A review of Tent London

So Design week has finally come to an end, although it was brilliant, amazing, filled with talent it was exhausting!-but of course worth it. The show gave me a chance to spend some time with the very talented Katie Garner! Katie is a writer based in Essex and she so very kindly has offered to write a few posts for the blog to sum up some of the highlights during design week. I hope her thoughts will give those of you who couldn't make it a taste for the festival! 
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  
Welcome to Tent London 2012

Feeling like a kid in a candy store, grab inspiration from varied colour palettes, a kaleidoscope of shapes and a multitude of fingertip textures – all on display at London’s forerunning design exhibition  By Katie Garner

It was the return of London’s top design trade show this weekend, as Tent London invaded Brick Lane to add its individualistic and stylish stamp on the annual London Design Festival, running between the 20^th and 23^rd September. With over 200 international exhibitors showcasing furniture, lighting, ceramics, textiles, materials and accessories, there was definitely something for every one of the 19,000 visitors.

In its sixth year at trendy Old Truman Brewery, Tent London - hailed as the most cutting-edge and progressive trade exhibition- also offered an insight into the world of design with numerous talks by experts such as Ian Hunter, and CEO of Ginger and Jagger, Paula Sousa.

Stark concrete rooms had been transformed into a real rabbit warren of discovery that is a pure assault on the senses. You are bombarded with eye-catching splashes of colour, a multitude of textures and a feast of shapes, which leaves your head constantly spinning in owl-like movements as you try to absorb the sights in this unlikely Aladdin’s Cave. 

Here are our top five stands from the show…

Zoe Murphy

Clean, sleek rectangular shapes, paired with pretty pastels, fun etchings and geometric lines make these interior drawers and accessories a must-have for your home. Taking furniture basics and adding a dollop of playfulness makes Zoe’s signature style extremely eye-catching with this mix of classic and contemporary. 

Claire-Anne O’Brien

What is more snuggly, homely and cosy than a comfortable chunky knit? Claire-Anne takes this to the next level by adopting a fashion favourite and transporting into your homeware, with these unbelievably alluring chairs in soft shades of cream, green and blue that is the ideal combination of old-fashioned toastiness with modern finishing touches.

Endesigns

You can’t get more fun that these metal work pieces by Endesigns, that use the novel idea of imprints to create really individualistic and quirky pieces for your home.  Whether it’s dinosaur prints stomping next to your magazines, or a custard cream forever embedded next to your tea, or even heavy boot foot prints across the hall way, these unique works can’t help but make you smile.

Surfacephilia

For that magical etherial quality, then look no further, as fluttering feathers and mysterious dream catchers provide the inspiration behind these muted soft-stroked designs splayed across wallpaper, prints, plates and cushions. With dominant browns, blues and dusty reds on an off-white background , these gentle patterns create a lovely touchable effect.

Prooff

Modern and boxy but also effcient and useful, these chairs by Prooff provide sleek style and soft shades in a masculine square shape that offers privacy and a handy spot to place your laptop, iPad or tea – whatever you fancy. Very clean and sharp these chairs can’t help but catch the eye.