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View Newsletter - January

A trend experience

Trend forecasting is big news, it would be foolish for companies to ignore the influences that will affect their businesses throughout the year. The seminar programme at Interiors Birmingham this year will educate visitors about the importance of trend forecasting and outline the next seasons trends.

Although some trends dictate that there may be a ‘make-do’ mentality as people may be forced to re-use what they have rather than splurging on brand new expensive items, there is also the idea that when there is a decrease of consumer spending, the expectations of consumers actually increase. Consumers will think more carefully about the way their money is spent and therefore make more considered choices, buying something that will last rather than a ‘bargain’ product. Something that will stand the test of time.

For this reason, and to educate companies further about trend forecasting, the seminar programme at Interiors Birmingham this year will focus mainly on design trends and how they will influence the industry over the next few seasons. A variety of industry professionals will give their thoughts on the design trends set to affect us throughout 2009 and into 2010.

During uncertain times, businesses need to know as much as possible to accurately plan ahead, so trend forecasting is a very strong asset. Global Color’s team of panellists have been talking about the economic slowdown for years so their trend predictions are geared towards these economic problems. Justine Fox of Global Color will give companies the vital information to make informed business decisions, ensuring they stay ahead of the competition.

Victoria Redshaw of Scarlet Opus will also speak about the background of design trends, but with a more product design focus, detailing the coming seasons colours, materials, surface patterns, key product styling developments and influences.

Bar design will also be covered, key interior designers alongside the publisher and assistant editor of Theme magazine will discuss their latest projects and debate the best bar designs from 2008.

Using her years of industry experience, Michelle Ogundehin, editor-in-chief of Elle Decoration, will present ‘How to spot the next big thing,’ a fantastic opportunity for manufacturers and suppliers to really understand what their customers want.

All of the above will be a part of Interiors Birmingham this year, the perfect opportunity to listen to the views of the industry and find out their predictions for the future!

New, New, New

Visitors to Interiors Birmingham are always looking for new products and this year, exhibitors will certainly deliver. With new companies added to the exhibitor list, new launches and brand new trends set for the seasons ahead, Interiors Birmingham is one not to miss.

New exhibitors, new products, new trends and a new layout at Interiors Birmingham 2009.

Continuing to fill its halls with exciting new exhibitors, this year introduces Charlotte Thomas, Clifton Lighting, Impala, Jaz Asbury Metal Design, Kok Maison, Moltex, Paul Rosco, Velamen, Camelot, Swan Retail and Unique Furniture among many others. One of the event’s biggest new exhibitors are SDIFA (Furniture of Andalusia), a group of Spanish companies taking stands in Hall 2.

New products will be launched across the halls, here are just some of the highlights…

Ercol will launch their Copenhagen and Malmo upholstery ranges and display some exciting new additions to their Mantua dining and cabinet range. Furniture Link UK will launch two brand new bedroom collections, the Portland with a Ivory painted finish and the Hudson, made from beautiful solid oak.

Guru will introduce their e-line collection, a range of high quality dark wood furniture and occasional pieces combining clean lines and simple design. Halo will exhibit their brand new pieces within their dining, bedroom and upholstery ranges. Chelsom will feature brand new contemporary coffee and lamp ranges alongside the latest additions to their former successful ranges.

Charlotte Thomas, a new edition for Hall 3, will showcase their equally sumptuous ‘Bespoke’ bed linen range is hand made to individual specification, using the finest super 150’s Merino wool spun with genuine 22 carat gold. This is luxuriously backed with fine Indian hand-loom silk jacquard.

Scatter Box are introducing an opulent collection of the highest quality cushions in the most luxurious of fabrics and prestigious designs. Known for their innovative use of colour they are launching trend colours, Blossom, Vintage Yellow, Azure, Rapture Rose, and Sand, reflecting their interpretation of this seasons interior fashions to create an eclectic mix of traditional, vintage and modern design.

