London trending: Bold graphics & modern exotics

FROM the halls of Decorex International 2015, Focus/15 and 100% Design, let me share with you more beautiful designs and creations in the final instalment of a three-part series on my London trend-spotting visit.

Bold graphics

At Decorex, Margo Selby showed off a fantastic range of woven fabrics for interiors that reflect her taste for the bold, colourful and graphic. A graduate of the Chelsea School of Art and Design, and the Royal College of Art, Margo first launched her collection in 2003. It was at this point where she united her innovative handwoven structures with industrial machinery to create the first three-dimensional fabrics that were to become the trademark of the Margo Selby brand.

Paul Robinson Wallpapers from the Paul Robinson Interiors company brings a sense of illusion to the world of interiors. A successful fine art photographer and artist based in Los Angeles, Paul has taken his fascination for the world’s most iconic destinations and landmarks and translated the images into six unique wallpaper collections. Without any formal training, Paul began his career in fashion photography in Paris and moved on to shooting stills for the film industry in LA. I was very attracted to his work which beautifully juxtaposes the human race and the elements… drawing on the rich influences of the street and architecture and the fact that no two cities are the same.

I was also very thrilled to see the new Lunar collection of coffee tables and side tables at Lapicida, featuring bold graphic shapes. Designed by Lara Bohnic, the Sun & Moon coffee table takes inspiration from the planets and their orbital movements, featuring highly figured, richly coloured marbles set in brass or gold-plated steel rims. This contemporary design would offer a striking centrepiece for any interior. Lapicida also offers a dining table and a side table as part of the collection.

Founded by Michael Curtis Green and Mary-Anne Denison-Pender, Mahout Lifestyle is a company obsessed with the beauty and craftsmanship of India. Its collection of dhurries I spotted at Decorex showcased colours and graphic patterns that were vibrant, exciting and contemporary. Very much on trend, these gorgeous handmade rugs make an excellent statement in today’s modern home anywhere in the world.

Another booth that caught my eye was Trowbridge’s collection of fine art prints, black and white photography, textiles, and original works of art in exquisite handmade frames. I was drawn to Emma Lawrenson’s suite of  affordable 125 limited edition images. Emma’s exploration in design sees a series of recurring abstract images and an intrinsic exploration of shape and friendly form, through a delicate and well-chosen layering of colours. So very contemporary and fresh!

Modern exotics

Many designers this season have combined exotic shapes and details with a modern attitude. At the Serip booth, the Luna circular-shaped wall lights in bronze and hand-blown glass was a standout. Sophisticated and slim, it uses LED lights that radiate out within the circles of glass that have been produced to emulate an organic-like tapestry.

At the Future Heritage stand, curator Corrine Julius presented her selection of some of the most talented designers working in Britain today. I found an amazing collection of vases, stools, home accessories and sculptures. Enemark & Thompson’s hand-blown, sculpted glass pieces which made such an impact on visitors this season are made using ancient Venetian glassmaking techniques and blending the molten glass with the ceramic-based material, Smalto. Merete Rasmussen’s Blue Loop and Orange Loop, both handmade from ceramics, stoneware and coloured slip, were stunning.

Over at Focus/15, I managed to visit the Osborne & Little showroom to preview their new collections. I had the chance to chat briefly with Matthew Williamson who has created yet another gorgeous collection of fabrics and wallpaper for them. Matthew’s love for colour, pattern and exotic detail is very much evident here in the latest Cubana collection. A graduate of the prestigious Central St Martins College, his debut collection back in 1997 titled ‘Electric Angels’ was most critically acclaimed.

I crossed the Kings Road to Designers Guild for Tricia Guild’s quick overview of their Autumn 2015 collections. From their Caprifoglio Collection, I was particularly fond of the rather striking Bloomsbury Rose pattern in Indigo that was featured on a vintage 50s sofa. Featuring voluptuous roses tumbling on sleek velvet, this fabric creates a contemporary tapestry with expressive handpainted flourishes in place of woven touches.

At 100% Design, MacMaster Design’s elegant wooden pendant lights caught my attention. Founded by bespoke furniture maker Alan MacMaster in 2009, all pieces are handmade in the Worcestershire countryside in the UK and made from natural timbers handpicked from sustainable sources and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Can’t wait to return to London next year for more design inspirations.