Decorex 2023: 5 stand-out brands you need to know about...
Didn't make it to Decorex 2023? I've got you covered; here are some of my favourite stands.
Decorex is an annual interior showcase held at London Olympia. It's a popular event that attracts brands, designers, stylists, journalists, writers, bloggers, influencers, and interior enthusiasts from far and wide.
With over 250 brands, the showcase "provides a unique space to connect with the finest interior brands, discover innovative new products, and get inspired by emerging trends". During my visit on a Monday, I was amazed by the vastness of the event and the quality of the beautifully designed trade stands and whilst there were so many highlights to the show (the boudoir-style VIP lounge, the super cool cocktail bar, the crazy cool archway courtesy of Yes Colours, to name but a few) I’ve picked five that stuck in my mind and that I think you’ll love too.
The Soho Lighting Co.
The Soho Lighting Company’s stand was a sight to behold and housed some of my favourite pieces from the show. Whilst all their lighting and switches are a desirable combination of style, sustainability and innovative tech, the collections that really stood out were those comprising 3D-printed shades going the extra mile in the quest to help the environment, a view obviously shared by the Decorex awards team who awarded them the Best Sustainable Product Award.
The Ocean collection boasts 3D-printed shades created using recycled fishing nets as part of a super cool initiative to collect beach waste, which, we heard, even involves local schools. These are “contemporary pendant lights, created from old, recycled fishing nets provided by Fishy Filaments™ and other recycled plastics. These exclusive lighting designs are brought to life through 3D printing using this inspired recycled material.” The green hue attributed to the fishing nets creates a magical jewel-like aura that belies the delicate nature of these record-breaking shades.
The Linen Collection (above) has been cleverly created using recycled fabric and although firm in texture, the stylish design has been created to give the impression of delicately draped fabric. When illuminated, the shades proudly displayed fabric-like lines printed into the shades, and the effect was mesmerising.
Original BTC
Original BTC is a seriously cool brand…fact. Their commitment to responsible manufacturing produces stunning locally sourced lighting, handmade in England.
The stand's star was the portable (USB-chargeable) Blossom lamp, launched at Decorex with three settings and up to 20 hours of battery life. Blossom was stylish, playful, petite and available in three colour ways (green, red and cream). But for me personally, the highlight was seeing the Christy pendant in real life.
This pendant of dreams is located on many, many of my Pinterest boards and is a firm fixture in my future kitchen of dreams. Happily, it didn’t disappoint!
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is an American-based paint brand with over 3500 colours. The Benjamin Moore stand at Decorex 2023 was stop-you-in-your-tracks beautiful - designed by talented designer Samantha Todhunter. The decor was a vision of pastels combining pink and yellow with just the right amount of whimsy and elegance. This colour palette gave me all the nostalgic feels because, as a child, I longed for a pink and yellow bedroom - clearly ahead of my time! ; )
I’m super excited about Benjamin Moore’s announcement of their latest colour of the year, which took place today. The Colour of the Year 2024 has been declared as Blue Nova, a striking mix of blue and violet. I can see this one popping up a lot in the near future.
Curiousa
Curiousa, a captivating (not to mention award-winning) British-made lighting brand, showcased their stunning hand-blown decorative glass lights that are almost entirely locally sourced and made bespoke to order. Excitingly, at Decorex 2023, they were also debuting their 'Maya' Collection, described as 'Marrying light and ceramics'. Although a 'first foray' into ceramics for the brand itself, Founder and Designer Esther Patterson was described as 'returning to her ceramicist roots to create a fusion of light and ceramic in a playful and design-led collection of table lamps and pendant hanging lights'.
Upon arrival at the stand, we had the pleasure of chatting with one of the dedicated team. It was a joy to hear the passion with which they spoke about the cornerstones of Curiousa’s business…sustainability and long-lasting beautiful design. The shapes and colours of the hand-blown shades had a confectionary-esque quality and really captured the imagination as they were displayed in all their glory. Surely the best pick ‘n’ mix ever!
Little Greene Paint Company
With ‘records dating back to 1773’, this family-run, UK-based company is steeped in history and expertise. I’m a big fan of Little Greene paint and was excited to see their ‘Sweet Treats’ showcase, a dessert-inspired paint collection that was gorgeous and almost edible.
"This palette of nine versatile colours will bring warmth and comfort, creating cosy, enveloping interiors that appeal to all the senses. The range includes time-honoured shades, accurately recreated from historic walls, woodwork and furnishings, at a number of places cared for by the National Trust, for future generations to enjoy."
The Little Greene stand (below) drew a sizable crowd with its theatrical design and playful nod to artisan puddings. Having seen a lot of this latest collection on social media I was keen to pour over the paint charts in the flesh. I’m happy to note that they didn’t disappoint, inspiring me to create a sweet-treat-themed room makeover soon!
Thanks for reading; I hope you enjoyed this whistlestop tour around some of my favourite stands from Decorex 2023. Please subscribe at the bottom of the page to join my mailing list and receive monthly updates on all things DIY and Interior design.
