Now in its 39th year, Decorex International is the UK’s leading design show. It has a solid reputation in the international design community as a resource for high-end interior designers, retailers, property developers, hoteliers and architects.
Decorex will have 400 exhibitors at this year's 4-day show, which takes place from September 18-21, 2016 in Syon Park, London. The theme for the 2016 event will be exploring the roots of design.
The Future Heritage exhibit, widely recognized for elevating the profile of craft in interiors, will return to Decorex International this year. An exclusive group of 14 makers will present new work and processes that can be commissioned by interior designers and architects, including the areas of flooring, lighting, sound-absorbent materials and fire-resistant textiles. These designers and makers were selected for their innovation and mastery of craft skills, ranging from ceramics to electronics, and they will be creating especially for Decorex. Expect to see interactive, immersive lighting by Tangent and intriguing ceramic and glass installations by Vezzini & Chen, amongst many others. There designs won’t just be beautiful attachments, but can be incorporated by interior designers and architects from their very inception!
Then, taking over four substantial spaces at this year’s Decorex show, will be The New Craftsmen presenting “CraftHouse.” A series of interactive rooms will explore the fundamental characteristics of what constitutes a home by studying the domestic rituals by which we live. One craft maker will take up residence in each of four rooms that is devoted to a single everyday activity:
- Room 1 is about EATING, with Nic Webb highlighting the processes and versatility of making clay. This space will showcase Webb’s collectible clay vessels and functional pieces for eating and serving.
- Room 2 will feature BATHING, with Malgorzata Bany and Jochen Holz working in both Jesmonite and glass. Experiments with pigment and form will create new furniture, while the exploration of laboratory glass will lead to new lighting features and pouring vessels.
- Room 3 deals with SLEEPING, combining both Pedro da Costa Felgueiras' and George Kemball’s passion and knowledge of historic interiors and textiles.
- Room 4 addresses WORKING. Encased in willow paneling hand-crafted by Hilary Burns and with furniture by Gareth Neal and Annemarie O’Sullivan, this space is actually serving as the studio for Craftshouse’s architect.
The New Craftsmen’s largest presentation to date, 2016’s Crafthouse is all about unleashing the creativity of designers and makers and giving them the chance to showcase it.