Design trends are often influential in other disciplines, and the Decorex International fair in London – which highlights luxury interior design – specifically furniture, lighting, textiles and crafts – provides exceptional inspiration and insight into new directions and creations for the home. This year among the array of trends forecasted, details in line using inlays and marquetry in furniture take on a new contemporary aesthetic – and the typically astute attention to material mixes such as exotic wood and metal offers some very classy and refined design work across categories.
Above: Dhow monochrome 2×2 cabinet from Bethan Gray – showing at Decorex International Fair. The handmade Dhow collection features intricate use of marquetry on stained maple veneer with a stunning combination of solid brass. The collection is handmade to order in Muscat, Oman. Bethan Gray is a talented Welsh designer who combines luxurious natural materials with expertise in craftsmanship and technology. Find out more: www.bethangray.com
As is often the way, a similar interest in bold and graphic use of line has infiltrated the designer eyewear collections. In Studio 1 by Mykita, an art deco aesthetic meets functionalism for an aesthetic evoking the Fritz Lang classic. These particular models have a strong graphic look with fine, repetitive horizontal lines which join with round lenses. A sleek single or two-tone colour concept accentuates the 2-d quality of the sunglasses.
Inspired by the latest advancements in surface treatment technology, MYKITA’s Studio 6 uses a precision etching process to make ultra fine lines on the frame surface – the lines follow the exact contour of the frame and create a 3d graphic pattern. By combining metallic tones with matt solid colours the emphasis falls on a psychedelic effect, which evokes the optical illusion art of the 1960s. www.mykita.com
Similarly, exquisite inlays characterise the Stella’d Cocktail Cabinet by Zelouf + Bell – creating an exciting and eye-catching optical pattern that mixes a modern look and art deco with real artisan expertise. Zealouf + Bell – award-winning studio furniture makers – will also be highlighted at Decorex International. Visit www.zeloufandbell.com for further information.
The brand new model Hop from BOZ is an equally masterful design-focused frame from France. It’s unusual angular line superimposed on a circular eye shape is enhanced further with a very finely laser-etched pattern at the top of the double triangle creating an enchanting focus on linear detailing. www.jfrey.fr CN
The leading interior design event – DECOREX International – takes place on 16 to 19th September at Syon Park London. Visit www.decorex.com for details and tickets.