Kay James, Bristol-based interior designer and founder of K Interiors, shares her top five takeaways from London Design Week, which she visited recently
There’s something quite magical about the start of London Design Week. Even before you step inside the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour, there’s an energy in the air. From the over-the-top flower displays bursting with springtime colour, to the audible buzz as fellow design lovers, industry insiders and creatives queue up to collect their passes.
As an interior designer, this is one of the highlights of my year. It’s both a source of inspiration and a chance to reconnect with what’s fresh, innovative and – though I really hate to use this word – ‘trending’ in our industry. And 2025’s collections didn’t disappoint. Between mesmerising artist demos, heritage design talks, and new brands just waiting to be discovered, I left brimming with ideas for upcoming projects.
Exciting pieces in unexpected places
The moment you walk in you’re met with a series of ‘pop-up’ stands along Design Avenue – this is actually one of my favourite parts of the show. These aren’t the permanent residents of the Design Centre, but rather hand-picked designers, lovingly referred to as House Guests, showcasing unique products, especially for the event. It’s a bit of a treasure trove. You might discover a maker who’s exhibiting for the very first time, or a more established brand trialling a new concept. This year, I loved Martin Huxford’s lighting, the fluid furniture by Fiona McDonald and the earthy paint palette of Rose Uniacke to name a few.
I always find this area especially energising. It’s the place to get a feel for what’s bubbling under the surface, whether that’s experimental textiles or one-off lighting pieces. It’s such a great reminder of how dynamic and ever-evolving our industry is. And honestly, if you’re planning a big project, these exhibits alone could overwhelm you with ideas.
This season’s style? A tale of two vibes
I’m never one for encouraging people to blindly follow trends – we all know how quickly those can come and go – but I do find it interesting to see the mood of the moment. And this year, two distinct styles stood out to me. On the one hand, there was a strong showing of ditsy, small-scale patterns in pastel shades, often with a nod to nature. Think English country house, but with a twist. Designers like Birdie Fortescue and Bertioli by Thyme were showcasing soft colour palettes and lots of layering, giving an almost nostalgic feel. The look felt modern thanks to clever colour choices and styling, yet still very homely and familiar.
At the other end of the spectrum, bold, tribal-inspired prints were having their moment. I’m talking graphic, statement designs with personality. Casamance and Osborne & Little were leading the way with an Aboriginal feel that I can imagine working well on full-length curtains or as an upholstery fabric for a design centrepiece. Rich in texture and grounded with earthy neutrals, I was quite drawn to this direction. It has a bit of edge and drama, without losing elegance.
The beauty of watching live artistry
One of the joys of Design Week is the chance take in live demonstrations from industry artists and creators. One of my favourite moments was seeing artist Geoffroy Pithon painting at Casamance. There’s something truly special about witnessing the origins of a design unfold; his abstract works have been translated into wallpapers and fabrics that are produced and sold by the brand today. Seeing the hand-painted roots of these pieces really does add another layer of appreciation.
I love the idea of turning artwork into something you can actually live with, as opposed to just admire on a gallery wall. Design really is about emotion as well as aesthetics.
The importance of reflecting on what’s right for you
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to someone visiting, and this applies whether you’re in the industry or simply an interiors lover, is to absorb what you see and then take time to reflect. Yes, explore the trends (there’s that word again!), get excited about colours, patterns and textures. But don’t get so blinded you forget to consider how it would fit within your own home.
After the show, I popped to Designers Guild and was instantly uplifted by its signature candy-coloured stripes and fresh palettes. It felt like spring bottled up into a showroom – so light and happy. It’s a brand with a confident sense of identity. Contrast this energetic styling with some of the more pastel or earthy-toned spaces back at the Design Centre, and you’ll really get a feel for how different aesthetics can look and feel. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ when it comes to designing your own interiors, it’s about what resonates with you, and what complements the architecture and personality of your space.
If you’re attending the show, especially if you’re doing so with a project in mind, can I recommend going with your designer? It’s so easy to fall in love with a look and make a spur-of-the-moment purchase that just doesn’t work at home. Having that expert eye with you will help keep everything in perspective.
Taking inspiration from the past
One of my unexpected highlights was a talk on heritage design in historic properties, hosted by GP & J Baker’s Ann Grafton, introducing House & Garden editor Hatta Byng and Historic Royal Palaces’ chief historian Tracy Borman. The discussion centred on the architecture and archives of the Royal Palaces that have inspired the creation of the new Royal Court fabric and wallpaper collaboration. They talked about fabric choices, historical research, and how contemporary designers have honoured the legacy, while modernising at the same time.
It was a fascinating deep-dive into the importance of integrity in interiors. Behind every thick velvet curtain or woven tapestry is a rich history of craftsmanship, culture and context. And as designers, it’s our job to be mindful of that – even when we’re working with contemporary homes. Great interiors shouldn’t just be beautiful; to make sense they must work as a part of the story of the building in which they sit.
My final thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just beginning your interiors journey, I’d wholeheartedly recommend the show – especially if you’re gearing up for a renovation or refresh. Just remember to take it all in, allow yourself time to reflect, and focus on what truly speaks to you and your space. And if you come away with one fabric sample, a bold new idea that truly excites you, or simply a phone full of photos to add to that Pinterest Board, then I’d say it’s been a day well spent.
To find out more about London Design Week and K Interiors, head to the websites: dcch.co.uk/london-design-week | k-interiors.co.uk
