Clerkenwell Design Week 2011

I visited Clerkenwell Design Week the other day and an entertaining show it was too! In fact it was two shows – one at the Farmiloe Building on St John St and the other at the House of Detention, just behind Exmouth Market. The House of Detention was rather an odd venue, as most of the designers had to sit in tiny dank cells, presenting their wares in the swampy gloom. One of the guys I spoke to from Vitamin Living said they’d had an interesting time with the electrics and walls dripping with damp…

Overall, quirky details on upholstery were a big trend - multi-coloured buttons or studs on sofas and armchairs were everywhere. deadgood had a fantastic armchair which featured heart-shaped upholstery buttons. In fact the deadgood stand was probably my 'best in show'...

Mid-century design still rules the roost, with a distinctly 60’s flair. There was also lots of wood mixed with matt lacquers and discreet upholstery. Everything was very pared back, stripped down and simple.

Yellow was the key colour and it featured on pretty much everything from lighting to picnic benches in every possible shade between super napalm bright to subdued mustard gas.

Eccentricity is still all the rage. Foldable origami style seats, gothic dining chairs re-imagined in plastic, desk lamps seemingly fashioned from super-sized knitting needles, complete with cord flexes that look like wool. Quirky is king!

Pinch was in attendance and looked as subtly stylish as you’d expect. Lots of white and wood – very 'Refined Puritan'. They were showcasing a number of new designs including the beautiful Brody armchair. I want one!

Boat drinks CDW!