Visitors to the 2009 event will notice a change in the layout of Interiors Birmingham, the first stage in the strategic plan for the show. All of the high end companies from across the furniture and design interiors market will be located in the Pavilion and Halls 1 and 2, creating high end classic and modern destination halls. Lighting will be housed in Hall 9, soft furnishings and furnishing accessories in Hall 3 and the remaining halls (4 and 5) will contain a mix of volume furniture. Next year will see a more categorised layout to the show, ensuring a much easier and logical route through the show.

A beautiful showcase of products

Design Interiors has a new home in the Pavilion where visitors will find a variety of companies launching brand new products. Fabrics, furniture, flooring and accessories will complete this high-end hall of beautiful and inspiring pieces.

Design Interiors, in its new home within the Pavilion, will feature some unique products and exciting new companies. Read on for some of the highlights of this particular hall….

The Baobab Tree will unveil its ‘eco-range’, a luxury furniture range that uses recycled vintage fabrics. Products include ‘Flower Power’, a vintage 1960’s Christian Dior silk scarf reinvented in a highly unusual and individual cushion and the stunning ‘Birds’, a giant floor cushion made from a raw silk scarf.

Old-time exhibitors, James Hare will showcase their brand new fabric collections - ‘Chinon Silks’ and ‘Chinon Plains’ - two delightful ranges which work in harmony together. Inspired by the historic town of Chinon in the Vallee de la Vienne in France. ‘Chinon Silks’ includes a palatial damask, embroidered pineapple, subtle stripe and multi coloured spot. ‘Chinon Plains’ is the first range of upholstery fabrics from this prestigious English brand, along with a fabulous new coordinating silk Vienne plain. Both collections have been designed to work with the sophisticated tonal palette of dupions for which James Hare are so renowned.

Kandola are excited to present a preview of their new Medley collection, including three unique printed silks with delicate hand embroidery consisting of glass beads and hessian cord, also striped wallpaper in delicate shades with Gilver metallic print, beautifully embroidered Trevira sheer fabric and durable upholstery fabric to co-ordinate.

Wychwood Design have been given the opportunity to market furniture products from the Italian company Linfa Design.  Linfa Design manufacture contemporary furniture illustrating the best of Italian design and Wychwood will be showing a range of their pieces on stand D55.  Items displayed will include dining and coffee tables, a sideboard and console, a chaise and chairs and will be interwoven with their own bespoke and standard production.

Flor by Heuga is one of the most established brands for consumer carpet tiles in Europe, a modular design which means it can be laid and cut to any style, creating a unique carpet. This gives consumers the opportunity to combine colours and textures to create their own personalised floor and with a palette of 25 different designs, 15 different textures and over 150 different colours there is a huge variety of options!

Make your way over to the Pavilion to find even more products from companies such as Finaframe, Hartnell Interiors, Jaz Asbury, Pad UK, The Portfolio Collection, Timothy Mark and Universal Shutters.

View Newsletter - December

Pyramid products

Designer Max Clements will showcase his new designs, in collaboration with a host of leading Egyptian companies at Interiors Birmingham this year, alongside original pieces from the Egyptians themselves. With Cairo rapidly becoming a hub of creativity, Interiors Birmingham will offer a platform to see the latest projects underway in the Egyptian capital, giving Cairo its well deserved position on the design world map.

There are big developments for the Egyptian Pavilion this year as it moves to a key site in Hall 2  (stand D21) The focus is very much on Egypt’s growing role within the international design scene, as well as the rapid development of its manufacturing capability.

This year a group of innovative Egyptian manufacturers will launch a series of completely new designs developed for the show. The companies - Ivanco, Mohm and Arket will be presenting a highly original collection of pieces that include contemporary cabinets, beds and upholstery, aimed at both the retail and contract markets. UK designer Max Clements has developed the new furniture designs for the companies and also the design concept for the stand. Other companies featured on the stand will include El Chark, Al Cazar, Nadim, La Roche and Fayek.

According to Max Clements, Cairo is rapidly becoming an international centre for creative design, as well as a sourcing destination for furniture and home furnishings. A clear sign of this are the series of design and industry workshops now underway in Egypt, teaming up young design talent with manufacturers and internationally renowned designers around the world. 

