Visiting Decorex is always a great opportunity to discover new products, meet makers and get a feel for the direction of interior design.

This year, I noticed a strong emphasis on natural materials, texture and craftsmanship, alongside a shift towards more neutral tones in furniture and upholstery. 

While fabrics and rugs were full of colour, creams, browns and softer neutrals were prominent in sofas, chairs and textiles – a change from the rusts and greens that featured so strongly last year. Here are some of the ideas that caught my eye.

Natural materials and texture

Sustainability was a recurring theme, with natural fibres, core and recycled materials featuring across rugs, wallcoverings, blinds and soft furnishings. Texture was key, whether through tactile materials, subtle tonal variations or beautifully crafted details.

I particularly loved the goat-hair rugs and runners from Coban Rugs. Natural, undyed and bespoke, they are beautifully understated yet durable. 

Lara Pain also caught my attention with her handwoven blankets, throws, rugs and artworks, all individually made on her loom in lovely colours and textures.

Celebrating craftsmanship

There was a real appreciation for handmade products and the character that comes with them.

The work of Marthe Armitage, renowned for her hand-block-printed wallpapers and fabrics, is a wonderful example. The slight imperfections in the block printing give each piece its own character and individuality.

I think we are increasingly drawn to pieces with a story, made with care and designed to last, rather than products that simply follow a trend.

Clever details

Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference. I loved seeing switches and sockets by JUNG in colours inspired by Le Corbusier’s architectural colour palettes, showing how functional fittings can become an integral part of an interior scheme.

I was also interested in Dec Wood’s composite mouldings and beading, made from wood pulp and resin. They can be cut, bent and shaped, then painted to achieve the appearance of wood, offering exciting possibilities for decorative detailing.

Wonderful lights were a huge part of the show as always.

Rechargeable lamps were another noticeable feature, giving greater flexibility when lighting a room and creating atmosphere without relying on fixed sockets.

Living outdoors

There were plenty of outdoor kitchen companies, including Q-BOO, reflecting our growing appetite for making gardens an extension of the home. As we spend more time outdoors during the summer, well-designed spaces for cooking, dining and entertaining are becoming an increasingly important part of interior design.

Design with a purpose

I was also pleased to see Furnishing Futures, a charity that works with the interiors industry to create furnished homes for women and children escaping domestic abuse. Designers and suppliers can donate furniture, lighting and accessories to help transform empty properties into welcoming homes. It’s a brilliant reminder that our industry can make a genuine difference to people’s lives.

My takeaway

My biggest impression from Decorex was the continued move towards natural materials and tactile finishes.

It emphasised thoughtful craftsmanship.

Colour remains very much part of the picture, particularly in fabrics and rugs.

Additionally, neutral tones in furniture and upholstery create a versatile backdrop for expressive patterns and textures.

For me, it is all about creating spaces that feel personal, considered and built to last.