Scandi sheepskin from Shepherd of Sweden
I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how my drive to refresh our home means that DIY and home improvement has been on my mind, but a freshen up and new look isn’t only about tackling those practical projects. For me it also involves looking at the objects we have around our home with fresh eyes, and assessing how these fit with the style I’m trying to achieve. I imagine it’s the same if you own a shop/gift/home business when you’re on the lookout for inspiration to ring the changes for the coming season. Which is where a visit to the Spring Fair could be just the answer. This gift and home trade event returns to Birmingham’s NEC from 5-9 February, with over 2,500 exhibitors, including two halls housing the Contemporary Gift sector, which will offer the most original and exclusive gift and home designs from more than 350 British and international suppliers. This is the ideal location for sourcing on-trend products for consumers’ gifting occasions.
Nordic style from Ib Laursen
Contemporary lighting from VITA Copenhagen
I don’t know about you, but I think I’ve probably heard enough about how to get hygge to last me a lifetime. However that doesn’t mean I’m not still a huge fan of Scandinavian design, and the Spring Fair has some really exciting brands exhibiting, whose aesthetic completely encompasses that rustic luxe feel.
I think you’d find it hard to tear me away from the the Summerhouse sector, showcasing the latest in on-trend designs, with a selection of the most original UK and international gift, interior, lighting and lifestyle brands. Highlights for me are Shepherd of Sweden, with a host of beautiful products made from Swedish sheepskin. Ib Laursen is another must-see for classic Scandi style. Then there are the striking contemporary lighting products from VITA Copenhagen, and stylish products made from raw materials from Muubs. All demonstrate that perfect balance of rustic elements with sharp contemporary detailing – such a trademark of Scandi design – and which looks set to continue to be huge in interiors in 2017.
Abigail Ahern’s on-trend botanicals
UK brands are well-represented at the fair too, with some of my favourites including Abigail Ahern (the collection of faux plants is perfect for nailing the indoor plant trend without any of the maintenance), Nkuku (a long-time love of mine, with its range of ethically-sourced industrial and global pieces), plus great all-rounders such as The Libra Company and Gisela Graham..
Spring Fair, the UK’s largest homeware and gifting trade show, will take place from 5-9 February, 2017 at the NEC Birmingham, co-located with Jewellery & Watch, the UK’s largest dedicated trade event set within the heart of the UK jewellery & watch industry.
Disclosure: This post was written in collaboration with the Spring Fair but, as always, all opinions are very much my own
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