Organised by the Egyptian Export Council and the International Modernisation Centre, the project kicked off this November and will showcase its results in Milan next April and then at the Furnex event in Cairo in June.  The very latest news on this innovative project will be previewed at the Egyptian Pavillion at Interiors Birmingham.

Unique carpets from FLOR by Heuga

FLOR by Heuga will be supplying their innovative carpeting to the entrance halls of Interiors Birmingham 2009.  One of the most established brands in Europe, FLOR by Heuga are known not only for their product’s functionality, but for their added design value. Their unique carpets can be cut and laid individually, making each carpet different from the next. Consumers are encouraged to combine colours and textures to create their own unique design.

FLOR by heuga’s story…
FLOR by heuga is one of the most established brands for consumer carpet tiles in Europe. FLOR is modular, meaning it can be laid and cut exactly to create your own unique carpet. This gives consumers the opportunity to combine colours and textures to create their own unique floor.

Over the last 12 months the brand has embarked on a major transformation with a pan European marketing campaign in leading interior and lifestyle magazines which aims to transform the brand image from one of functionality to added value design.

At Interiors Birmingham in the Design Interiors hall FLOR by heuga will present with The Inspiration Studio, as part of collaboration between FLOR by heuga and partners. The company is looking for visionary entrepreneurs who want to benefit from the marketing efforts of FLOR by heuga and who are prepared to collaborate in a true partnership between industry and retail. The collaboration is built on these elements:
- Inspiration Studio
- Joint Marketing
- FLOR by heuga Academy

FLOR by heuga will also supply some of the flooring at Interiors Birmingham. On the floor you can find WarmWelcome – Homecoming and Heuga 725 - Silver.

Visit their stand D51 for more information.

Eco-interiors!

As the industry goes greener, so does Interiors Birmingham!

One of the Interiors Birmingham furniture exhibitors, Ecofurn, demonstrates how a company is able to trade successfully, whilst also considering the envirnoment, by sourcing the wood for its beds from sustainable forests and donating 10% of its profits to the Tree Aid. This charity supports communities in rural Africa through forestry-related projects and has raised more than £5.2m since it was established in 1987, directly benefiting more than 300,000 villagers. You can visit Ecofurn in Hall 5, stand F62 for more information.

This eco-theme will continue into the seminar theatre with a lecture from Charlie Browne, Environmental Manger at IKEA, who will be presenting "Low price but not at any price", a valuable seminar summarising IKEA’s work on environmental issues. Charlie has worked in the environmental field for 10 years and has been instrumental in increasing the store’s recycling levels to 76%. His knowledge on the subject is sure to attact many envorinmentally conscious visitors.

With that as our inspiration, Interiors Birmingham set about reducing the amount of paper used in one of it’s key areas, the International Media Centre, by replacing the standard paper press packs with digital press packs. This year, all exhibitors will be asked to provide their press information electronically, this will then be transferred onto a branded Interiors Birmingham USB stick, and given to each member of the press. This initiative was tried and tested at KBB 2008 with great reviews from each and every journalist.

The rise of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi may have been chasing Dubai to the headlines for some years, but it is now that the capital of the UAE is at the forefront of design. With so many iconic designers involved with the growth of the region and the market nurturing the top-end of interiors, Abu Dhabi is set to become the most cultural and dynamic Emirate of the seven within the UAE.

Abu Dhabi, the capital and design giant of the Emirates is increasing its pull on the region with some of the most extravagant projects ever seen. As the wealthiest emirate, Abu Dhabi can now boast a number of large-scale developments such as Saadiyat Island, the new cultural hub which will accommodate the Guggenheim and the Louvre museums. The Formula One Grand Prix track, a nuclear power plant and the creation of a renewable energy city are just some more of the plans in place for this incredible city.

