Decorex is set to host a superlative reunion for the design community this Autumn. Where will you be?
The last 18 months have posed a real challenge for the design industry. Now, as restrictions around events have been lifted, Decorex International has confirmed that it will be returning to Olympia London, taking place from 10-13 October followed by Decorex Virtual from 16-18 November.
A Grand Reunion at Olympia London
Decorex has always been a firm date in the diary for design professionals across the globe. Each year, it attracts the most influential industry names, and 2021 will be no different. For four days, visitors are invited to come and peruse the plethora of exhibitor stalls at Olympia London, discover the latest design products and catch up with their peers.
Decorex Director, Sam Fisher, emphasises the importance of getting the industry back together after such a long period of separation. “I can’t wait for Decorex this year, it’s been such a long time since a live event took place. It’s going to feel great being back at Olympia London, reconnecting with the community and catching up with industry friends,” she says.
Above all, the creators of the show have been busily working behind the scenes to make this year’s edition a fun filled festival of design – an experience to reunite the community and spark the imaginations of design lovers.
Leading and Up-And-Coming Exhibitors
Discover new design brands as they debut at Decorex 2021 and reacquaint yourself with old favourites. There’s opportunity for interior designers to source from a wealth of design products – from fabric and lighting to furniture and decorative accessories – and gain invaluable inspiration for their upcoming projects. Over 100 exhibitors have already been confirmed for Decorex, who will be showcasing their latest releases. Leading names will be there such as Pooky Lighting, Anna Glover, Haberdashery, Rose Uniacke, The Monkey Puzzle Tree, John Cullen Lighting, Knots Rugs, Warwick Fabrics and many more.
“We consider Decorex as one of the highlights of our year. The fair is visited by a high-quality audience that is a great match for our products, resulting in plenty of new business opportunities and good returns. We are looking forward to Decorex in 2021 and further expand our network, ”said Maya Deprez of Gardeco – Decorex 2021 exhibitor.
A Circus-Themed Bar
Each year, Decorex hand picks a talented designer to create the central bar at their event, which takes on a new form with stunning furniture and a unique theme. Sara Cosgrove Studio will be designing the central bar at Decorex 2021, the multi-disciplined designer will be crafting a magical space at the heart of the show for visitors to relax, make new friends and raise a toast to the industry.
“It goes without saying I am absolutely delighted to be designing the bar this year with my team. Decorex is such an important part of the designers’ calendar and I missed it so much last year so jumped at the chance to be involved in such a central way to this year’s show. I look forward to seeing everyone grabbing a coffee or a drink and reconnecting,” Cosgrove says.
Originally from County Mayo, Ireland, Sara Cosgrove has spent 15 years carving a name for herself in the design sphere, contributing her skills to the likes of John Rocha, Candy & Candy, Helen Green and Allegra Hicks and the design studio at Harrods.
Cosgrove’s design is inspired by the theatre and whimsy of the circus, with contemporary touches interwoven into the design. The concept features a central circus tent bar, with a striped blue, red and white carpet radiating from the centre of the space. Her imagining of the central bar will bring together exotic drapes, sumptuous velvet furnishings and hand-painted motifs.
“Our goal was to create a bar with whimsy at heart and a touch of mystery, hence the circus idea emerged. The next element was how to bring in the fun, and the disco ball element was selected. The cascading lights aim to create a welcome back glow, as we start to reconnect and reignite our wonderful industry,” Cosgrove explains.
2021’s Immersive Features
What marks Decorex out from other trade shows are its unique features, these are updated yearly and inject an air of excitement into each edition. Expect immersive entranceway installations that will greet you as you enter Olympia London. This year’s entranceway design will be created by Moritz Waldemeyer.
Meanwhile, discover Future Heritage – curated by Corinne Julius – which holds an integral spot on the show floor. Showcasing unique British crafts and the talented makers behind them, it’s not to be missed. Makers showcasing their one-of-a-kind pieces include Anna Ray, Daniel Freyne and Frances Pinnock.
If you are looking for inspiration and insight, then look no further than Decorex’s celebrated live seminar programme. Over the four-day event, there’ll be a lively roster of seminars that visitors can attend. With top speakers and experts in design leading the conversations, there’s always something to learn. Speakers in October include Jay Blades, Suzy Hoodless and Selina McCabe – full line-up to be announced.
An Online Celebration
For those that aren’t able to make the in-person event in October, there’s an online offering to ensure everyone can experience Decorex this year. Taking place from 16-18 November, Decorex Virtual will be geared towards international visitors and those that aren’t able to travel. The exciting features of the in-person show will be brought to life in a virtual format that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the world. There will also be some unique offerings too, including a 3-D walk through of the show floor and exclusive content to explore and enjoy.
Visit decorex.com to register for both Decorex and Decorex Virtual and be part of 2021’s grand celebration of design.
