Highlight of Focus’22
As the period of national mourning for the late HM Queen Elizabeth draws to a close, our direction respectfully returns to the rhythm and continuity of life, beginning with FOCUS 22, at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. I hope the following will comfort and lift the spirits.
So. Whats new?
Autumn is upon us and there is always something I find exciting about this season. Whilst some of us associate it with the beginning of a new school year - pencil cases, shoes and name tape sewing, there is something arguably more thrilling happening in the world of interior design.
The interiors world is not unlike the fashion industry, with two events a year to showcase new designs and establish the trends. For us as interior designers, we have hit the catwalk celebrations with Design Week, known as ‘Focus’ at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. For a week, the Harbour is filled with excitement and brimming with energy as we all congregate under its dome roof. Showrooms are bursting with the latest collections and launches, as we strut our stuff and walk the walk between them. We come together as designers to connect with our suppliers, friends and associates. We are inspired by talks and events from trail blazers, all the while absorbing new prints, finishes, dimensions and the occasional glass of fizz. Its hard not to love what you do during this week of exploration and excitement.
As with all things interior related - we are excited to share the latest and greatest, highlighting our top picks below:
GP&J Baker
I have to start with the new ‘House Prints’ in matching wallpaper and fabrics by GP&J Baker. Kindly I was invited to a sneak peak of their collection in the summer before it launched. It had me at “hello”, and I’ve been wanting to tell anyone and everyone who will listen just how fabulous, versatile and heavenly they are. The wait is over, and I hope you’ll love these small but mighty designs as much as I do, helping you to create smart and enticing interiors.
The captivating wallpaper and fabric designs are presented in a crisp and contemporary palette of colours. The prints are timeless, versatile and mix well with small or striking large scale designs. They are charming, and without doubt I am biased when I say they are one of the strongest small print collections to date.
Watch this space as I know they will be a great addition to our design library back at Charlotte Stuart Interiors HQ.
Colefax & Fowler
It was hard to know where to look first, when I entered the Colefax and Fowler showroom. Crossing the threshold, I swooned. Renowned for their English Style, they consistently produce classic and timeless designs that suit even the most contemporary of décor styles. It’s their sublime colour palette, intricate embroideries, woven and printed cloths that get my mind racing with creativity.
This new collection is a classic Colefax and Fowler signature style, that interprets decorative history, culture and craft throughout its small scale weaves and colourful cotton velvets. I am particularly loving the ‘Medora’ that looks hand stitched into a medley of mouth watering colours.
Porta Romana
Always one to light up the show with iconic contemporary designs and interesting finishes. Sculptural, luxurious and timeless Porta Romana are renowned for making the ordinary into the extraordinary when it comes to lighting. Handmade and built to last, their exciting new pieces are built with love and care for future generations to come.
Julian Chichester
Where would Design Week be if it were not for Julian Chichester trailblazing through with his iconic furniture and lighting collection. As ever, you can’t help but be wowed by his genius talent, working his magic to create objects inspired by 19th and 20th century styles, re-imagined into stylish and contemporary pieces. Firm favourites are the Bloomsbury dining chair that will make the perfect addition to any dining table. The classic shaped Elba sofa and his award winning Medusa Light, transformed into a chandelier and a double armed wall light are currently my top picks.
Jane Churchill
Part of the Colefax group, Jane Chruchill fabrics and wallpapers have an artistic twist making them feel more contemporary in an elegant, relaxed way. The new collection is described as ‘Pattern Positive’ and ‘Confident in Colour’, which, lets be honest - is always going to work for me. Even better is its excellent price point that includes intricate embroideries, weaves, and geometric motifs, ranging from softer tones to bolder hues - all so versatile for use in any style of home.
Even better is its excellent price point that includes intricate embroideries, striped weaves, and geometric motifs, ranging from softer tones to bolder hues - all so versatile for use in any style of home.
Lastly, some further favourites found at Turnell & Gigon, Luke Edward Hall for Rubelli and the very talented Nichola Taylorson Textiles.
As Focus’22 comes to an end this Friday, we have lots more exciting news and adventures to follow. Come and join us back here next week, where we will be sharing Farrow & Ball’s exciting collection of eleven new colours - #11FaBColours … Have you ordered your colour card?
