Exploring Sustainable Innovation at Decorex

Latest updates about sustainable interior design materials

Each year, the Decorex trade show, hosted at London’s Olympia, serves as an inspiring showcase of innovation and craftsmanship in the interior design world. This year’s Decorex 2024 was a vibrant testament to the industry's shift toward sustainability, with exhibitors across the board presenting new products designed to balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility.

As global awareness grows about the impact of construction and design on the planet, sustainable interior design materials and products are now taking centre stage, transforming how interiors are conceptualised and executed.

Ellie, Interior Designer from Studio 15 Interiors, visited Decorex over 2 days and was inspired by the standout sustainable products and materials showcased there. From eco-friendly paint, wallpaper & textiles to FSC certified wood furniture, the offerings showcased a promising future for sustainable interior design.

Recycled & Reclaimed Materials

Upcycled Furniture & Reclaimed Wood

One of the most visible trends at Decorex this year was the use of reclaimed and recycled sustainable interior design materials, particularly in furniture. Several exhibitors demonstrated the different ways to breathe new life into discarded items, transforming them into stylish, functional pieces. Companies like Hidden Gems, renowned for their focus on material reclamation, showcased collections that reimagine fallen urban logs into creative pieces of furniture. These pieces retain the rustic feel of their former lives with the living edges, bringing character to modern interiors without the need for new resources.

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass was used extensively across lighting fixtures and decorative accessories. The glass items on display this year showcased an impressive range of colours and textures, all achieved without the need for new material production. Each piece served as a testament to the elegance and versatility of recycled glass, making it clear that this trend has a strong future in sustainable interior design. One stand-out example came from the eye-catching, visually-textured glass panels presented by French company Grav’Or.

Reclaimed wood tabletop

Natural and Low-Impact Finishes

Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

Decorex 2024 brought several innovative, environmentally conscious finishes to the fore. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in conventional paints and finishes have long been a cause for concern, as they can harm both indoor air quality and the environment. Brands such as COAT and Lick offer eco-friendly alternatives that are rated as Low-VOC. These paints are made from mainly natural, renewable materials and offer excellent durability without the harmful emissions, making them ideal for sustainable interiors.

Low VOC paint from COAT

Renewable and Biodegradable Materials

Bamboo and Cork

Cork and bamboo continue to be popular sustainable materials, and this year’s Decorex showcased them in imaginative new applications. Cork, a highly renewable sustainable interior design material that regrows within a few years of harvest, was presented as an option for wall cladding, flooring, and even furniture. Exhibitors highlighted cork’s resilience, soundproofing qualities, and natural aesthetic, making it a versatile choice for a variety of interiors. The Portuguese company SimpleForm Design Studio even showcased a bath made entirely of cork!

Bamboo, another rapidly renewable resource, was featured in numerous applications, including cabinetry, furniture, and decorative accents. As a highly durable and lightweight material, bamboo’s natural elegance and rapid growth make it an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional hardwoods.

Floral and Grass Based Products

An exciting emerging trend at Decorex 2024 was the use of natural resources like cut flowers and grasses. Designers are harnessing these fast-growing, renewable resources to create a range of biodegradable products. Floral-based wallpapers, for instance the Organoid Natural Surfaces range of wallcoverings, have garnered attention for their delicious aromas and unique visual appeal. These innovations highlight the untapped potential of organic waste materials and align well with a circular economy approach, as they can easily return to the environment without harm.

Other Sustainable Interior Design Materials

The renowned wallcoverings company Arte showcased their “All Naturals” range which is manufactured using eco-friendly natural materials including raffia, sisal, mica and banana tree bark. They are a CO2 neutral company taking sustainability seriously. Despite being manufactured from natural materials, the visually impactful wallcoverings add a luxurious finish to any interior space.

Bathtub made of cork

Ethical and Locally Sourced Textiles

Organic and Naturally Dyed Fabrics

The textile industry has been under pressure to improve its environmental impact, and Decorex 2024 featured a strong focus on ethical and sustainable fabrics. Organic cotton, linen, and wool were widely displayed, and several companies went a step further by incorporating natural plant-based dyes into their designs. Naturally dyed textiles offer the benefit of reducing chemical waste, and the subtle hues add a unique beauty to each piece.

The ”Campaign For Wool” team were also present at Decorex this year. Showcasing good reasons to buy 100% wool, to help interior designers present more eco-friendly textiles to their clients, as well as helping to boost the British wool industry.

