Every May, I circle Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 for fresh ideas on my calendar—and this year reminded me why it’s such a must-attend. Tucked in the historical heart of London’s design district, it’s more than just a trade show. For those of us in the industry and beyond, it’s a playground of fresh ideas, materials, and inspiration for transforming spaces in meaningful ways.
A Shift Toward Conscious, Connected Design
What struck me most this year was the mood. While there was still plenty of energy, there was also a clear shift toward intentional and mindful design. Brands weren’t just showing beautiful pieces—they were sharing stories. Sustainability was woven into everything, not as a trend but as a given.
As a designer who works in homes where every item needs to have purpose and longevity, this really resonated. Materials on display were responsibly sourced but felt luxurious and lived-in—a perfect fit for today’s modern homes.
Texture: The Unsung Hero of Residential Interiors
One thing that kept popping up? Texture—and lots of it.
There were soft boucle and wool sofas that felt like a warm hug, ribbed tiles begging to be touched, and raw, tactile finishes that instantly grounded a space. It reminded me how powerful texture can be in transforming spaces, especially in the home.
Clients often focus on colour or layout, but introducing the right materials—ones you feel—can take a space from coordinated to layered with real depth.
Natural Tones, Organic Shapes
In terms of colour, the palette leaned warm and earthy. Think soft clay, chocolate browns and buttery beige—tones that instantly evoke calm. These are colours I already love using in my North London interior design projects, particularly in living rooms and bedrooms where a restful mood is key.
I also noticed a lot of organic forms—curved furniture, irregular tabletops, and lighting that mimicked natural shapes. These softer lines bring a sense of ease and flow that works beautifully in residential spaces.
Personal Highlights from the Week
One of the things I love about Clerkenwell Design Week is that the venues are just as inspiring as the work on display. From beautifully restored churches to elegant heritage rooms—and even the atmospheric underground gaol—each space adds a unique layer to the experience.
The old prison, in particular, was a brilliant setting for showcasing lighting design. It created the perfect contrast for brands to really let their products shine (quite literally). I was especially drawn to the Industville stand—their lighting always strikes that perfect balance of industrial and elegant. Studio Hara also stood out to me with their beautifully curated display of organic wooden wall lights—natural, warm, and thoughtfully designed.
I also stepped into a panel discussion on “Biophilia in the Workplace”—slightly outside my usual residential focus, but fascinating nonetheless. It explored how integrating plants into office environments can enhance productivity, improve air quality, and support overall wellbeing. It definitely sparked some ideas I can adapt for home offices and wellness-focused interiors.
What I’m Bringing Back to My Design Practice
As a residential designer working across North London, I left Clerkenwell buzzing with ideas. But more than that, I left feeling reconnected to why I love what I do: helping people create homes that feel truly theirs.
This year’s Design Week reinforced the idea that good design is emotional. It’s not just about filling a room—it’s about shaping how a space feels, functions, and flows. Whether I’m working on a full renovation or refreshing a single room, I’m excited to bring some of these ideas into my upcoming projects.
Final Thoughts
Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 was a beautiful blend of inspiration, innovation, and grounded design thinking. For anyone passionate about interiors—especially those focused on transforming spaces for everyday living—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when design meets purpose.
If you’re looking to refresh your home or start a full redesign, get in touch—I’d love to bring some of this energy to your space.
