek and minimalist solutions. Instead, they’re introducing bulky and factory-inspired designs in eye-catching aged finishes. Believe it or not, this style of brassware works well in modern schemes when paired with trendy surfaces, as well as in more traditional rooms with classic baths and vanities. Dare to go bold?
a statement shower at Clerkenwell Design Week
Shower goals – the Statement range of shower heads and hand sprays, together with the Anthem digital control in vibrant brushed moderne brass from Kohler.
a thermostatic shower valve
Add an industrial touch to your bathroom with the new thermostatic shower valve from Aston Matthews.
a brushed nickel showering system at Clerkenwell Design Week
West One Bathrooms‘ showroom displayed gorgeous showering systems in brushed nickel and gunmetal finishes.
Front's AXOR overhead shower at Clerkenwell Design Week
How cool is Hansgrohe‘s showroom? Pictured here is the AXOR overhead shower designed by Front.
Bouclé
This textured fabric has been around for a while but it’s becoming increasingly popular for living and dining rooms. Wherever I looked at Clerkenwell Design Week, I spotted sofas, dining and lounge chairs upholstered in this trendy material. It’s a great fabric for elevating a space – plus, it’s super stylish and comfortable.
a bouclé sofa
Wow your guests with this dreamy sofa from NORR11.
a bouclé chair at Clerkenwell Design Week
Abinger chairs dressed in soft, neutral fabrics from Christian Watson Furniture.
a stylish bouclé chair at Clerkenwell Design Week
The perfect chair exists and it comes upholstered in bouclé fabric, so why not invest in the Lean lounge chair in Ivory from WOUD Design?
Statement marble
This year at Clerkenwell Design Week, I believe it’s all about grand and veiny surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms. No matter your style, you can opt for this glamorous design. Choose authentic marble or simply inspired material to add impact to your space. These slabs and panels come in many different colourways and detailed swirls, so you’ll definitely find something to suit your taste.
a marble bathroom wall
Kohler‘s showroom features opulent displays with veiny surfaces and matt black sanitaryware.
a marble bathroom
RAK Ceramics‘ showroom hosts a wide range of marble-inspired slabs, perfect for glamorous bathrooms.

So, which trend is your favourite? Let me know in the comments.

You might also like   KBB's favourite kitchens of the year: Hi December issue!

Then browse Georgina’s roundup of colourful interiors spotted at Clerkenwell Design Week.

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