Here at Oil Studios we can’t get enough of Interior Design Trends, it’s what gets us excited. One of the many things we love about our work is keeping abreast of what is happening within the market and as the only event in the UK that focuses solely on interior and exterior surfaces, The Surface Design Show is one we couldn’t wait to visit.
Image Credit: HelenJohannessen – Breathe In Breathe Out
Held at the business design centre in London, it had over 180 exhibiting companies from 19 different countries. We knew we were in for a great show learning about the latest interior design trends and finding the best in surface material innovation. We weren’t disappointed!
Shaping Communities was the theme of this year’s show. It looked at the work being done at grassroots implementing social value and sustainable practice into our build environment. The idea being that designers look to improve the surroundings for all, through collaboration and meaningful design solutions.
Sustainability & Interior design trends
Sustainable practices were evident throughout the show. Recycled plastic made from materials usually tossed away and naturally pigmented plaster finishes being just two of those that stood out.
As one of the UK’s leading material design studios, and a company at the forefront of interior design trends, Smile Plastics, are still very much one to watch. Even more so following their award. Producing 100% recycled and recyclable decorative panels for use in interiors, retails spaces, furniture and product design their products work in so many settings from commercial through to hospitality.
The Good Plastic Company is another we loved. They manufacture Polygood, a 100% recycled and recyclable plastic surface material. Something we see a lot of interior designers specifying as a stylish surface in areas from shower cubicles to restaurant tables.
Although very much old school, Ketley brick is one of those companies that always hit the spot when it comes to sustainability. Manufacturers of long-life, sustainable Staffordshire clay building products for over 100 years, the warm tones of authentic clay surfaces bring warmth, character and longevity to renovations and contemporary projects, both interior and exterior. Classic style that never goes out of fashion.
Luxury design
Armourcoat got our vote for the best dressed stand, with the whole team dressed in matching khaki shirts! It doesn’t hurt to have a bit of branding right? Although not new to the world of surface design, we believe Armourcoat has really set itself apart with its wide range of sustainable luxury finishes. We particularly loved their sculptural plaster with its wide range of unique, seamless and 3D designs. We have already seen our hospitality design clients specifying this, and we know it’s going to popular.
We spoke to CEO Guy Whitehead who explained that the company is committed to sustainability. It is now “all about longevity” he explained – echoing the ethos of the whole show.
Another contender for our favourite stand was Oberflex. This French company specialises in decorative surfaces and acoustic solutions for interior design. Its collections use wood, paper, metal, resin and solid surface to offer a vast choice of decorative surfaces and technical solutions for interior fittings. Suitable for all types of projects. We are big fans of its SuperOrganic range which is exclusively made up of organic or upcycled plants dried, and then formed together on a linen canvas. Organic hay, blueberries, roses, larkspur, sunflowers, green moss, lavender, walnut, oak, are all used to stunning effect and is a design trend we think could be very popular over the coming year.
Image Credit: Scribble Stone
Art work in surfaces
We weren’t expecting to see world famous artwork at the show, but we did. Inspire Surface is a new in-house production from Scribble Stone – specialists in architectural masonry – that creates bespoke solid surface projects.
Working in collaboration with artists, architects and city planners it can create the most unique architectural installations and public realm spaces. Its reproduction of Pablo Picasso’s ‘Head of a Woman in a Hat’ at the show was quite stunning – all made from porcelain!
Image Credit: Glass Design Ltd Fumed
Interior Design trends talks
One of the many discussions that were being held throughout the show – and one of the last – was hosted by Jennifer Castoldi of Trendease International. She talked us through the key design trends that can currently be seen across the globe. These included a fascinating look at why there is no longer any need for waste with everything from textile scraps, orange peel and urine (yes urine!) used to make products.
We learnt that a much more planet friendly alternative to foam is being created from mycelium – the roots of the mushroom. Leather alternatives are being used widely including mango, coconut and orange-peel leather. Then there was the aforementioned ceramic glaze – made from urine! It was a fascinating insight into how the world of design is developing in response to the planet’s needs and how designers are innovating.
Japanese inspired interiors
Japanese influenced design is an interior design trend we have seen begin to grow recently. Whilst there was only one stand at the show from Japan as such, it represented many Japanese designers and manufacturers both traditional and modern. Cipango’s selection of products including a fabric that had been woven from wood. It was fascinating to touch and see how soft and malleable it was. A wall hanging made from stainless steel that looked like a piece of silk as well as some stunning wallcoverings. Look out for more Japanese inspired interiors – we’re sure it’s going to be big this year.
Image Credit: Red Dog Design – Spring Kitchen
Glass finishes
If it was a glass surface you were looking for, there were plenty of options. From modern etched designs, to reworked antique mirrors. We particularly liked the highly detailed, hand-etching of the London skyline that featured on the Daedalian Glass Studios stand. As well as the cast lead-crystal design that offered a modern take on traditional take on stained glass.
Then there was Glass Designs Ltd which has its own processing works and an installation service for both trade and retail customers. Billy Perry, its Business Development Manager told us how the company prides itself on always being at the forefront of developments, while still keeping some of the traditional skills. He showed us a small selection of the projects they have worked on. Interesting that glass splashbacks in kitchens seem to be a growing interior design trend and can be used as a statement piece.
Another exhibitor featuring glass was Red Dog Glass Designs. Founded by contemporary artist Sally Couden, it manufactures premium contemporary art glass panels and splashbacks. Ideal for art lovers and those that are looking for something unique. We loved the samples they had on display and look forward to hearing what they do in the future.
Image Credit: Red Dog Design
Interior Design trends
Here are our top three takeaways from the show that we can see filtering through into interiors:
Large format
We have been using large format tiles on many of our projects, but what we saw at the show were large-scale used in more applications. They were on wallpaper obviously, but also used in other areas such as window decals and floors in all kinds of materials including vitreous enamel and porcelain. Murals are clearly going to be more commonplace outside of just wallpaper, making them more versatile for different uses and business across all sectors.
Metallics
It hasn’t been hard to spot the popularity of copper oxide kitchen splashbacks and industrial style brushed steel worktops over the past few years. But metal finishes is an interior design trend that isn’t going anywhere soon. In fact, it’s growing and developing – and offering even more choice. We saw furniture fronts covered in luxury metal veneers, unique patinated wall cladding and art pieces and beautiful decorative stainless steel sheets. Chroma Sparks had a selection of its finishes that includes verdigris, etched steel and copper cloud. G-Tex packed a punch as ever with its huge range of decorative metal finishes and wowed us with a fabulous take home piece of its stunning new water effect series.
Textured finishes
Our overall take away from the show outside of the need to promote sustainability was the importance of shape and texture. Be it concrete finishes on walls, acoustic decorative panelling, textured wallcoverings or water ripple effect stainless steel sheets. The options now for surfaces are immense and as designers we can be experimental and have some fun. To have movement and texture within an interior design scheme is a way to really add interest and individuality and we can’t wait to start using some of what we saw in our work with clients.
Surface Design Show was on at the Business Design Centre, London, February 2023.