This week I had a flying visit to Decorex and Focus and I came home inspired and so pleased that I had made the effort to go. It is almost an annual pilgrimage For those of you who don’t know what Decorex and Focus are please allow me to explain. I do hate it when people “in the know” expect the rest of the world ” to know” as well.
For designers, retailers and specifiers -in other words the trade, there is a wonderful venue in London called Chelsea Harbour. In effect it is like a very smart shopping mall with each of the shops being a trade showroom showing everything that the companies have to offer, be it lighting (Besselink and Jones, Porta Romana, Bella Figura to mention but a few), fabrics, furniture, bathroom fittings etc etc. Be warned they all tend to be middle to very high in the price range but it is very inspirational. The companies do not allow you to buy direct from them but will always give you small samples and point you in the direction of your nearest stockist.
Twice a year (in March and September) to coincide with the launch of new ranges there is almost a party atmosphere at Chelsea Harbour when all the representatives converge on London and people like myself arrive to join the party and see what will be appearing in our showrooms, and therefore our homes, next. This is Focus.
In late September, to coincide with this, there is also an exhibition in a vast, and very smart marquee. For the last few years this has been held in the grounds of Chelsea hospital, the home of the wonderful Chelsea Pensioners, though I understand next year they are moving venue. This is Decorex which gives companies who do not have a London showroom, and also newer companies just trying to get a foothold in the marketplace, to show their products. Believe me though it is still in very luxurious surroundings. These events are mostly restricted to the trade but both venues do have general public sessions which are usually advertised in the top homes magazines a month or so before.
As there are two venues there are also a stream of courtesy executive mini buses and chauffeured Range Rovers to take you between them and one or two showrooms such as Osborne and little and Designers Guild on the Kings Road. So all in all, hard work on the feet but very pleasurable and inspirational.
Having given that very long winded explanation I thought I would show you some of the photographs I took to give you a glimpse of what is on offer this season. For me the exciting thing is that fabrics have come alive again, rooms are adaptable and fun, perhaps celebrating emerging from the recession which has been so difficult for everyone???
