Focus/14 is an essential barometer celebrating the best in design, held at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. This year, there are more activities than ever before with new ways for visitors to enjoy, engage and explore an exceptional portfolio. A dynamic programme brings together the brightest and most creative minds for an exciting exchange of ideas and collection launches from over 500 international brands at 99 showrooms, while extra features have been introduced to punctuate and enliven the event.
At the ‘Conversations in Design’ sessions, global names share their expert knowledge and creative know-how. ‘Access All Areas’ sees tremendous growth, too, with over 80 individual events bringing new insights at bespoke workshops, talks, forums and meet the designer sessions.
A specially commissioned installation by floral artist Rebecca Louise Law, a show-stopping restaurant, original displays and pop-ups, a design hub, breakout sessions, book signings as well as a design blog that offers unprecedented access as the show unfolds, will also feature.
Visitors can discover the latest design directions with the season’s key fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, lighting, accessories, kitchens, bathroom, outdoor living, tiles and carpets all under one roof, as well as at external participants in Chelsea.
Whether looking for ideas for the home or solutions for a commercial project, yacht or hotel it is the first port of call for designers, architects, style-seekers and decision-makers who need to stay in touch with what is happening in the design arena.
Focus/14 is one of the key Design Destinations at the London Design Festival providing a hub for international buyers, specifiers and media.
Highlights at a glance
Conversations in Design
Headline speakers include living legend Sir Terence Conran and one of the most highly respected interior designers of his generation, Chester Jones. Simon Rawlings discusses the legacy of the late David Collins. A professional practice seminar with Robert Angel, Steve La Bouchardiere and Neil Hogan debates how restaurant and bar design is a hotbed of creativity while Fiona Barratt-Campbell, Lori Weitzner and Paul Massey talk about how to make your home your own. A new initiative has been introduced called ‘Talking Design’ with Allegra Hicks discussing her life in fashion and interiors, Olivier Dupon on the renaissance of floral art and Dominic Bradbury who is the guide to all aspects of mid century modern style. For ‘Thinking Design’ Anne Loyd explores how the practice of mindfulness can help creativity and decision making.
Access All Areas
Access All Areas sees tremendous growth with more individual events than ever before. With over 80 showroom sessions, there has never been so much to enjoy, learn and discover. Visitors can meet international designers including Tord Boontje at Porta Romana. From the US, interior designer Thomas Callaway launches his new range for Holland & Sherry while Tim Campbell will be in SA Baxter. Join interior designer Paolo Moschino for a talk on people and places that have inspired him. Get exclusive insights from architect Charles Zana at Dedar and Milan-based design duo Meneghello Paolelli at Victoria + Albert Baths. Martin Goddard talks about hotel design at Decca (Bolier) and interior designer Emma Pocock discusses pattern and colour at Tim Page Carpets. Get behind the scenes with Ali Brown from Homes & Gardens and find out what really happens at a decorating shoot or join Sophie Robinson (judge on TV’s The Great Interior Design Challenge) for a masterclass on creating the perfect scheme at Romo. There are talks on lighting design at Crestron and Vaughan and a workshop on bespoke curtain making at Lelievre. Enjoy Hollywood cocktails at Bella Figura, a magician at Black & Key and beauty treatments at Simpsons Mirrors & Furniture. Stark Carpet is holding a coffee morning to raise funds for Macmillan. The new Christopher Guy showroom is the largest in the Design Centre.
