The Best of Decorex 2018
I spotted the Decca’s City Gull Wing Sofa straight away, not only because of its striking fabric but also its elegance and early 60’s styling. I wasn’t surprised to discover that it is part of the collection by one of my favourite designers, Robbie Llewellyn of Bert Frank Lighting. Appetite for mid-century design shows no signs of slowing and I could see this sofa looking really fabulous in a Mayfair cocktail bar.
Colour abound at Anna Glover, whose new collection of wall coverings look like silk but are far more durable. In colours from Indigo (pictured) to Malachite, the Silk Route Collection explores the transmission of cultural ideas from East to West. I loved the over scaled designs as well as the fact that it comes in panels, which makes for a big impact, even when used sparingly.
I was thrilled to discover a very young company, Loom Furniture, at the debut launch of their collection, and especially loved the Stem side tables because they are such a simple design, with a soft shape and beautiful legs, but also cleverly useful. They are both charming and unobtrusive.
Boho chic is back! Derby-based Curiousa & Curiousa has captured the trend with a new lighting range, inspired by charmingly by the most British of traditions, tea. I look forward to installing a little bit of hippie chic into a project soon, I hope.
Studio Hopwood has always loved Bethan Gray’s furniture designs which often take traditional techniques and puts them into a modern setting. This time she has created a fine bone china collection, finished with 24 carat gold, was inspired by the billowing sails of Oman’s iconic sailing boats, producing delightful plates. Each plate takes 12 days to make!
Walking past Reiko Kaneko’s stand, I just had to stop to have a look at her delicate bone china work with the most luminous and deep glazes.
I was delighted to walk into old friend and designer Staffan Tollgard, who was exhibiting for the first time at the show with a collection of some fine Scandinavian designs. I fell in love with a desk by Bodil Kjoer. The piece, designed in 1959, doesn’t have a vintage air, but rather a modern, crisp look. I’ve found a place for one in one of my schemes already!
What initially caught my eye at Judeco was the stand, with its lush emerald greens, corals and contrasting turquoises. I think they were almost starting a trend on their own. Stopping to have a longer look I discovered their great range of lights in vivid shades of pleated silk.
And lastly, cleverly placed in an Instagramable corner was Munna, showing of a new range of stools in luscious velvet colours, helping me conclude that, at Decorex 2018, glamour is back.