LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: MATERIAL MATTERS 2024

Last week, I made my way to the Barge House as part of the London Design Festival. I attended Material Matters, a trade fair that brings together over 50 world-leading brands, designers, makers and manufacturers to highlight the importance of materials and innovative designs. It was my first time at this event, and I found it really refreshing. There is so much focus on trends and design, but I often find it’s the materials that ultimately make a product (and design) successful long-term. It was fascinating to talk to the designers and manufacturers and to discover what’s new and exciting in the industry. This year, of course, there was a big focus on the circular economy, which is essential for a more sustainable future and greener furniture.

Here are some of the designs (and materials)  that caught my eye.

STUDIO MODET

Irish design studio Modet makes high-quality and eye-catching contemporary furniture. The curvaceous Langford chair was the star of the show. The upholstered leather seat, combined with the solid ebonised oak frame, makes this chair perfect for the dining room or the office. The wood used is of course sustainably sourced. And the attention to detail is superb.

REDDIE – RECLAIMED FURNITURE

Australian furniture brand Reddie was another design company that caught my eye. The design-led brand produces sustainable and timeless furniture from its workshop in Indonesia. All the pieces are fully customisable and the majority are made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastics. They work very closely with interior designers to ensure that they understand their customers’ needs and can solve their problems. The Cinta barstool in reclaimed solid teak is both striking and comfortable. It is, of course, available in a range of materials (including leather) which makes it suitable for even the most demanding interior projects.

NATURAL CLAY PLASTERS

Clayworks, based in Cornwall, produces plasters for interior and exterior walls made from 100% natural clays, minerals, sands and natural earth pigments. As well as their customisable qualities, the plasters are non-toxic, recyclable, repairable and compostable. Perfect if you are looking for high performance with low environmental impact!

PARTI’S PIROUTTE COLLECTION

Studio Parti, in collaboration with Jan Hendzel, has created the striking Pirouette collection, that uses maple hardwood to create curves and geometric shapes. The wooden furniture collection is inspired by the fluid movement of fabric and the childlike joy of spinning. I don’t know about you, but I love the fluidity of the design. Simple and complex at the same time, what more could you ask for?

MALAI ECO

Malai Eco produces plant-based & compostable coconut ‘leather’ materials & products made from fully organic and sustainable bacterial cellulose grown on agricultural waste from the coconut industry in Southern India. The ‘leather’ is incredibly flexible, durable and water-resistant. Best of all, it is 100% toxin-free. The material has already been used in a wide range of projects, from interior design to footwear. Malai is also fully compostable and is expected to last up to 8 years or more depending on how used. I would love to see this material used in placemats or baskets. Or anything else really!

So, do you think material matters? I certainly hope so, and I hope this article has given you some inspiration for new sustainable materials that are available.