Although only 160km apart, the differences in the two cities agenda’s is increasingly noticeable. Dubai is the ‘Las Vegas’ of the region, Abu Dhabi the cultural and design capital. Abu Dhabi’s status is built on a detailed and sophisticated city plan, the accumulation of wealth has been steadily growing in the background and only now is their reputation putting them on the design map. Targeting the high-end of the market, Abu Dhabi definitely has the cultural edge with goals to raise the profile even more so.

Leading designers involved within the region such as Zaha Hadid, who has designed one of the bridges linking Abu Dhabi to the mainland, and Frank Gehry, who has designed the new Guggenheim, indicate that the construction boom in Abu Dhabi has all the experience of the best architects behind it. The government’s urban plan hopes to increase the population from 1.4 million to more than 3 million by 2020, tourist numbers to exceed 2.7 million per year and more than 200 additional buildings to be completed before the end of 2009. These developments are driving substantial opportunities for design agencies, architects, interior companies, retailers and contractors to be involved in this current demand.

For the perfect opportunity to source design-led furniture, kitchens and bathrooms, flooring, lighting and office furniture, Interiors UAE, the leading design event for the Emirates and wider Middle East returns to ADNEC from 29th March – 1st April 2009. The ONLY international trade event held in the capital of the UAE, will provide manufacturers and suppliers of the finest interiors, the ideal setting to gain access to the most affluent interiors region in the world.

The sophisticated capital of Abu Dhabi is miles ahead in the design stakes of its Dubai sister. Interiors UAE will provide the perfect showcase for the latest interior products and will also host an impressive line-up of speakers as part of the informative seminar programme. With so many iconic designers influencing the construction within the region, visitors can expect to hear of the very latest projects being carried out, trend forecasts for the coming seasons and other fascinating presentations, providing yet another reason to attend this first-class exhibition.

For more information about exhibiting at Interiors UAE, a fantastic opportunity for companies globally, please contact Cheryl Fraser on +44 (0)20 79218380 or email cfraser@cmpi.biz

www.interiorsuae.com

View Newsletter - November

Design Interiors makeover at Interiors Birmingham

In its new home in The Pavilion, Design Interiors will this year take its style direction from the equally stylish Paul Muller! Paul is the Managing Director of Studio Annam and previously the Creative Director for Libertys so is the perfect choice to play the part of creative consultant for Design Interiors this year.

Design Interiors, the mid to high end area within Interiors Birmingham, will provide an exclusive destination for the retail and contract interior design markets. Re-located to The Pavilion for the 2009 event with its own dedicated entrance and enhanced signage, entering Design Interiors will take you into a refined and sophisticated area where stands will have a huge impact and the presentation of products will be second to none.

The area will also feature an area to relax and unwind with a drink and refreshments after a busy morning at the show.

Paul Muller comments on his appointment, 

"In this difficult period of time, I think it is important that product presentation on the trade shows is of high standard.  I am pleased to have been asked by UBM Live to help to enhance visual concepts and create a unique atmosphere for the Design Interiors Pavilion."

Interiors Birmingham takes place from 18-21 January 2009, introducing the new high end halls; Design Interiors in the Pavilion, high end classic in Hall 1 and high end modern interior products in Hall 2. The very latest offerings for the mid to volume market can be found in Hall 3, with Soft Furnishings, Furnishing Accessories, mixed volume furniture in halls 4 and 5. The UK’s largest gathering of lighting manufacturers and suppliers will be found in Hall 9.

Question Time

Designersblock will return to Interiors Birmingham in January, showcasing work of companies and individuals from within the design community including Ercol, Timorous Beasties, Tea un Kim and Haidee Drew. Piers Roberts, one half of Designersblock, took time out to answer some of our inquisitive questions…

How did you get into the industry?
I tried my hand as a furniture maker but thought it would be better to work with better designers than me. It led to me teaming up with Rory Dodd to open 'same', the first contemporary shop to launch at the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane. we originally produced designersblock to promote the shop.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Absolutely no idea! I avoided such decision making. I rather expected others would tell me and I would do as led. By the time I worked out they couldn't, and I wouldn't, I was older but no more informed.

