With a hot cup of coffee and my press badge in one hand and camera ready in the other, I set off to explore the boutique stands at Decorex 2023.
But first, what is Decorex?
Decorex is a yearly exhibition all about interior design, held at Olympia London in Kensington. It is the place to be in October as high-end brands display their latest collections and innovations. It’s also a great place to meet up with fellow creatives and industry experts.
So, of course, I was thrilled to dash off, discover all the new products – from kitchen tiles and bedroom lights to bold bathroom brassware – and report back about everything I’ve loved at this year’s event.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
New tile collections at Decorex 2023
The first stop of the day was at Bert & May‘s stand. The brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023. So, alongside the recently-launched Marbling and Stripes collections, we got to preview some exciting new ranges.
The three new tiles in the Borders collection feature graphic patterns that represent the title letters in the brand’s name: B, & and M. “We encourage people to use the Borders collection in a unique way, from zoning an area around your bath to using them in the hallway to draw people into your space,” explains Anna Jones, marketing manager at Bert & May. These tiles can be used on their own to create a unique pattern or in different formations.”
The Art Deco range features elegant arches and loops. And, lastly, Solstice is a series of cement tiles decorated with curves and circular forms reminiscent of the transitional shapes in the sun’s journey from solstice to equinox.
“With Solstice, whether you really want to go all-out with polka dots or play with tessellations to make abnormal connections, you can create something quite unique,” says Anna. “If harsh straight lines are too much for you, a circular form is grounding; it’s very easy on the eye. But I recommend playing with tessellations to get the best out of this collection.”
Multi-functional kitchen islands
If there is one thing I love, it’s a hard-working kitchen – it’s the heart of the home and apart from looking good it needs to function well, too. I was impressed by luxury Italian brand Officine Gullo and the inspiring display of their new Isola kitchen islands.
Alongside burners or an induction hob, you can add a range of accessories to customise your design – from pasta cookers and steamers to lava stone barbecues. Plus, with Isola, you get extra cupboard storage, food preparation areas and eating zones.
Depending on the size your space, your Isola island can even host a compact sink, a built-in oven, dishwasher, or warming drawers – talk about a multi-functional kitchen.
The luxurious islands fit in both modern and more traditional schemes and are all set to enhance your way of living.
Pretty and practical lighting solutions at Decorex 2023
One thing you can’t miss at Decorex are the striking lighting stands. Original BTC‘s first portable lamp instantly caught my attention. Not only is it cordless, so you can place it wherever your heart desires – from the dining table to cosy reading nooks in the bedroom – but it is also suitable outdoors. That’s a big yes, please!
The petite design draws inspiration from the Plum blossom, which is Taiwan’s national flower. With three brightness levels, a sturdy base, and a fluted bone china shade, the pretty lamp can be charged via USB-C.
Another stand I was excited to see was Rothschild & Bickers. The founders Victoria Rothschild and Mark Bickers showcased their new Pilar light, available as a pendant and a wall-mounted solution. It features fluted tubular reeded glass sections and colourful mouth-blown glass shades.
I chatted to co-founder Victoria, who shared more about this striking solution: “The Pillar light is inspired by Art Deco style, so you’ve got the fluted glass on the top and it comes in a lot of metal colours – dark metal bronze is very popular. They’re linear-looking pendants and they’re quite a good size, too, so great above a kitchen island.”
Zen bathrooms
After a much-needed coffee refill, I popped by Samuel Heath‘s display. It was one of the most Instagrammable stands at the event. The grand arches surrounding the new Forme collection quickly teleported me to the tranquil Mediterranean shores.
Picture elegant, curved taps with modern controls, from sleek and straight T-bars to fluted levers. The new solutions are available in a variety of stylish finishes such as antique gold and polished nickel.
Feeling inspired to update your bathroom? I know I am!
Moody winter
If you are more of a maximalist, you will love our next stop: House of Hackney. The latest launch is titled Gothic Garden and it includes wallpapers, fabrics, paint, home accessories and more. The new products are adorned with mesmerising botanical prints and decadent colours such as verdant green and mysterious black.
Comfort is key
Texture is at the heart of Autumn Winter 2023 collections – just check out the Alba sofa from Graham & Green, which was as comfortable in real life as it looks in pictures. Covered in soft faux sheepskin in a creamy caramel tone, the design features retro-inspired oak feet.
I also loved the dining room setup with textured lighting solutions, velvet dining chairs and a stylish table with a marble top and a fluted base.
Coming in 2024…
Fancy a sneak preview? Check out Dowsing & Reynolds launch of cool curtain poles, designed by James Dowsing-Reynolds. The new designs will feature three styles: smooth, reeded and decagon and are available in gold, black or silver.
Also coming next year is Armac Martin’s venture into bathroom accessories and light switches. Click here for Vicki’s lowdown.
Enjoyed this post? To check out Vicki’s Decorex roundup – click here
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