Decorex International 2020, your diary of events
This year has been, well, a total blip for everyones routine. I don’t think that’s an overstatement, do you?
Saddened by the (totally understandable) cancellation of Milan Design Week back at the beginning of Spring, it’s great to hear that Decorex International, London’s interior design extravaganza that happens every year, will still be going ahead. It’s taking a digital guise this year, meaning that industry experts and interiors brands will be showcasing the latest ideas and products through the wonders of your computer screen. Bring it on!
Image: Decorex Virtual 2020
Since Decorex was established in 1978 it has become a bit of a ‘go to’ event for interiors industry folks. It’s usually held at Syon Park, West London, however this year, thanks to Coronavirus, it is being held online from the 17th - 19th November. There will be a mix of digital events to opt in to, including a line-up of talks and panel discussions. The event is aimed at bring the interiors community together; connecting interior design professionals, showcasing new products and spotlighting new suppliers.
There will be a talks and panel discussions programme of events - which from experience is always a highlight - along with a new product directory, brought to attendees electronically.
“We aim to open up opportunities for visitors to do business in a way they are otherwise unable to in this current climate and hope they will use it as a stepping-stone to when we can get back to meeting each other face to face at exhibitions,” comments Sam Fisher, Decorex Events Director.
A full timetable of the Decorex Talks is listed below. The talks are said to “offer a chance to upskill and understand key issues facing the industry so that you come away feeling invigorated and inspired. Each day will feature thought-leading programming and conversations from renowned designers, influential industry leaders and trailblazers across the interior design sector.”
All talks are free to join, to view the full programme and register to attend please visit Decorex.
Image: Speakers at this year’s Decorex Talks Programme include Charu Gandhi, Harry McKinley and Bunny Turner.
Tuesday 17 November
10:00 - 10:45 | House & Garden In Conversation With Susie Atkinson
Speakers: Susie Atkinson, Founder, Susie Atkinson Design and Hatta Byng, Editor, House & Garden
House & Garden sit down for an in-depth chat with esteemed interior designer, Susie Atkinson. Drawing upon over 20 years of experience, she is known for crafting exquisite interiors and spaces that indulge in all the senses. Hatta Byng, Editor of House & Garden, will be delving into Atkinson’s life, inspiration and past projects.
11:30 - 12:15 | The Fundamentals of Art: Questions from an Interior Designer
Speakers: Renata Kaminker, Conservator, Fine Art Solutions; Tova Ossad, Founder, Ossad Art Management; Giovanni Sard, Account Executive, Lonmart Insurance and Brian Woulfe, Interior Designer, Designed by Woulfe
The panel will go through the basics of what interior designers should be considering beyond just the purchase of an artwork. The discussion will cover important factors including transports, storage insurance, conservation and general record keeping.
15:00 - 15:45 | Sustainable Sourcing For Interior Designers: Cutting Through The Greenwash
Speakers: Chloe Bullock, Materialise; Stefan Dodds, Dodds & Schute; Jeff Hayward, Director, Wildwood PR and Susie Rumbold, Creative Director, Tessuto Interiors
As awareness of the crisis facing our planet grows, more and more interior suppliers are making environmentally friendly claims for their products; but working out who to believe can be a minefield for designers. Our panel of experts have carried out the interrogations and are now putting their eco-findings at the forefront of design schemes. Join us to find out precisely the questions that all designers need to be asking themselves and their supply chains to get to the truth about sustainable sourcing.
16:30 - 17:15 | Teamwork Makes The Dream Work
Speakers: Brian Woulfe, Managing Director, Designed by Woulfe; Lucy Martin, Founder & Creative Director, LightFantastic; Tas Kyriacou, Director, IDS Automation and Elspeth Pridham, Editor, Studio Magazine
Putting a project team together is no mean feat. Learn from interior designer Brian Woulfe and the panellists, who he brought together on a recent project, to understand the importance of creating the ‘dream team’ – one with experience and specialist knowledge, in order to ensure the best result for the client.
Wednesday 18 November
10:00 - 10:45 | Bathroom Bliss
Speakers: Carole Annett, Interiors Editor, Country & Town House; Tiffany Duggan, Founder, Studio Duggan and Charu Gandhi, Founder, Elicyon
It may be one of the smallest rooms in the house but there is so much to think about when it comes to planning and designing a bathroom. Are you after a spa-like sanctuary or a space injected with colour and pzazz, how do you mix mood and task lighting and what’s the best way to allocate budget. Carole Annett of Country & Town House navigates a path through the soap suds with the guidance of interior designers Charu Ghandi of Elicyon and Tiffany Duggan.
