Decorex, an annual design fair, will be held at Olympia London from 11-14 October. The event is billed as ‘the meeting place for interior designers’ and deals with both practical and inspirational aspects of design.
A key highlight of the event is AEVEN’s ‘A Seat at the Table’ takeover of the Decorex bar. This space, organised by AEVEN founders Alex Dauley and Grant Pierrus, features a large communal table with a collection of chairs by various brands and makers.
Alex Dauley explains that ‘A Seat at the Table is about creating a space that reflects the design industry itself, diverse, layered, collaborative and full of different voices.’ The space aims to feel open, democratic, and alive with conversation, and is a physical manifestation of what AEVEN stands for: bringing people together to create something meaningful.
Design Talks and Collaborations
ELLE Decoration Deputy Editor Clare Sartin will be hosting a Design Talk: ‘Design Across the Pond: US vs UK Perspectives’. She will be joined by Alex Dauley, Grant Pierrus, Veronika Miller, and designer Dara Huang to discuss misconceptions about design between the two countries and share practical advice.
Now in its fifth year, ‘Making Spaces’ is another highlight of the event, showcasing the skills of artisans from across the country with live demonstrations and workshops. This year’s selection includes a number of woodworkers, such as furniture maker Jarrad Belton and marquetry artist Eleanor Pickin of Epic Kin Designs.
Exhibitors and Exhibits
Among the exhibitors at Decorex are Ligne Roset, who will be presenting ‘The Stinger’, a new collection inspired by 1950s cocktail culture. Other notable exhibitors include British brands such as Novocastrian, Naturalmat, Original BTC, and Corston.
The event also features a VIP lounge designed by Claudia Dorsch, a reimagined chalet that aims to bring the cosy decadence of a 1970s ski chalet to the London Olympia. The lounge features a faux fur-clad reception and a room anchored by a suspended fireplace, creating a space where visitors can slow down and feel pulled toward the fire.
As Claudia Dorsch notes, the lounge is ‘a celebration of the heritage of alpine life, timber, fire, raw metal and fur, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.’ The lounge is a unique aspect of the event, and visitors can find more information about Decorex at decorex.com.
