The 2019 Decor + Design show was a smashing success in Melbourne from 18th – 21st July, with thousands of trade visitors streaming into Melbourne Exhibition Centre to see 500+ Brands.
Major design influencers were on the ground, with Steve Cordony, Sibella Court, Megan Morton, James Treble, Kirsten Stanisich and Jonathan Richards all strolling the floor before speaking as part of the Australian House & Garden International Seminar Series, hosted by new AH&G Editor-in-Chief Tanya Buchanan.
Design Influencer Steve Cordony at Decor + Design 2019
Hip LA designers Cortney & Robert Novogratz made a splash at the Media Lunch on Thursday 18th July, as well as in their Keynote Seminar on Friday. They were refreshingly candid about their pragmatic approach to mass market design with homeware ranges in Walmart, which they balance with extraordinary high-end work for clients.
Robert & Cortney Novogratz
“We’ve seen some exciting, super cool brands that we weren’t familiar with. We love colour – and Australians definitely do too”, said Cortney Novogratz after walking the show floor.
Textiles powerhouse Warwick Fabrics were back after a long hiatus, launching three stunning new ranges, Linia, Weave and Warwick.
“The numbers have been great. It’s a really good decorative market, with a great representation of products. There’s something for everyone here. I think we’ll definitely be coming back!” – Cam Warwick
Warwick also won the Best Large Stand award for Decor + Design, while Parker Road were awarded Best Small Stand.
Warwick Fabrics, Best Large Stand
GlobeWest were also on top form, launching 28 new collections of outdoor and indoor furniture, as well as homewares.
There were 6 new key design directions from GlobeWest – Modern Mediterranean, New Country, Classic, Decadent Century, Fluid Minimalism, Island Getaway and Earthy Eclectic.
“We’ve been able to meet lots of prospective customers but it’s also a great platform to introduce current clients to our new ranges.” – Jess Rocke, GlobeWest
Trend Forecaster Victoria Redshaw at Decor + Design.
Key Design Trends
Leading UK Trend Forecasting agency Scarlet Opus once again wowed with their knowledge of the global design industry and their insights into upcoming trends.
Victoria Redshaw identified 3 key trends which will dominate over the next few years.
1) ‘The Game Changer’: a trend towards materials and products which reuse waste materials and recycled materials. Consumers will be more and more concerned about environmental damage, taking these products mainstream.
Many exhibitors showcased sustainable products but particularly impressive was the University of NSW’s SMART Microfactories stand. They displayed tables made from a blend of resign and waste glass, single use coffee cups, used coffee grounds and other waste. No piece is the same, as the colours are determined by the waste materials being used.
Recycled materials from UNSW SMART Microfactories
2) ‘Satori’: a Japanese word that refers to the experience of seeing into one’s true nature. With the Tokyo Olympics set to take place during Summer 2020, Japanese arts, crafts and design are set to shine.
The aesthetic is calming and has a natural rhythm. Examples of this Japanese-influenced design be seen in the hand-poured, conical candles from Candle Kiosk.
Candle Kiosk
3) ‘Fellowship’
This design direction promotes the power of the Collective. It celebrates cultural diversity and a global outlook. This is a joyous trend, showcasing a mix of patterns, materials and products that together result in a modern ‘Graphic Craft’ style.
Woven Vases, Akkaara
An example of this trend can be seen in the woven vases from Akkaara pictured left.
2019 cemented Decor + Design’s position as Australia’s No.1 Interiors Trade Event! There’s no other event in the country where retail buyers and interior designers can see over 500 brands under one roof.
This year trade visitors included retail buyers from across the spectrum, such as David Jones, Myer, KMART, Target, Jardan, Gorsia and Coco Republic.
With major design influencers and media on the exhibition floor as part of the Australian House & Garden International Seminar Series, there really is only one Decor + Design.
The 17th edition of the show will take place from 16th – 19th July 2020 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
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