I’ve been out of my usual garden zone and into the world of interiors. I received an invitation to Decorex, the interior design show at Olympia, and I was really keen to go along. I do write about homes sometimes, as well as artists and designers and I’m always looking for new subjects, plus I felt like recharging my creative batteries. There were so many stands and amazing patterns and colours. Lighting, seating, paint, furniture, paintings, wallpapers, rugs in every conceivable style. This post is a pick of my highlights. Above is a V&A collections sofa which I found on the Surface View stand. I don’t think my living room is big enough for a pattern like this, but I love the birds, and the faded colours.
This was my favourite fabric from the show, and it’s called Battle Great Wood, by textile designer Lindsay Alker. It’s inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement. The fabrics are hand silkscreened in England by artisan printers on natural linens. It’s £105 a metre, so I can only dream….
More by Lindsay Alker…
I love the combination of pink and pale green, always have done, and these rugs caught my eye. They are made in the Ukraine for Vandra Rugs, a Swedish company.
These stunning lampshades are made in South Africa using hand rolled beads. The company, Hellooow Handmade employs women affected by HIV to create the beads, and through this outsourced work, they support 65 families. Each bead is dried in the sun, then fired in a kiln to over 1000 degrees. The beads are strung on wires and put over frames to create the shapes. I loved the earthy colours and irregular shapes.
I did manage to find some garden greenery…in the shape of these amazing planters by Architectural Heritage. These copper planters look like antiques, but they are made by this company from thick sheet brass and given a beautiful verdigris patina. Planted here with erigeron, one of my favourites. Mine is still flowering away by the front door.
Mini Moderns mid century style wouldn’t necessarily fit into my house, but I really admire the colours and the shapes in the collections.
And finally, I found myself at the Morris & Co stand, which was the highlight of my visit to Decorex. Here there was a printing press, and an original 1879 wood block featuring the pattern, Sunflower. Visitors were invited to have a go, under the watchful eye of the pro. I couldn’t get the apron on fast enough…
Be still my beating heart….
Just look at the carving on this block….
This is not me – but another volunteer who said she didn’t mind if I photographed her.
Tools of the trade.
I was delighted that we were able to bring our print home with us, carefully rolled and tied up with string. Definitely one to frame….
All in all, a fascinating day, with loads of inspiration and food for thought….
Anna French.