Decorex 2019
Highlights from the 2019 new-format edition of Decorex at its new home of Olympia, London.
Decorex shook up the design calendar this year, moving from its regular home at Syon Park during the London Design Festival, to the iconic Olympia events and exhibition space in West Kensington. The luxury design fair also aligned itself with the city's art scene, becoming a must-visit destination for luxury interiors and homes. The event allowed visitors to explore inspiring spaces created by established designers with destinations such as its 'Design Encounter' installation. There was also the opportunity to discover new crafts and upcoming talent with the show's impressive 'Future Heritage' space - curated by the renowned applied arts and design critic, Corinne Julius. See below highlights from some of the top luxury brands to showcase their works at the fair.
Cameron Design House
Luxury bespoke lighting brand, Cameron Design House knew exactly how to attract the crowds. Their vivid red stand provided the ultimate backdrop to their impressive sculptural designs. The centrepiece, the studio's new Kasvaa design, blurs the boundaries between sculpture and lighting with the piece suitable for indoor and outdoor use. What’s more, Kasvaa is constructed from 100% recycled brass, sustainability and the environment is a driving force for the brand. Other wonderful works on display were the now-iconic Haara chandelier, the twisting Inari design and, the geometric Vesanto.
Tom Faulkner
Sculptural furniture designer Tom Faulkner injected vibrant hues into the fair this year with his multi-coloured 'Butterfly' colourways - a beautiful gradient finish that can be paired with iridescent glass insets for dramatic effect. The finishes exhibited in the collection of Papillon furniture designs are pieces that take inspiration from Faulkner's visit to Joshua Tree National Park in California. The brand also showcased works from their other collections including the Lily cocktail tables, Lexington nesting side tables and the Cloud and Lexington mirrors to name a few.
Barn in the City
Boasting beautiful textures, surfaces and finishes, Barn in the City was another stand-out furniture brand for the fair. The Amsterdam-based design firm led by Nancy and Torrelle and Martijn Va Rijin is renowned for its innovative techniques and material selection. A personal favourite was the electric blue Yves coffee table; its mesmerising hue revealed the shapes and texture of wood from within. Other works included the Amber side table; reminiscent of a jewelled ring, and the stacked oval surfaces of the Chloé coffee table.
Bert Frank
Greeting visitors at the entrance of the show, Bert Frank's stand was awarded best-designed stand for the year and it's easy to see why. The brand's space and products were part show space and part installation destination, attracting visitors with their Instagrammable presentation and luxurious industrial finesse. Famed for their beautiful, high-quality metalwork and fine attention to detail, the brand showcased many pieces at the fair, from the Art Deco-inspired Glaive chandelier to the alluring Arbor wall light, it was the Riddle pendant, however, that stole the show, grouped in an arching installation of 64 pendants to catch passers-by.
