London calling: Decorex 2022

With the shock of the pandemic receding, the annual calendar of industry events is getting back on track, making it possible to bring designers, architects, manufacturers, developers and clients together in physical spaces yet again. At the same time, the pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we live and work. A recent survey from the consultancy Advanced Workplace Associates found that office workers in the UK come to their workplace 1.5 days a week, compared to 3.8 days a week before 2020. This shift to hybrid working continues to have a major impact, with workplaces becoming hubs for collaboration and social activities, while homes need to be flexible enough to accommodate working, living and socialising – often in parallel.

Decorex, London’s annual high-end interior design show may have adapted to the hybrid model in the recent past, but this year’s edition is all about getting physical. Coming back to the light-filled Victorian exhibition halls in West Kensington’s Olympia, the show is all about getting designers and professionals together in a shared physical space. Unlike last year’s edition, which emphasised digital access and featured a wide array of online content, this year’s event once again focuses on the physical meeting and in-person interaction.

One of the main features of Decorex 2022 is a new area dedicated to Diningscapes, giving five of Britain’s most in-demand interior designers a chance to present fully decorated dining spaces exploring themes of conviviality and togetherness. ‘There has been a huge trend towards tablescaping this year, not just a focus on the surroundings of where we eat and who we eat with, but the aesthetic of the table and making it a talking point,’ explains Decorex director Sam Fisher. ‘Maybe it’s a theme since the pandemic, with the re-introduction of families and large groups being able to eat together – creating a centrepiece and using beautiful crockery can add some fun and magic to the table.’ 

The show is also looking to relaunch its interactive component, now called ‘Making Spaces’, giving visitors a chance to see makers in action. ‘We will have a mix of craftspeople at this year’s show including Nat Maks who will present the art of Suminagashi marbling; embroidery from Fabled Thread and others involving woodwork and tiling,’ explains Fisher. ‘Immersive experiences bring exhibitions to life and can show how the product collections from our exhibitors are not only just made, but how they can be positioned in situ,’ she adds. ‘It helps to inspire designers and create a hub of activity within the show where our visitors can meet and network with others in the community.’

And while the focus this year may be on conviviality and craft, Decorex 2022 will also be a place for colour and fun. The organisers have worked with London-based Bethan Laura Wood to add a playful and colourful element to the show’s signage and branding. Taking inspiration from the sweeping arches of the Olympia Centre, a bespoke pattern will guide visitors through the space. ‘We have loved Bethan’s work for a number of years – she took part in our Future Heritage area at Decorex back in 2015 – and we wanted to create a pattern that had colour and an essence of fun to it,’ Fisher explains, adding that Decorex will aim to work with different designers in the future for their annual campaigns. 

By putting an emphasis on the joys of physical interaction and immersive experience, Decorex aims to demonstrate the value of coming together, even as designers, architects and clients become more confident in working remotely. After all, if chances to meet in person become rarer, it would be a missed opportunity to not, at least, make them more meaningful. 

Decorex is a date in the design community for interior designers to network, learn and gain insights and inspiration. Learn more about Decorex, and discover what inspiration awaits you.

© Architonic

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