What can we expect from London Design Week 2021?

As many shops, cafes and gyms are opening their doors for the first time in 2021, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that life may be returning to normal. This is certainly the positive attitude that we can expect within the world of interiors, according to Rebecca Gleeson at The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Our interior trends leading the way, focusing on ‘a better, brighter future’ and ‘carrying forward the strength of togetherness, hope, positivity and connection’.

The registration for London Design Week 2021 is finally here. The show will commence from 16th May, following an announcement to postpone, but the variety on show is sure to be as tantalising as ever! This year’s event will offer a wonderful blended programme of in-person and online visits. A reflection of the times we live in and the future that we have all embraced, however gracefully or reluctantly. The new hybrid programme also highlights the important role that our home interiors will play now, more than ever before, with some of us opting to stay home and enjoy the show amongst our home comforts.

Chelsea Harbour will play host to specialist teams across 120 showrooms, all sharing their expertise and advice to every discerning interior enthusiast that pays a visit. Whilst maintaining rules on social distancing – each within individual showrooms for simple management over capacity. The virtual line up includes a variety of online talks, masterclasses and business-related sessions from some of the greatest minds in design. Providing ‘conversations and in-depth analysis that will keep the design industry competitive and connected.’ Making this year’s show an unbelievably informative event, that is not to be missed.

Rebecca hints at some exciting collections we can look forward to this season, with ‘joyful palettes, uplifting patterns and defining products for spring/summer 21’ and a ‘greater variety of natural designs, as well as an increasing consciousness for sustainability.

Continuing that ‘people cooped up at home are longing for change and self-expression’ within their interior spaces. Leading to designers acquiring new work and an array of new projects. Which in turn has encouraged a flood of creativity and an incredibly unique collective of fabrics, furniture, lighting, wallcoverings, carpets, tiles, kitchens, bathrooms, trimmings, leather, and hardware. The finest of which will be showcased at the London Design Week 2021 event.

One of the most notable and exciting showrooms this year to look out for is the remarkable George Spencer, displaying playful fabrics and wallcoverings. Designs by de Le Cuona will also show collections of accessories and exquisite linen throws. Designs from Vaughan’s latest collection, entitled The Chawton Collection, is also a must-see. Some new showrooms to be unveiled and ‘opening in time for London Design Week include Schumacher, ABI interiors, Studio Franchi’ in addition to a ‘curated selection of house guests’ that are sure to add an extra element of excitement and variety. Rebecca ensures that whatever your style, ‘harmonious retreat to neo nostalgia; rural idyll to cosy apartment’ there will be something for everyone this year. Including those looking for commercial and yacht interior inspiration.

Featured Showrooms

George Spencer

A heritage dating back nearly 80 years, George Spencer has a hallmark style of its own, woven into every luxurious natural fibre. Their ‘Designerly, natural and organic’ approach is not about fashion, rather a quietly brilliant 20th Century emphasis that is distinctive and sophisticated. Their complete collection offers curtains, upholstery fabrics, wallcoverings, and trimmings.

Their latest wallcoverings from The Sussex Collection takes inspiration from Charleston House and ‘pays homage to the Bloomsbury Set, whose eclectic interior style marked a radical break from traditional Victorian and Edwardian décor.’ The collection offers an indulgence of designs and colourways, of which the Charleston Paisley is worth particular mention for its phenomenal versatility and drama and a generous 11 colours to choose from.

de Le Cuona

The de Le Cuona showroom is sure to deliver its usual artisanal fabrics and poetic characteristics. The latest Spring Accessories Collection pays homage to raw landscapes and textures, ‘nurturing the longing for escape’. The Founder & Designer, Bernie de Le Cuona draws ‘on the brand’s African heritage and loyalty to craftsmanship’ with the range featuring throws and fringed linen cushions, with decoratively bold panels. All of which are designed to work collaboratively or individually as soft, graceful statements. Accented by the addition of handmade elements that are meticulously crafted by local artisans, the accessories explore colours and tones in a way that is unlike any of their previous ranges.

The accessories within this collection will set the scene for the upcoming fabric range entitled ‘Overland’ which will launch this September 2021.

Vaughan

Established 37 years ago, Vaughan has a thriving history of creating a variety of decorative pieces, including ranges of lighting, furniture and accessories. Derived from a founding passion for primitive art and antiques, the style combines attention to detail that is artist-led, philosophical and an incomparable exclusivity. Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality, all products are made, assembled or finished in Britain.

One of their latest collections of note is The Chawton Collection, inspired by the ornate nature of the 1870s and 1880s, the range focuses on the simplicity of form, quality of craftsmanship and truth to materials. Entering furniture pieces, mirrors and lights into the world of luxury interior design. Named after the town of Chawton, known for its ancient woodlands and chalky hills ‘, the village serves as a perfect metaphor for Vaughan’s new collection: showcasing the abundance of the natural world and honouring the products’ historical context too’

Artisans of Devizes

From an admiration for the infinite variety and beauty of natural stone and handmade tiles, Artisans of Devizes was born. Year-on-year designing and crafting hundreds of decorative designs that range from the contemporary to the classic.

This year their collaborative approach leads them to introduce the Shoreline & Alfriston Clergy collection. A timeless, elegant range or exquisite tiles. The Alfriston Clergy design is influenced by the stunning National Trust property,  Alfriston Clergy House. Shoreline, the more contemporary of the two within the collection aims to capture ‘the spirit of the coast with a palette reminiscent of coastal paths and bracing white cliffs’. Bringing about a subtle rustic charm.

Pictured is the Trusloe Limestone Seasoned Finish from the Interior Natural Stone collection.