Decorex 2024, held at the iconic Kensington Olympia, was an inspiring experience for our design team. Olivia and Adina had the pleasure of attending this year’s event, and as Europe’s biggest interior design show, it was bound to impress—but we came away feeling more inspired than ever!
We started our visit at one side of the Olympia event space, where we were immediately struck by the creativity and craftsmanship on display. The exhibition stands were stunning, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the world of interiors. One of the key takeaways for us was the clever use of mixed fabrics on individual chairs. Whether it was a contrast between the seat pad and the backrest, even on more budget-friendly pieces, this technique gave the furniture a premium feel. This is definitely a concept we plan to incorporate into our own designs moving forward.
One of the standout sections of the expo was the area dedicated to live craftsmanship. It featured artisans weaving chairs, chipping away at sculptures, and carving wood—all in real-time. This was something we had never seen before at a design expo, and it created a powerful connection between the designers and the products we choose to work with. Witnessing the intricate process behind these hand-crafted pieces was truly special and provided a refreshing break from the typical line-up of exhibition stands.
For us, this experience highlighted the importance of choosing pieces with a story, particularly for residential design. While it can be more challenging to incorporate bespoke, handcrafted items into commercial projects—where budgets and quantities are often more restrictive—we were reminded of the importance of adding personal touches to create more meaningful spaces.
The lighting designers also shone brightly at Decorex, presenting some of the most innovative designs we’ve ever seen. From stunning chandeliers to blown glass, chains, and metalwork, the lighting displays were captivating. As our projects continue to grow in scale, large feature pendants are becoming more popular, especially in staircase areas, and we left the show brimming with new ideas for these spaces.
All in all, Decorex 2024 was a huge success, leaving us both excited and inspired for the future of design!
Posted by: Olivia Grier
Katy Stevenson Bretton-Design Align
Olivia & Adina