Highlights of London Design Week 2026

At the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London Design Week 2026 drew designers and industry professionals into a five-day exploration of interiors shaped by craft, materiality and collaboration. Held from 9 to 13 March, the event brought together more than 135 showrooms and 600 international brands, unfolding as a series of encounters where installations and conversations reflected a broader shift towards thoughtful, process-driven design. Across the venue, smaller, material-led presentations offered some of the most engaging moments spaces that encouraged a slower, more attentive way of looking.

Bloomsbury Revisited presented lampshades, wallpapers and home accessories inspired by the Bloomsbury artists, introducing new spring 2026 designs alongside updated colourways. Produced in-house and supported by a bespoke offering, the collection emphasised narrative and individuality.

At Martin Huxford, sculptural lighting pushed plaster and bronze into bold forms. Floor lamps, chandeliers and sconces were defined by heavily textured surfaces, with references ranging from Fortuny’s pleated textiles to geometric abstraction.

Deus ex Gardenia introduced its British Museum collection, reworking 18th-century artworks into 12 wallpaper designs spanning botanicals, repeat patterns and murals, balancing subtlety with expressive detail.

With a focus on sustainability, Joro drew on its Indian manufacturing heritage to present textiles rooted in craft and conscious production, while Annika Reed Studio showcased woodblock-printed wallpapers and fabrics, where hand-carved designs brought texture and a sense of narrative to interiors.

Alongside the installations, London Design Week 2026 featured a rich programme of talks, panels and hands-on sessions. Francis Sultana, hosted by House & Garden, explored his world-class portfolio, offering insights into creating interiors that blend contemporary and historic design while integrating large-scale art and sculpture.

In Design Stories, Kit Kemp shared the philosophy behind her Firmdale Hotels projects, revealing how colour, pattern and bespoke details shape spaces into immersive, character-filled experiences.

Panels such as Super Women celebrated the achievements of leading female designers and antique dealers, with designers including Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay, Anahita Rigby, Tat Charlie Porter and Jennifer Manners discussing their careers, influences and legacies.

Practical demonstrations invited attendees to engage directly with materials and craft: Creative Matters led a weaving workshop at Stark Carpet, Lincrusta offered interactive wallcovering sessions where visitors decorated their own samples, and the ‘Human Tassel’ installation by The Creative Dimension Trust celebrated a decade of craft-based learning and skill development, guided by students and industry specialists.

The talks, panels and workshops highlighted the creativity and craft behind today’s interiors, leaving visitors inspired by the ideas, processes and collaborations shaping the future of design.