11:30 - 12:15 | Bold British Design: Exploring The Magic Of Craft & Artistry In A Contemporary Collection
Speakers: Lizzie Deshayes, Co-Founder, Fromental; Hitomi Hosono, Ceramicist, Hitomi Hosono; Hal Messel, Sculptor & Silversmith and Emilio Pimentel-Reid, Editor, Stylist & Brand Consultant
Designer Lizzie Deshayes (Fromental), sculptor and silversmith Hal Messel and ceramic artist Hitomi Hosono in conversation with creative director and author of the new book 'Bold British Design' Emilio Pimentel-Reid. These three leading designers highlight the role of art and craft in creating their striking contemporary collections ranging from hand painted and embroidered wallpaper to modern silver and highly sought after ceramics. Join them as they share their vision and inspiration combining a passion for heritage and history with wit, modernity and attitude- while giving us a glimpse into their own creative spaces.
12:30 - 13:15 | The Beauty’s In The Detail: Upholstery In The Hands Of Interior Designers
Speakers: Tara Craig, Interior Designer & Founder, Ensemblier; Giles Kime, Editor, Country Life; Joanna Plant, Interior Designer and Bunny Turner, Co-Founder, Turner Pocock
Tara Craig founded Ensemblier to create custom upholstery handmade by British artisans using natural materials and built to last a lifestyle. Having long admired this craftsmanship, interior designers Joanna Plant and Bunny Turner have commissioned headboards which are now part of a new collaborative designer series. Country Life’s Giles Kime hosts a lively panel talk and asks how do these interior designers add by value to what they provide.
15:00 - 15:45 | Encouraging Diversity In Design
Speakers: Sophie Ashby, Creative Director, Studio Ashby; Lester Bennett, President, BIID; Alexandria Dauley, Dauley Design and May Fawzy, Founder, MF Studio
In this panel discussion, chaired by BIID President Lester Bennett, designers Sophie Ashby, Alexandria Dauley and May Fawzy will discuss diversity in interior design. The panel will talk about the current landscape, explore how to encourage more young talent from diverse backgrounds into the industry and discuss how to develop a more diverse, inclusive and equitable UK interior design profession.
Image: Anna Glover visual campaign design for Decorex 2020
Thursday 19 November
10:00 - 10:45 | Design With Purpose, Legacy & Without Ego
Speakers: Jay Blades, Founder, Jay&Co; Kerryn Harper-Cuss, Editor, Interiors Journalist & Brand Consultant; Sean Sutcliffe, Founder, Benchmark and Katie Treggiden, Writer, Speaker & Consultant
The unprecedented circumstances of 2020 have given rise to a powerful period of re-evaluation and refocus, not only upon the ways we work and collaborate within the interior design industry, but on the impact we individually and collectively have in the wider world.
In this probing conversation, our panel will consider the ways in which designers and business owners can become positive change makers as well as taste makers, the innovations already making waves, and the challenges and opportunities that come with enlightened approaches to the creation of beautiful, useful, purpose-driven designs. Covering everything from sustainable materials and circular production, to craftsmanship and social enterprise, it promises to be a thought-provoking and directional forum for subjects high on every discerning designer’s agenda.
11:30 - 12:15 | What Makes The Perfect Kitchen?
Speakers: Giles Kime, Editor, Country Life; Barbara Sallick, Co-Founder, Waterworks; Gary Singer, Creative Director, Eggersmann and Henriette von Stockhausen, Co-Founder, VSP Interiors
Our panel of design specialists explore the process of designing the ideal kitchen, one that is brimming with beautiful design details, sleek surfaces, professional finishes, with practical cabinetry and storage. Together, our speakers prove the joys of constructing this vital space in the home, and how it can epitomise the perfect balance of practicality and style.
14:30 - 15:15 | Back To Nature Is The Future
Speakers: Karen Haller, Founder, Karen Haller Colour & Design Consultancy; Nicola Keenan, Co-Founder & Director, Boxx Creative; Harry McKinley, Journalist & Hospitality Consultant and Olga Turner, Co-Founder, Ekkist
Decorex brings together three thought leaders in design, all of whom share the outlook that nature is fundamental for human health and happiness. Pushing us to understand the true meaning of ‘biophilia’, which is often misunderstood, the team of panellists debate the idea of design spaces having the ability to connect people with themselves, each other and nature.
16:00 - 16:45 | Designing for True Wellbeing at Home
Speakers: Arabella Youens, Design & Property Editor; Alexandra Nord, Creative Director, Millier London; Philip Dowds, Managing Director, OKTOair and Irene Gunter, Founder & Director, Gunter & Co
When we consider wellbeing at home, a yoga practice, meditation or a massage we are seeking interior spaces that reflect a tranquil, calm and restorative atmosphere - a true haven. We are seeking a fully immersive and holistic experience, free from the daily distractions of work and the day-to-day routine.
This talk with panellists Alexandra Nord of Millier, Philip Dowds of OKTOair and Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co aims to discuss the increasing demands and requests to deliver true wellbeing spaces in homes, what it really means to breathe clean air and how to achieve inspiring and calming interiors to encourage greater wellbeing. Whether it be a desire to engage your senses, enjoy clean air safe from viruses or simply step into a space that is beautiful and sensory, our panellists will guide you through the ways they can enhance the wellness in the walls of their clients homes.
Visit and explore the full list of exhibitors.
Feature: Rory Robertson.
Images: as credited, via Decorex.