What's the best thing about the industry and why?
The people, the ideas, the motivations, the cross cultural dialogue and the diverse ways people go about maturing their ideas. Meantime the market is more open and that means opportunities will continue to grow. You never can quite know what will happen next, and, as you adapt to this reality, that's exciting.

If you were a piece of furniture, what would it be?
Some dusty contemporary English heirloom, hopefully much loved, maybe stuck in the corner with my owners wondering if I was in good taste!

Who inspires you within the industry?
All sorts of people with Rory Dodd still top of the tree

What do you think the industry will be like in 10 years?
More diverse. It still has to get a lot smarter, negotiating better terms of business with clients, involved at all levels of corporate decision making is essential.

Which key trend will you be focusing on for the winter season?
The financial trends have begun another winter look quite interesting

What three words best describe you?
Not me then

What was the last piece of furniture you bought?
A Russell Pinch armchair from SCP

Where was your last holiday?
San Francisco

What makes you laugh?
Life, love and happiness

If you didn't work in this industry, where would you like to work?
Abroad

Soft

Hall 3 at Interiors Birmingham will feature some of the leading soft furnishing companies, showcasing their brand new seasonal ranges to the market. Their latest autumn/ winter ranges are currently whetting inspirational appetites, so we look forward to seeing more of their offerings at the show next year.

Moltex’s new Autumn/Winter range features rich classical colours and a touch of spice in four new styles:- By the lake, Bohemian Luxury, Fifth Avenue and Royalty – creating masses of inspiration for every taste and using materials and details that build up an inviting and cosy atmosphere.

M selected by Moltex, their most exclusive collection, with carefully chosen products and exciting techniques is presented with a touch of drama this season. Sober shades in beige, black and white is teamed up with powdery pinks and greys, teamed up with luxurious bronzes and lilacs.

Another Soft exhibitor, Charlotte Thomas exudes a quintessentially English attitude to luxury. Sartorial style, the finest materials and incredible attention to detail combine for a truly personal service.

With a large focus on bedding, they produce a large variety of ranges including include Claire, pure white for a classic look, spontaneous, passionate, informal; Eleanor, a delicate damask jacquard from a more romantic and classical age; Justyna, awakening senses, reviving spirit and bringing luxury into the bedroom; Kristina, pretty in pink; Joanna, Edwardian inspired pure white design with chic embroidery; Lucy, perfect for the elegant boudoir – a classical look; Amelia and Susannah, both giving a modern look with a natural, relaxed and fashionable laid-back style; Plain dyes, Satin Stripes; Organic and Egyptian cotton.

Moltex and Charlotte Thomas will join other exhibitors such as Burke by Design, Decorstyle Products, HIS Textiles, Malini, Paul Rosco and Scatter Box at Interiors Birmingham from 18-21 January at the NEC, Birmingham.

Interiors UAE

Interiors UAE, the leading design event for the Emirates and wider Middle East, returns to Abu Dhabi from 29th March – 1st April 2009. After a fantastically successful launch in 2008, Interiors UAE is the only international trade event held in the capital of the UAE to provide manufacturers and suppliers of the finest interiors, the ideal setting to gain access to the most affluent interiors region in the world.

In an exciting, ever expanding and lucrative market, Interiors UAE allows contract and retail buyers the perfect sourcing solution, allowing interior and exterior furnishing companies the chance to showcase their products to this wealthy market.

Interiors UAE 2009 has already secured exhibitors from across Europe as well as the Middle East and rest of the world. With dedicated design-led halls, providing brands and suppliers of design-led ranges an inspiring platform to exhibit, they will also incorporate the Decorex Pavilion, bringing aspirational and bespoke fabrics, wallcoverings, furniture, lighting, floorcoverings and accessories to the UAE market.

Seminars were a key part of last years event, with key professionals from the industry presenting their work and views on this flourishing market. With speakers such as Khalid Al Najjar, who has designed one of the pavilions at the new Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi, Ken Laidler of APID (Association of Professional Interior Designers) and Isabel Pintado, interior architect, the line-up for 2009 is set to impress once again.

