The Absolute team loved the buzzing atmosphere and the range of innovative, creative designs we found at Clerkenwell Design Week 2018. We’ve now had time to digest and reflect on our visits – here are our highlights:
Talks
We were inspired by:
The panel discussion on ‘How innovation and cultural change shape contemporary design’. Presented by Charles Leon, President of the British Institute of Interior Design, this focussed on future trends, technological innovation with design and the diversification of brands.
Charlene C. Lam’s talk on social media – the key message being that, while algorithms control a lot of what we’re shown it’s still crucial to identify who you’re targeting, how and why.
Ronan Bouroullec’s presentation at Domus of the new Mutina collection of terracotta tiles – Piano. Beautiful, softly contrasting shades, apparently inspired by the techniques of Pointilism. We were also impressed by a solid timber floor collection in Domus’ enormous showroom…
A few of our favourite things
We loved:
Season-appropriate Cane-line outdoor furniture – stylish, organic forms – quick drying and with weatherproof cushions.
Cane-line outdoor furniture
Hayche’s WW armchairs in their Colour Seriesand Harriet Caslin’s colourful textured pendant lights – the soft shades and interesting textures would work well in a bedroom.
Hayche’s WW armchairs
Harriet Caslin’s pendant lights
These lights by Neb Abbott– colourful and fun and cast beautiful, interesting shadows
Lighting by Neb Abbott
Organic shapes
This gorgeous Ancestors Tabwa Sideboard from Ethnicraft We love the linear, modern shape juxtaposed against the traditional geometric motifs, which replicate the same unique techniques used in the Tabwa culture in central Africa.
Ancestors Tabwa Sideboard from Ethnicraft
Dowsing and Reynolds’ extensive range of faceplates (light switches and plug sockets) in a variety of shapes and finishes.
Dowsing & Reynolds faceplates in various finishes
Long- term favourite Samuel Heath We’re currently using Style Moderne or Landmark collections wherever we can – amazing shapes and loads of different finishes (and combinations). We’re constantly impressed by the quality of their products – particularly how they ensure their new metal ranges are sufficiently treated/ designed to last.
Samuel Heath
Key Conclusions:
We’re seeing loads of really beautiful colours through the design world – muted and tranquil shades but an increasing use of areas of bright colour in unexpected but very successful places (those Hayche chairs again…)
Colour is being used imaginatively for metals as well as fabrics:
We love OB&B’s coloured, lacquered metals, especially in the upholstered chairs and sofas – used to coordinate with or as a contrast to the feature fabric
The popularity of ‘not chrome’ for bathrooms, kitchens and ironmongery generally continues to grow – various brass options are becoming available as standard finishes and the blackened effect works as a strong contrast to white sanitaryware.
Is it time for a make-over of your place?