Artisan and Locally Sourced Fabrics

To reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping, many exhibitors championed locally sourced and artisan-produced textiles. These products often reflect the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of their place of origin, lending authenticity and a unique story to interior spaces. By supporting small-scale producers and local artisans, designers can make ethical choices that not only lower their carbon footprint but also preserve traditional craftsmanship.

Decorex hosted a larger “Making Spaces” exhibition than previous years, enabling more artisans to demonstrate their skills to attendees at the show. One such artisan was Louise Heighes, textile artist who uses sustainably-sourced leather to create unique 3D pieces of art.

Another artisan demonstrating her skills was Pamela Print, a textile artist who hand-weaves plant-dyed artworks and attractive cushions, with a focus on ethically and environmentally friendly methods including a no-waste policy.

Artisan works featuring sustainably sourced leather

Innovative Sustainable Flooring

Reclaimed Timber Flooring

Reclaimed timber is a tried-and-tested sustainable material, but its aesthetic and durability continue to make it a popular choice. This year’s Decorex featured several new collections of reclaimed wood flooring, where each piece bore the unique patina of its history. Sourcing reclaimed wood helps to reduce deforestation and extends the life cycle of previously harvested materials, resulting in interiors that are both stylish and environmentally responsible.

Recycled & Natural Flooring

The company Alternative Flooring were exhibiting again at Decorex this year, offering their British-manufactured floor coverings made from 85% sustainable natural materials. Including sisal, jute & wool. Having a partnership with a carbon offsetting company, they have planted an impressive 31,000 trees around the world.

Alternative Flooring stair runners

Energy-Efficient Lighting Solutions

LED and Solar-Powered Lighting

Energy-efficient lighting has long been an essential element of sustainable interior design, and Decorex 2024 showcased cutting-edge advancements in this area. LED lighting, known for its energy-saving potential, continues to be a staple.

Sustainable Light Fittings

Another area of focus was the materials used in lighting fixtures themselves. Several companies presented lighting made from sustainable resources like bamboo, recycled metal, reclaimed wood and other materials. Sustainability Innovation Award winner at Decorex 2024 was Tamasine Osher, who handcrafts lamps made from felled trees, which are lathe-turned to such fine layers that they become lightweight and translucent.

This shift toward using eco-friendly materials not only benefits the environment but also offers a refreshing departure from conventional designs, allowing for lighting fixtures that are unique, stylish, and eco-friendly. One example was featured by the “Blue Patch” Sustainability Community, who promote sustainable businesses to consumers and interior designers. One community member, Coldharbour Lights, offers decadent lampshades made from sustainably-sourced and hand-dyed feathers.

Tamasine Osher’s award winning wooden lampshades

Biophilic and Plant-Based Designs

Decorex 2024 also highlighted the enduring appeal of biophilic design, which emphasises the integration of nature into interior spaces. Plant-based designs are known to boost well-being, and many exhibitors presented living walls, moss panels, and plant installations as integral parts of their own displays. Biophilic design doesn’t just look beautiful, it also improves indoor air quality, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of connection with the natural world.

Textile designer Juliette O Designs, creates beautifully designed biophilic patterns which are digitally printed on sustainable linen.

Two Scandinavian sisters founded Color & Co to offer blinds made from high quality naturally sustainable materials, such as bamboo, jute and paper in a wide range of colours and finishes.

Biophilic designs showcased by The Mews Fabric & Furnishings

Longevity of Furnishings, Built To Last

Many exhibitors at Decorex in 2024 were British companies who manufacture furnishings in the UK, using locally sourced components. This reduces the carbon footprint and helps the local economy.

One company who focusses on crafting furniture that lasts a long time, is the much-loved Sofas & Stuff, who manufacture sofas, chairs and beds using sustainable frames and fillings. The furniture is designed to last many years longer than cheaper alternatives, with lifetime frame guarantees on all sofas. Cushion fillings contain recycled fibres and there are many eco-friendly fabrics to choose from.

Furniture crafted to last from Sofas & Stuff

A More Eco-Friendly Future for Interior Design

Decorex 2024 served as a powerful reminder that sustainable design is no longer a niche market; it’s a mainstream demand. Designers and manufacturers alike are embracing eco-friendly materials and practices, making it easier than ever for homeowners, businesses, and institutions to create interiors that are both beautiful and responsible.

From the use of recycled and reclaimed materials to the development of energy-efficient and biodegradable products, the innovations on display at Decorex show that the future of interior design is one that prioritises sustainability, health, and the wellbeing of both people and the planet.

You might also be interested in reading about the sustainability options that are always offered to clients by Studio 15 Interiors