Abu Dhabi is undergoing a massive construction boom, in turn aiming to boost the number of visitors to the capital to 2.7 million. With more than 200 additional buildings to be completed before the end of 2009 and construction started on the five star luxury hotel opposite the venue, due to open in 2010, there is a substantial demand for interior products across the region. Interiors UAE can provide the ideal platform to see these products and much more…www.interiorsuae.com

 

View Newsletter- October

Decorex a stunning success! With an increase in visitors who swarmed the stands at the show, healthy business was the order of the day at the end of September in Chelsea.  As the design baton passes from London after the imminent Sleep exhibition, to Interiors Birmingham in January, strategic plans to improve the flagship show for the entire industry have been announced.  As Birmingham itself is rejuvenated and improved so too is the major British interiors event, with dramatic changes to benefit everyone involved. 

Ian Thompson, Editor

 

A new beginning for Interiors Birmingham

 

After eighteen months of extensive research, UBM Live*, the organisers of the UK's largest interiors event, Interiors Birmingham, are happy to announce their strategic plans for the event over the next two years.

Having carried out in-depth interviews with past and present visitors and exhibitors, held advisory panel meetings involving industry experts from all sectors, visitor focus groups and email surveys, UBM Live* have gathered the thoughts and opinions of over 2000 members of the industry and in turn laid plans to deliver a much improved and exciting destination in line with what the industry has asked for.

The plans are being rolled out in two stages. Stage One, ready for the 2009 edition, will involve all of the high end companies from across the furniture and design interiors market being moved into Pavilion, Hall 1 and Hall 2, creating high end classic and modern destination halls. Lighting will be located in Hall 9, soft furnishings and furnishing accessories in Hall 3 and the remaining halls (3 - 5) will house a mix of volume furniture.

Stage Two, which will follow in 2010, will see each hall arranged by the following categories: Design Interiors, High-end Classic, High-end Modern, Bed & Bedroom, Dining Room furniture, Cabinet, Living Room, Occasional, Furnishing Accessories, Soft Furnishings, Upholstery, Lighting and Outdoor furniture.

Andrew Vaughan, Event Director, comments on the changes, "Having listened to industry voices and pro actively established a solution to many of the uncertainties, we believe that these changes will help buyers plan their days more efficiently and ensure navigation around the show is more logical, offering reinvigorated halls that will give a new dynamic to the audience."

Vaughan also gives his views on the improved exhibitor experience, "The vastly enhanced navigation for visitors will benefit each exhibitor as buyers will have more effective time at the show to visit more companies and hopefully place more orders."

Interiors Birmingham will still incorporate trend-led feature areas, seminars and other unique highlights which will be announced in the coming months. Keep up to date with the latest news on the brand new website www.interiorsbirmingham.com

*UBM Live, formally CMP information

 

Decorex Show Highlights  

Decorex International 2008, 'The Interior Design Show For Professionals', really did live up to its tag line this year. Bigger and better than ever before, Decorex was the place to see and be seen between. The current financial crisis didn't seem to keep the top interior designers, specifiers and buyers away this year as initial figures show a 4% increase on total visitor numbers. High quality visitors working on big projects reportedly placed big orders directly on stand. International couriers will be tied up in the next few weeks with samples and contracts whizzing their way from London to worldwide destinations including Dubai and Russia.

The 9,090 visitors from 70 countries entered the show through arches at the main entrance, each accented with giant chartreuse flower heads from celebrated florists In Water, and past the walls, beautifully finished with custom printed 'Decorex Logo' wallpaper, through to the London Lobby. The sumptuous space designed by John Stefanidis featured both bespoke and off-the-shelf pieces of furniture, lighting, art and carpet, all supplied by a selection of the 260 Decorex exhibitors.

The temporary Decorex structures were filled with only the best furniture, fabrics and wallcoverings, lighting, flooring, interior accessories and even recycled bathtubs providing the perfect place to source everything an interior designer could need for any high end project, be it commercial or residential. The show lived up to its worldwide reputation for excellence, quality and inspiration.   

