As we head into autumn, an event that’s at the top of many interior designers’ lists is Decorex, a four-day fair held at London’s Olympia. This year’s show takes place from 6 to 9 October and features more than 280 exhibitors, a varied talks programme, new product innovations and craft demonstrations.
Read on to discover what’s on at Decorex 2024, so you can plan your visit.
Design inspiration and product launches
The main draw for visitors to Decorex is the array of stands showcasing innovative and creative products from a variety of different design brands.
Among the newly launched products on display at this year’s show are two new collections – Andalusia and Sicily – from British wallpaper brand SketchTwenty3; a fabric range made with sustainably sourced materials from interior designer Louise Bradley, and the Plinth range of handles, which incorporate leather finishes, from furniture and door hardware-maker Turnstyle Designs.
The popularity of green in interiors that was identified in the 2024 Houzz UK Emerging Summer Trends Report will also be seen at the event this year, with COAT displaying its three new green paints. Luxury bathroom brand Kast, meanwhile, will mark its Decorex debut by highlighting its colourful concrete washbasins (pictured).
Discussions to keep you informed
The talks programme at Decorex is always full of interesting and informative discussions and this year the topics are really wide-ranging. The schedule includes a talk on designing for pets; a conversation about the pros and cons of using AI in interiors, and a panel on how to avoid common renovation pitfalls.
Interior designers who are looking for business advice should head to The Secret to Success as an Interior Designer presentation on Monday 7 October at 11am. Katy Stevenson Bretton, who offered similar valuable advice to professionals on Houzz during our Summer Club Seminar sessions, will talk about how mindset can be a game-changer when running an interior design business.
A spotlight on artisan designers
After the popularity of Making Spaces in 2023, the initiative will return this year. A committee of design experts, who each have a particular interest in crafts, have handpicked 16 artisans to exhibit their skills in areas such as weaving, embroidery and woodwork.
The exhibitors will be showcasing a range of unique products and also offering the opportunity for visitors to see their work in action and get hands-on experience.
A focus on sustainability
Decorex is continuing its commitment to environmentally friendly practices this year with the return of its Sustainability Hub, where designers, visitors and exhibitors can find tools and information to help them make a positive change.
As part of this, a Sustainability Taskforce made up of a team of sustainability champions is on hand to advise and inspire exhibitors at the show. The members are Edward Bulmer, Haines Collection, Holmes Bespoke, Naturalmat, Persona Abode, Soho Lighting, Studio Suss, Bluepatch and B·ABLE.
In addition, the Decorex Sustainability Awards will shine a light on exhibitors who have made a concerted effort in four key categories: Planet Conscious, Social Change, Circularity, and Sustainable Innovation. Also look out for The Green Room, a sustainability forum for interiors brands where you’ll find a series of talks and workshops throughout the course of the event.
A creative collaboration
Decorex has teamed up with designer and printmaker Ellen Merchant (pictured), who has designed the 2024 event’s creative.
As the show is held at London’s Olympia, Ellen was inspired by the ancient Greek anthemion motif for her Decorex design, which features a fan-shaped flower.
Ellen’s work is reminiscent of the designs produced by the Arts and Crafts movement, and you’ll be able to see plenty of examples around the event, including her new collection.
A chance to meet the Houzz Pro team
Houzz Pro will be in Olympia’s National Hall at Stand J40 every day during the event. Pop along to see demos and meet the team. And if you’d like to book some one-on-one time, professionals can RSVP for a free appointment with one of our representatives here.
We’ll have a special offer on our services and will be serving ‘Coffee on Houzz’ daily from 10am to 4pm, along with Houzz Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm. As well as all of this, there will be a photo booth for pros to capture some fun moments!
If that isn't enough, an iPad 10.9 giveaway will also take place during the show – professionals just need to drop off their business cards, and the winner will be announced on the last day at 4pm.
