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2024/25 Design Direction, PLAIN. Applications in Retail, Furniture, Lighting, Textiles and Kitchens

Dedicated to material innovation, London’s Surface Design Show was a welcome chance to catch up on the latest directions in this sector.

At Heimtextil, home and contract textile brands navigated a diverse landscape of regenerative design, bold florals and multiple colour palettes.

Paris Déco Off, a major draw for international interior designers and decoration editors, offers an early opportunity to discover the latest directions in textiles, wallcoverings and rugs.

Two varied directions from Stockholm Furniture Fair; a palette of naïve brights and pastel combinations, and sophisticated neutrals informed by material and craft heritage.

Softer and more forgiving than black, sophisticated and sober, navy’s ubiquity gives it a pleasing and reassuring anonymity. If there is such thing as a fail-safe choice, then navy is it.

Metals of antiquity, a term coined by Plato, was given to early metallurgical discoveries made by people of the past. Now artists and designers are exploring this ancient knowledge.

This year, hand-made tile specialist Bert & May is celebrating 10 years in business. Creative Director and Founder Lee Thornley talks to Tamsin Kingswell about sustainability, colour and the importance of forever design.

Transnomadica founder Maurizio Donadi talks to Tamsin Kingswell.