Once again the Decorex awards highlighted the best in show this year. Even though the Ben Whistler stand looked like the back end of a boat albeit a realistic 30ft wooden hull topped with a mast and full billowing sails, the showcase captured the imagination of not only the BIDA who honored the bespoke furniture manufacturer with the Best Stand Award, but also the hearts of the other exhibitors who collectively selected them for the Decorex Challenge Award, also for Best Stand.

Susan Crewe, Editor of House & Garden magazine presented French design studio Emery & Cie with an award for Best Merchandise. Stepping into the enclosed stand was like stepping into an Aladdin's cave full of everything you could need to finish off a design scheme from tiles to paint, fabrics to ironmongery.

Sophie Davies, Assistant Editor at Elle Decoration judged the newest award at the show. The Elle Decoration Award for Best Sustainable Product was hotly contested with several companies being short-listed for the prize. The product that pipped the others to the post was the Voyage hand-printed natural wallcovering collection by Phillip Jeffries Ltd available through Architectural Textiles, which not only fulfilled the sustainable criteria but was also right on trend in terms of pattern and colour.

Colour was also what attracted the judges eyes for the idFX Award for Best Contemporary Product. Editor Kate Burnett and designers Martin Brudnizki and Helen Green were drawn to the stunning new collection of 'Out of Print to Colour' woven silks at Vanderhurd, bestowing the durries with the prestigious award.

World of Interiors magazine publisher Emma Redmayne selected Leisure Plan as the company to be presented with the World of Interiors Award for Innovation for the extensive outdoor furniture collections showcased from Dedon. 

Don't forget to put the dates in your diary for next year! Decorex International 2009 will run from 27-30 September although there will be a mid season taster at Interiors UAE in Abu Dhabi where 25 stands from key companies will form the Decorex Pavilion.   Further information is available at www.interiorsuae.com.

 

Thoughts on interior design from Kersti Urvois

Within the design industry, one thing that has always been so important is diversity. Change is eye-catching and innovation, in my opinion, is the key to success.

Classic pieces are always there.  This is not a bad thing, as it means that these designs and products are still popular with the consumer, but we are in danger of design becoming monotonous. That is why re-packaging is vital. What made the difference at Decorex was Andrew Martins's stand.  It was instantly memorable as it was striking and creative.

Products don't sell themselves, they need a frame. People want to see the launch of new, inventive products, but in a stall that is enticing, exciting and one which will surprise the public. This is what will sell your products. 

Birmingham is a city which is about to transform and be re-packaged. With billions of pounds set aside for the redevelopment of the city, it is an amazing opportunity for designers and architects to flourish.
 
Living in London we are spoilt with things to do. Not a day goes by when there isn't an event happening, a gallery opening etc, so my first impressions of Birmingham were, why go?
 
On visiting the city you realise that, with 1,2000,000 inhabitants, sufficient economic resources, an extensive history in design and industry, there is no doubt that Birmingham will be hugely important in the future of British design.  The re-branding of Birmingham provides an exciting opportunity and blank canvas for the whole of the design industry.

In no time at all, we shall see the rebirth of Birmingham into an iconic city, in a similar style to the transformation of Bilbao. During my time working in Spain, during the 80's and 90's, no one wanted to go to Bilbao. It was a dirty, industrial city, which carried huge risk due to severe terrorist threats. Then in 1997, Frank Gehry's Guggenheim was opened. This one masterpiece of architectural design changed the face of Bilbao forever. The city got cleaned up, thankfully the threat of terrorism subsided, and many well known architects, such as Calatrava and Foster, began weaving their creative magic upon the city.  It now stands as a very popular international tourist attraction.  

I hope that Birmingham, as a city, follows in Bilbao's footsteps, and I think that the city makes the perfect companion to the Interiors show: re-vitalised and exciting. I look forward to visiting in January.

Taken from a Blog by Kersti Urvois, Owner, Casa Décor