THE JOURNAL
bricks’. Nonetheless, the role of showrooms cannot be underestimated; subtleties can make or break a design scheme and they are often the things that get lost when looking at a product online. Details like materials and finishes are at their best close up, and there is something so important about experiencing products in person as well as seeking out advice from knowledgeable teams. “It’s impossible, online, to appreciate the texture of a velvet or the fine needlework of an embroidery, or the feel of a beautiful linen print. They all look very two- dimensional,” comments Osborne. “Fabrics have to be handled, stroked, admired close up, to appreciate them.” This is a view shared by another new arrival on the third floor, Siminetti, purveyors of luxury mother of pearl surfaces. “The material is renowned for being a difficult product to photograph, and it’s not easy to convey their true sense of luxury,” says founder Simon Powell. “By visiting our showroom, clients will really get to be wowed by the beauty of Mother Nature and what she produces, and what we work with to produce our striking product.” For Forbes & Lomax, which recently opened in Design Centre East, having a dedicated showroom is all about meeting clients. “Customer service has always been our key priority and we like to make sure that each client has been well advised; the showroom provides
the perfect space to discuss our clients’ requirements,” comments director Gemma Mouton. The Design Centre’s reputation for creative
excellence makes it a magnet for professional designers, architects and specifiers. “I’ve watched with interest its development over the last few years, specially Design Centre East, which is home to some younger and less mainstream interiors brands as well as the well-known favourites.” says Harriet Daniels, the founder of new arrival Tigermoth Lighting. “There’s a real vibrancy and buzz around the harbour these days which I absolutely love being part of. When a showroom with beautiful high ceilings became available, my mind was made up! Perfect for showing our larger pieces to clients.” Its neighbour Loom Furniture moved in around the same time. “Having such a wealth of great interiors brands and businesses in one space was something we wanted to be part of,” says director Jake Horne. “We wanted it to be a space in which our clients, old and new, could drop by and see items from our latest collection and further their understanding of our offering. We have a big display wall that contains our uniquely curated collection of materials and finishes, which are what really set us apart, creating limitless options for our furniture.”
“We’re thrilled that companies are debuting new
showrooms and deepening their investment at the Design Centre,” comments CEO Claire German. “Our aim is to bring our community together, to develop powerful networks, strengthen individual brands and bolster a unique eco-system.” Through its activities the Design Centre inspires, empowers and nurtures, sharing knowledge
and sparking conversations. A
year-round roster of events elevates it into a thriving hub at the heart of the global design scene – attracting international visitors and boosting business. It pulls out all the stops at annual events like Focus and London Design Week; visitors are able to meet the designers shaping the creative landscape of tomorrow, get ahead with the latest launches and be inspired by innovative thinkers and design legends who paved the way before them. The Design Avenue, a magnificent four-storey atrium linking Design Centre East with the domes, provides a stunning location for House Guests and pop- up exhibitions, giving visitors another reason to visit. More than the sum of its parts, dedication, investment and vision have ensured the Design Centre’s position as a catalyst for creativity and commerce – and it is exactly why the world’s premier design destination is on everyone’s radar.
ABOVE: Pop-up House Guests in the Design Avenue (such as Haines, pictured at Focus/23) add another layer of creativity to Design Centre shows
OPPOSITE: Thousands attend events such as London Design Week and Focus, where meet-the-designer sessions, launches, artisan demonstrations and Q&As enrich visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of design. New showrooms that have recently joined the fold include Osborne & Little and Siminetti
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