While it was an immense challenge keeping the rugs under wraps in the run-up, Decorex 2024 proved to be the perfect platform for debuting our designs, and it served as the official launch of Northwest 35.
This global interior design event, which has taken place annually for 46 years, attracts the crème-de-la-crème of the design community, and serves up an abundance of inspiration and innovation. The energy and creativity within the hall were palpable and being a part of this exhibition was truly uplifting.
We showcased six rugs from across our collections and were thrilled with the reception and very positive feedback, from fellow first-timers to leading design professionals. The icing on the cake was an extremely complimentary note in our visitors’ book, left by a collector of rugs, who is also an award-winning BBC producer and reporter whose work we are in awe of.
With its strict selection criteria, Decorex places a strong emphasis on quality and luxury, and this was certainly consistent among the 280-plus established and emerging brands. In such esteemed company, it was thrilling to be told that the standard of craftsmanship evident in our rugs is among the finest in the industry.
Visitors to our stand seemed to immediately grasp our signature style, a blend of modern and traditional elements which, in their various combinations, tell the stories that are our raison d’etre. And we thoroughly enjoyed sharing these stories during the four days of the show. Comments about our striking colourways cropped up consistently, which delighted us, as our choice of dyes has been a big focus, to achieve our very vibrant hues with minimal environmental impact. It seemed colour was very much celebrated across the exhibition, with bold pairings an obvious trend.
We also noticed that sustainability really took centre stage at this year’s Decorex, and was a priority for most exhibitors. While each brand showcased its own unique style, a strong, common thread seemed to be the creation of high-quality pieces that are both ethically made and built to last, with renewed appreciation for traditional techniques and artisanal craftsmanship. The event’s Making Spaces platform showcased some of these incredible skills, with live demonstrations and immersive one-hour workshops.
It was heartening to discover that our company’s core values are echoed by so many others within the industry.
Decorex obviously offers excellent opportunities for networking, but there is also a great sense of community and goodwill among exhibitors – we came away having made valuable connections and new friends, and we can’t wait to return to Olympia in October 2025.
The past month seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye, with so much activity generated by Decorex, but we have found time to work on new designs, which we can’t wait to unveil – watch this space!
We also continue to collaborate closely with Label STEP and support their wonderful work to improve the wellbeing of weavers and workers in the handmade carpet industry.
Finally, look out for our feature in the new issue of Cover magazine, on sale next month.
