What To Expect From London Design Week

Carisha Swanson

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There’s way more to London then the Royals, pub-hopping and fish n’ chips—for nine splendid days in September, the city turns into a design lover’s dream during their annual London Design Festival. Everywhere you turn you’ll find an event, showcase, talk or exhibit highlighting British craftsmanship and international design, covering what’s new in furnishings, textiles, and all things home.

So What Is The London Design Festival, Exactly?

Anchoring the week are five “to the trade” shows (a not-so-fancy term meaning “exclusively for people in the design trade,” like interior designers and buyers) with hundreds of exhibitors highlighting their newest wares. The good news is most of these shows have public days where everyone is welcome.

BOOK NOW London Design Festival, TripAdvisor

While most of these shows aren’t shoppable, they are clickable! So bring your backup charger because you’ll be snapping pics every five feet, cataloging all the brands you just fell in love with and ultimately signing up for their Instagram to be wooed on a daily basis. Plus, if you do really want to shop, there are 11 design districts, each featuring a lineup of daily events, and special nights where all the districts’ showrooms stay open late for a design crawl.

You Can Take In London’s Sights As You Browse.

These events also carry over into iconic locations, like the The Victoria & Albert, or V&A Museum, where several design events are curated throughout the week. All around the city, you’ll find specially commissioned works and artist-led projects taking over public spaces and inviting you into private ones.

After zig-zagging through London and snapping more than 1,000 pics, here are some of my favorite products from this year’s festival:

Truly Wild Rugs

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Animal-themed rugs by Junior Monarch are playful enough for a kids room, but the sophisticated design adds the perfect amount of whimsy to any space.

Vases That Stand Alone As Art

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This is the perfect assemblage of ceramic bud vases in traditional blue and whites by Miyu Kurihara.

Eye-Catching Lights

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Sarah Colson shows off a cluster of her latest lighting collection, of which she’ll choose five patterns to ultimately go into production.

Mexican-Inspired Decor

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Inspired by the religious beliefs of a native Mexican community, Tropel Designs Wixarika collection consists of one-of-a-kind pieces made of yarn and beads that are part art, part objet.

Femme Flourishes

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With a ’30s vibe and glamorous lighting, this chic bedroom from Sweet & Willow showcases their feminine sensibility.

Bowls Made For Your Most ‘Grammable Meals

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In a range of Insta-friendly hues, Harriet Caslin alters porcelain into unique tableware designs and two-toned lighting, casting a beautiful glow on your next dinner party.

Playful Shades

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Decorative shades and black out curtains in raspberry hues set the mood for The Blinds Company latest fabric offerings.

Supersized Window Accessories

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Take a nod from grandma and add oversized accessories to your window dressing. Jones Interiors offers handcrafted tiebacks, colorful finials, and contemporary curtain rods.

Chic Doghouses With An Awesome Backstory

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Newly formed company Pets and Pods creates mini, origami-styled homes made primarily of recycled plastic bottles for your furry friend—so it’s good for the earth and chic enough for your pad.

Lamps That’ll Have You Dreaming Of Your Next Vacay

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Cult favorite Rosanna Lonsdale shows off her Hamptons-ready table lamp designs and adds their latest ikat shades to the line.

Sofas That Are Anything But Average

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Decca Home’s retro City Gull Wing Sofa gets a modern update with a refreshingly bold play on stripes in bright fuchsia, mustardy yellows, and subdued grays.

Sleek Ways To Stow Your Stuff

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Mudroom or playroom-ready lockers from Mustard in fun colors make dressing down or clearing up a quick process.

Space-Saving Chairs You Want To Show Off

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Hayche’s WW series can be as sensible as pairing black-on-black or as surprising as mixing multiple finishes into one exuberant chair.

Sculptural Art That That Finds Beauty In The Everyday

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“Bottles” from Solimene Art celebrates four generations of Italian ceramic craftsmanship and artistry.

Check out all the exhibitors at the London Design Festival.