BIID Awards Sponsor: Q&A with Decorex

The countdown is on for Decorex which opens at Olympia London on Sunday 8th October. This year’s event is bigger, better and more sustainable than ever before, and the perfect place to connect with the finest interior brands, discover new products and be inspired by emerging trends. We talked to Event Director Sam Fisher to find out what’s in store for visitors at this year’s Decorex.

Sam, tell us about what we can expect from Decorex this year?

We are so excited about this year’s show. There is something for everyone making it the ultimate design destination, with our unrivalled list of established and emerging exhibitors, an engaging and informative Talks Programme and lots of interactive features that promise to inspire creativity.

Can you tell us about some of the designer collaborations this year?

Each year we pride ourselves in delivering new and exciting collaborations which continue to inspire our visitors. We have some brilliant collaborations for this year’s show and I can’t wait to see how our visitors respond to them.

‘Suminagashi’ marbling studio, NAT MAKS was chosen to collaborate with Decorex to design the 2023 branding for the show. Working in the traditional Japanese style of marbling, NAT MAKS has created a beautiful and artful design for 2023, with autumnal tones of deep oranges with pops of pink and blue for a memorable and eye-catching concept. NAT has also created unique marbling for Le Boudoir, focusing on the VIP Lounge’s intriguing and provocative styling whilst staying true to the branding of the wider Decorex event.

This year we are proud to be presenting a truly sumptuous VIP experience, Le Boudoir D’Corexxx - an exclusive collaboration with talented designer and BIID member, Brian Woulfe. Designed by Woulfe has designed a daring hideaway, which effortlessly marries sophistication with provocative allure, creating an exciting space that ignites the imagination! The theme of ‘breaking into your discomfort zone’, plays on the elements of being a good designer and the need to be comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations with clients. It will definitely be a talking point!

Another pivotal space is the social hub of the Decorex Bar and this year is no exception. We have collaborated with Laurence Katz, founder and creative director of Elemental Studio, whose design will provide visitors with an enchanting oasis, a harmonious blend of art, nature, community and dazzling colours.

Meticulously designed to not only provide refreshments and an inspiring escape from the hustle and bustle of the show floor, Elemental Studio’s design offers the opportunity for visitors to discover innovative new suppliers and artists, showcasing a captivating collection of art pieces from a diverse array of talented artists and craftspeople.

Are there any special features that we should look out for?

After a successful debut on the mezzanine floor at last year's show, the hugely popular Making Spaces is returning to Decorex in 2023. This special, interactive feature provides a unique platform for artisans to showcase their skills and craftsmanship, demonstrating the intricate process behind the creation of their products, whilst also offering hands-on experience to visitors throughout the show.

We are proud to be working with Cockpit, The Black Artisans, Future Icons, QEST and Rycotewood communities on this inspiring feature. The Decorex 2023 Making Spaces Committee is made up of experts who all have a specific interest in craft. They hand-picked their favourite 15 makers, providing these talented artisans with a unique opportunity to display their products to the interior design community. Makers include Jacky Oliver Metal Work, Claire Coles who produces handcrafted couture wallpaper murals and Kim Jordan’s intricate straw marquetry.

As sponsors of this year’s BIID Interior Design Awards, Decorex is celebrating some of the inspiring projects that are in the running for the awards. Visitors will be able to view a gallery of the shortlisted projects throughout the show, in anticipation of the award ceremony on 12th of October, where the winners will be revealed!

Tell us about some of the exhibitor highlights?

We have over 250 brands exhibiting at Decorex 2023, so it is the perfect place to source materials and connect with suppliers. Visitors will be able to browse an impressive selection of products including wallcoverings, fabrics, furniture, lighting and decorative accessories from a stellar line-up of exhibitors, including Arte International, Coat Paints, Curiousa, Ian Sanderson, Little Greene, Pooky Lighting and Vincent Sheppard.

We also know that visitors love to discover new brands at Decorex, so look out for stunning new collections by Wendy Morrison, Philippe Hurel, Otzi, Woodchip & Magnolia, Bernhardt  Objet Luxe and Thomas Crapper.

BIID members always enjoy the popular Design Talks Programme, what can they expect at this year’s event?

The Design Talks Programme is back with another inspiring line-up for this year, promising a programme of enlightening panel discussions on current trends and hot topics in the interior design industry. The exciting and varied seminar programme will welcome influential names to Decorex including Sophie Paterson, Henry Holland, Linda Boronkay, Edward Bulmer, Kate Watson-Smyth and BIID President, May Fawzy. They will join others from across the global interior design sector, delving into a range of important themes for interior designers, such as building your interior design practice, the advantages of making and sourcing locally, adaptive hospitality and how to attract an international clientele.

As part of Decorex’s continued commitment to sustainability, this year we have partnered with Interior Design Declares to create a compelling programme of talks in the programme that puts sustainability front and centre, in order to help educate, encourage and support interior designers to become more sustainable.

How can BIID members get tickets?

BIID members can register for their complimentary VIP pass here.

On Tuesday 10th October, BIID President May Fawzy will be in conversation with Simon Mcilwraith of Collective Design at the BIID Collaboration breakfast. After the discussion, there will be an opportunity to network and enjoy a light breakfast before the show opens.

We look forward to seeing you at the show!