Each October, London’s Olympia transforms into a vibrant showcase of creativity and craftsmanship as Decorex International sets the tone for the year ahead in design.
This year’s show confirmed what I’ve been feeling for a while – our clients want homes that tell stories. Spaces layered with craftsmanship, sustainability, and soul.
Here are a few of the micro-trends that stood out for me during my visit last week.
Heritage Maximalism
Heritage maximalism was everywhere – rich pattern mixing, jewel tones, antique details, and beautiful layering. Think tapestries, scalloped trims, and ornate lighting, all brought together in harmony. It’s not cluttered, but curated: interiors with heritage, heart, and a sense of individuality.
Quiet Sustainability
Sustainability has evolved beyond a buzzword – it’s now the quiet foundation of thoughtful design. Many exhibitors showcased responsibly sourced timber, recycled textiles, and low-impact finishes, all presented with a refined, luxurious touch. This “quiet sustainability” feels perfectly aligned with how many of my clients want to live: surrounded by natural materials, undyed wools, and handcrafted pieces with provenance and purpose.
Tactile fabrics
Texture was the real star of Decorex 2025. From velvet and mohair to tactile bouclé, every stand invited you to reach out and touch. This new wave of sensory design reminds us that comfort isn’t just visual – it’s something you can feel.
Sculptural Lighting
Lighting took on an artistic role this year, acting as both illumination and sculpture. I saw organic shapes in glass, hand-forged metals, rattan, and brass that felt as if lighting design has become as important as any statement piece of furniture.
Natural Imperfection
There was a refreshing appreciation for the raw and the real. Honed stone, handmade tiles, limewash finishes, and rattan all featured prominently – materials that celebrate imperfection and age beautifully over time. It’s a timeless approach that brings warmth and depth to modern homes.
Rounded Silhouettes
Curves continue to shape the way we design. From cocooning armchairs to fluted cabinetry and gently curved sofas and even a cork bath, rounded forms made interiors feel softer, more fluid, and instantly welcoming.
Bespoke Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship was front and centre throughout the show. From hand-carved joinery to small-batch ceramics and blown glass, every detail carried the mark of the maker. More than ever, clients are valuing craft with a story – pieces made to last and to be loved. Bespoke design feels like the new luxury.
Earthy Colour Palettes
Colour took a grounded turn this year, with rich, natural tones creating calm and character in equal measure. Deep greens, terracotta, ochre, and oxblood paired beautifully with mushroom and stone neutrals — and yes, brown was everywhere. The overall mood was timeless, layered, and distinctly British.
Stripes
Stripes made a quietly confident comeback – appearing across upholstery, wallcoverings, and even tiling. From painterly woven lines to bold awning-style graphics, stripes are being reimagined as the new neutral: graphic yet effortlessly classic.
Scallop Details
One of the most joyful details at Decorex 2025 was the scallop. From upholstery trims and mirrors to basins and lighting shades, scallops were everywhere – adding a soft, playful elegance that feels nostalgic yet fresh. It’s a small detail that instantly brings charm to a space.
The Mood for 2025
The overarching mood of Decorex 2025 was one of authentic luxury – built on texture, craftsmanship, and story. For interior designers, these micro-trends are an invitation to create homes that feel personal and enduring – grounded in quality, layered with meaning, and quietly expressive.
At Clair Strong Interior Design, we take inspiration from events like Decorex to craft homes that reflect our clients’ individuality – spaces that balance beauty, sustainability, and soul.
