Swimming in Luxury - The Big Rug debate

02 Aug '08

7 min read

Lucy Upward of Modern Carpet & Textiles magazine believes there are several factors driving our fascination for rugs.

"We are moving towards a high period of decoration, but unlike a decorative textile such as fabric or wallpaper, a rug is a strong design statement bought to last.

It's also about luxury a designer rug is an expensive item so says much about the owner. Then there is the organic, ethical aspect about rugs.

They echo high-end craft values. Many designers are creating new interpretations of traditional age-old designs and it is this, that people are attracted by something tangible with a real quality and style about it."

Chris Mould, Director of new Decorex exhibitor Bazaar Velvet has the last word: "A new generation of style conscious individuals has developed, demanding rugs with fresh designs and new colourways in the perfect size. Clients can choose from over 600 designs or they can submit their own. Everything is possible."

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW:
Decorex signals an opportunity for specialist companies to show their best work to the interiors world. And it's not just the old faithfuls who show their wares at Decorex.

If you think you've seen it all before, think again. There are a whole host of brand new exhibitors who, after hearing the success stories of interior designers coming onto stands and placing orders on the spot, are securing stands at the exhibition.

Some of these stands may be small but some of the best known names with the biggest stands started off with just 12m2. In just a few years the Rebecca Scott stand has grown from 12m2 to 35m2.

Ecco Trading also started out with a dozen or so m2 and has expanded to 39m2 while the eponymous William Yeoward will spread their wares over 50m2, up from 16m2 in the company's early days. Leisure Plan however takes the biscuit with a 115m2 stand this year.

Brabin & Fitz has been supporting the show for over six years. As company owner Dominic McParland confirms, "The show gives clients the chance to see the quality of our work.

This is so important if they have only been able to view the brochure or the collection online. It's also our chance to show the new ideas as well.

This year we will be showing the big brother of a console table for which we won an award from the BIDA several years ago.

We'll be unveiling a new collection of chandeliers and the overall theme will be one of elegance with silver, black, glass, metal and high gloss surfaces making the impact."

Bill Cleyndert agrees that seeing is believing for the many buyers and interior designers visiting the show. Decorex is about showing what a company can excel at and in Bill Cleyndert & Company's case, it is exceptional skills in joinery at a very high level.

"This year we are going to feature a complete 'experience' that displays current trends through the techniques we have developed over some 17 years of being involved with the event.

It's our chance to really get our message across to interior designers, and to network with other people exhibiting at the show."

One of the companies who can proudly boast being at a fair few Decorex shows in the past (over 20) is Titley & Marr.

"Decorex gives us the opportunity to create something that is quite transient and fun," says Kate Titley. "This year we are going to launch a new range of prints.

They are quintessentially English and very pretty, and I'm in the process of designing a stand to match the thinking behind the collection.

I was glad to see the return of more fabric houses to the show last year it makes a big difference as it shows the complete picture in terms of interiors."

Kate and many others will be pleased to know even more fabric companies have booked a

Decorex International 2008

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