Several members of our Lucas/Eilers team traveled to London in September to attend the 40th presentation of Decorex International. The expansive collection of exhibitors, the interesting offering of seminars, as well as the creativity and hospitality of the London design community made it a rewarding trip.
The VIP Lounge at Decorex, also known as the “Syon Surf Shack” was a great place to rest our weary feet and connect with old (and new) friends.
It was nice to catch up with Chris and Nicola Cox in their booth at Decorex. We love their artistic bronze designs, especially the custom lighting they have created for our projects. This wonderful new table with chairs that tuck around the angled edges was brilliant and beautiful. We originally met Chris and Nicola several years ago at the Rose Tarlow showroom in LA who represents Cox in the states. Their new leaf chandelier, with leaves that even adorn the chain, was a crowd pleaser.
Cox London
Interesting new products and displays were around every corner. Kate and Linley posed in front of the Osborne & Little display at the entry to the fair.
Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam displayed a wonderful assortment of lighting and furniture.
We always enjoy seeing the new designs by Julian Chichester in High Point. It was fun to have him give us a tour of his booth at Decorex.
We were excited to find a new, completely custom source for modern, vibrant, hand-stitched needlepoint. Hunt & Hope
Our old friends at Samuel & Sons introduced several beautiful new trims that we are excited to use on projects.
A very special treat was breakfast and a tour of the GP & J Baker fabric design studio and archives at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. We appreciate the time and hospitality of Ann Grafton and Tony Ferrigno and their talented team of fabric designers. We enjoyed seeing the beautiful new fabric introductions as well as getting a glimpse of upcoming designs in the works.
It’s always fun to tour the design showrooms and shops on Pimlico Road. Having used their lighting and fabrics over the years, our first stop was at Soane Britain.
Soane
Founded by David Linley, LINLEY creates bespoke and art furniture pieces and accessories. Of course, we had “our Linley” pose with her purchases in front of the sign!
Humphrey-Carrasco LTD, one of our favorite antique shops on Pimlico Road has a fabulous curated collection of English Antiques and this lovely garden courtyard. Other interesting stops along Pimlico are Rose Uniacke, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, Howe London, and Jamb. Also not to be missed are Robert Kime and Cox London on Ebury Street just around the corner.
We had a delightful lunch at The Orange café at 37 Pimlico Road where we spotted this sheepish painted cat walking the stair baluster. Afternoon tea after a long day of showroom visits at R Chocolate at 198 Ebury Street kept us going.
Lunch at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond with our friends Samantha and Jemma from de Gournay was an absolute highlight of the trip. The food and surroundings were superb and we could not have been luckier with the weather!
We had the very distinct pleasure of visiting Claud Cecil Gurney’s fabulous Knightsbridge home for breakfast. He and his beautiful daughter Hannah are delightful hosts. de Gournay has created the most exciting wallcoverings for our projects and are a delight to work with. Such fun to spend time with them in their “hometown”!
We have admired this creative glass fireplace surround in photos. It was great to see it and the beautiful willow de Gournay wall panels in person.
We can never get enough of Kit Kemp’s exquisite designs or her comfortable and stylish Firmdale hotels. This trip we stayed at Number Sixteen in South Kensington which was a great location for the design centers. On my last trip, I stayed at the Charlotte Street Hotel, and have enjoyed staying at the Crosby Street Hotel in New York’s SOHO area. Each of their unique properties provides a wonderful home away from home!
Number Sixteen
Lunch or tea at The Wolseley is always a good idea.
The events connected to Decorex and the London Design Festival stretched across town. From the antique show in Mayfair to special exhibits at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London was brimming with design inspiration.
A spectacular Chihuly sculpture at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The ironwork exhibited at the V & A reminds me of the pieces at the Barnes Museum in Philadelphia. Such beautiful craftsmanship.
No matter how many times you visit the V & A, you can never see it all. I find something new and inspirational on each visit. London is the world’s treasure trove.
A quick, early morning trip to the British Museum to visit the Elgin Marbles before the crowds arrive is a wonderful way to start a day in London.
Before returning home, we took a side trip to Devon and the Jurassic Coast. Lyme Regis is a charming little town by the sea. I was particularly taken with this elaborate gutter on a home along the boardwalk, as well as the beautiful views. We look forward to our next trip across the pond!
“I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I want to go places and see people. I want my mind to grow. I want to live where things happen on a big scale.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
