Decorex London 21 – 24 September 2013

Anthony Rayworth, Director of Studies here at NDA, had the privilege of attending this year’s Decorex exhibition. Below he shares his views on the event and highlights some of his favourite design aspects.

This year, the excellent interiors event; Decorex, had moved from its traditional home of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea to the splendid setting of Perk’s Field and the Orangery, Kensington Palace. Marquees surrounding the Orangery were full to the brim with innovative and beautifully made furniture, fabrics and interior accessories.

It is this attention to detail that, for me, makes Decorex stand out from the other shows held during London Design Week. At Decorex, quality is paramount and this year was exceptional.

There were three marquees in total, the Main Tent, Outdoor Living and Lifestyle. The Outdoor Living and lifestyle tents were, compared to the main tent, fairly quiet but containing some beautiful garden sculpture and accessories including some extraordinary silk flower displays by Floriture. There was also a spectacular kitchen by Smallbone of Devizes who hosted a series of kitchen conversations with leading names in the industry. 

 In the main tent, wallcoverings were well to the fore with, to my mind at least, the most exceptional by de Gournay. The most exquisite hand-painted wallpapers, silks, porcelain and hand-carved furniture could form part of a contemporary interior or be used traditionally within the grandest of houses. It was craftsmanship such as this that set the bar for the entire exhibition. It is difficult to believe that this company has only been producing since 1986.

Another area of significance at this year’s exhibition was lighting and, in particular, chandeliers. Alluding to classicism but with a fresh interpretation, revitalised stained glass backlit domes, or sleekly bronzed with mid-century overtones, these lights were seriously glamorous.

Materials were very much in evidence, they seem to become increasingly sophisticated as each year passes. There was some breathtaking glass from Bernard Pictet in Paris who state that ‘they are to glass what haute-couture is to ready-to-wear. MGM Stone have produced bespoke pieces for Rod Stewart, President Obama, the Princess of Wales and many corporate clients. Their craftsmen are able to make a piece of stone appear as ephemeral as a cloud or a piece of linen. For me, one of the most exciting exhibitors was Studio Lacquer Décor who have adopted the Urushi method of material production, please do visit their highly informative website for a privileged glimpse into this wonderful world of lacquer.

Exceptionally fine patinas on carefully selected antique wooden flooring is the trademark of Victorian Woodworks whose floors have a depth of sheen rarely found in a reclaimed wooden floor. They also produce a contemporary collection of wooden floors including limed and coloured finishes. Perhaps one of the happiest combinations of materials is this leather and alabaster wall by Prodital in conjunction with FMG Italy. Padded leather grids define carefully selected alabaster panels which reflect light to visually warm up an interior. The whole wall can be backlit for added evening drama. Mylands paint is of the highest quality and is made using very finely ground marble to produce a unique finish. They supplied the paint for Downton Abbey and the 007 James Bond films.