Focus/25 London:Our Top 10 Highlights
- yana963
- Sep 12
- 4 min read
Focus/25 on Design, held from 15–19 September 2025 at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, is rapidly becoming one of the most anticipated events on the UK interior design calendar. Bringing together over 135 showrooms this five-day showcase is a hotspot for innovation, craftsmanship, and inspiration. Attendance, notably, is free, though registration is required.
Why Focus/25 matters for PR and marketing:
It’s where the industry’s leading brands unveil their latest launches, shaping the forthcoming design trends and garnishing media coverage.
Designers, architects, and specifiers gather here — making it prime real estate for networking, content generation, and depth engagement with clients and prospects.
With masterclasses, talks, showroom tours, and “Access All Areas” creative experiences, there's abundant opportunity for storytelling, brand positioning, and thought leadership
10 Highlights to Look Out for at Focus/25
Conversations in Design
The Reimagined Home: What We Choose to Keep
TALK Theatre, Second Floor, Design Centre East, Wednesday 17 Sept, 11:30 am–12:30 pm
Hosted by The World of Interiors, this session features Maria Speake, co-founder of Retrouvius, and is moderated by Emily Tobin, editor of The World of Interiors. Maria discusses sustainable design practices, creative use of reclaimed materials, and the value of design narratives, highlighting the joy of transforming older pieces into contemporary interiors. The session is followed by a book signing of Retrouvius: Contemporary Salvage: Designing Homes from a Philosophy of Re-Use.
Timeless Style: Evolution and Influence
TALK Theatre, Second Floor, Design Centre East, Wednesday 17 Sept, 3–4 pm
Hosted by Country Life, this panel features Guy Goodfellow and creative director Steven Rodel of Guy Goodfellow, Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen of Salvesen Graham, and Sean Symington, moderated by Giles Kime, interiors editor of Country Life. The discussion examines how contemporary British creatives merge heritage and tradition with modernity, wit, and personality to create timeless and distinctive interiors. The session is followed by a book signing of A New English Style: Timeless Interiors.
Mix, Match and Master: The Art of Pattern
TALK Theatre, Second Floor, Design Centre East, Wednesday 17 September, 6–7:30 pm
A creative panel featuring Nathan Turner, Chloe Willis, Marie Karlsson, and Kassia St.Clair, moderated by Fiona McCarthy, explores the art of using pattern in interiors. The discussion covers creating dramatic, cosy, or sophisticated spaces and how pattern adds visual interest and conveys cultural narratives. The session ends with drinks and a book signing of Liberty: Design. Pattern. Colour by Kassia St.Clair.
Sourcing Style: The Art of Finding Inspiration
TALK Theatre, Second Floor, Design Centre East, Thursday 18 Sept, 11:30 am–12:30 pm
This session features Jacu Strauss of Lore Group, Christian Bense, and Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk, moderated by the interiors editor of The Times & The Sunday Times Katrina Burroughs. The panel explores approaches to sourcing fresh and authentic inspiration for interior design, encouraging attendees to expand perspectives and break habitual patterns.
Box Clever
TALK Theatre, Second Floor, Design Centre East, Wednesday 17 September, 11:30 am–12:30 pm
Hosted by Country & Town House, this panel brings together Chantal Michelin of Flower Michelin Architects, Sarah Barclay of Barclay Interiors, and Peter Forfar, CEO of InteriorLAB, with Carole Annett as moderator. The discussion focuses on smart storage solutions and how thoughtful space planning can optimise layouts, creating clutter-free homes that balance practicality with design flair.
Access All Areas
The Art of Handcrafted Passementerie with Wendy Cushing
Jason D’Souza, First Floor, Centre Dome, Monday 15 Sept, 1–3 pm
This session features renowned designer Wendy Cushing, who will demonstrate the intricate art of passementerie — the craft of creating decorative trimmings that elevate interiors. Attendees can observe a live demonstration, witnessing the precision and creativity involved in handcrafting these stunning details, gaining insight into how embellishments can transform a space.
Behind the Scenes of the Country House Cumbria
Crucial Trading Showroom, Monday 15 Sept, 2 pm
Hosted in the Crucial Trading showroom, this discussion with Country House Cumbria explores how heritage craftsmanship informs modern interiors. The session highlights the collaboration between client and designer, offering insights into creating spaces that blend tradition with contemporary style.
Lighting the Way – Live Podcast
Simpsons, Ground Floor, Design Centre East, Tuesday 16 Sept, 12:30–1:30 pm
The Interior Design Business podcast co-hosts Susie Rumbold and Jeff Hayward lead a live discussion with Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors and Lee Lovett of Soho Lighting. The conversation provides an in-depth look at lighting design, from initial concepts through to a completed scheme, emphasizing practical techniques and creative problem-solving.
Mastering Luxury: Bespoke Brassware Masterclass
THG Paris, Ground Floor, Design Centre North, Thursday 18 Sept, 2–3 pm
Hosted by THG Paris, this masterclass explores the artistry and precision behind luxury bespoke bathroom brassware. Attendees gain insight into the craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that characterises THG’s world-renowned fittings, discovering how design, functionality, and elegance come together in these handcrafted creations.
Designer Secrets: 70s Style
Porada, First Floor, South Dome, Thursday 18 Sept, 4–5 pm
This panel includes Natalie Tredgett of Natalie Tredgett Design, Sheena Murphy of Nune, and Tiffany Duggan of Studio Duggan, moderated by Senior Homes & Interiors Editor of SheerLuxe Georgina Blaskey. The discussion explores how 1970s interiors — with their boldness, comfort, warmth, and playfulness — continue to inspire today’s design approach, blending nostalgia with contemporary simplicity and style.
Whether you’re a designer, architect, or simply passionate about interiors, Focus/25 offers a unique window into the trends, techniques, and talent shaping the industry today. From heritage-inspired craftsmanship to cutting-edge lighting design and sustainable practices, these ten talks showcase the creativity and expertise that make London’s design scene so vibrant. Attending or following the event provides not only inspiration but also insight into the ideas and collaborations that will define the year ahead.
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