Design fair returns to London this month
Focus/26 Design Fair, London’s premier autumn showcase for interior design, featuring 700+ brands and 100+ events at Chelsea Harbour (14–18 Sept 2026).
The Focus/26 on Design event returns to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London from 14–18 September 2026, positioning itself as the autumn showcase for the global interior design industry. The five-day event will bring together 700+ brands, 100+ events, and a curated mix of emerging and established talent under one roof, making it the go-to destination for trade professionals and design enthusiasts alike. Now is the moment for industry leaders and passionate amateurs alike to engage with the collective energy that defines Europe’s premier design destination, where fresh ideas and inspiration converge in a single location.
New collections and industry trends
This year’s event will spotlight autumn/winter 26 collections, with a focus on pattern, color, and texture in bold combinations. Highlights include collaborations between Michael S. Smith x Zoffany, Ken Fulk’s fabric and carpet collections with Perennials Sutherland Studio, and Paul Smith’s partnership with The Rug Company. Rita Konig’s new collection for Oficina Inglesa Furniture will also draw attention for its playful yet refined approach, reflecting the brand’s commitment to joyful yet sophisticated design solutions. The event will also feature standout materials like Elitis Prestige 4 wool fabric and Alexander Lamont + Miles’ Gion lantern, showcasing how contemporary craftsmanship can raise seasonal trends.
The creative team at the Design Centre has distilled the season’s key trends into cohesive themes, reflecting broader cultural shifts. Expect rich claret, gold, and teal palettes, alongside verdigris, saccharine pinks, and warm metallics. Textures will emphasize natural stone finishes, pleated papery fabrics, and tactile materials like damasks, corduroy, and wool, blending heritage with modern sensibilities. Patterns range from geometric motifs to flamestitch and tropical prints, while curvy silhouettes and Asian influences add a contemporary edge.
The show will also highlight how studios typically work behind closed doors, yet seasonal collections often reveal shared design currents that define the cultural zeitgeist—offering attendees a way to stay ahead of emerging trends. Notable examples include Palazzo Plaster Banda wallcovering by Maya Romanoff at Altfield by Lelièvre Paris and Romo’s Alton chair, demonstrating how bold materials and forms are being reimagined for modern interiors.
A program built for connection and learning
The event’s schedule is designed to support industry collaboration and professional growth. Conversations in Design, the mainstage series, will feature Michael S. Smith, India Hicks, Lorenzo Castillo, and Paolo Moschino in discussions moderated by top editors. These sessions aim to spark innovation and competitive thinking within the design community, with speakers sharing insights on how they handle creative challenges and industry shifts. The talks will also explore how design studios maintain their relevance by balancing tradition with contemporary concepts.
For hands-on learning, the Design Emporium Collective introduces two new initiatives: the Learning Lounge, offering twice-daily workshops on topics like rug specification, lighting, and fabric knowledge, and Emporium Live, where attendees can meet product designers in person. The collective itself will showcase emerging brands and independent makers, many of whom will be on-site to demonstrate their work.
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Four new showrooms are opening exclusively for the event: Corston (specializing in lighting and hardware), Armac Martin (a UK family business expanding into lighting), The Vale London (featuring original wallpaper and fabrics by founder Melinda Marquardt), and Alhambra (a 50-year-old fabric specialist). These additions join House Guests, a rotating cohort of brands occupying Design Avenue for the week, including Phillip Jeffries (celebrating its 50th anniversary). The presence of these milestone celebrations shows the event’s role as a platform for industry longevity and innovation, with brands using the platform to highlight their enduring contributions to design.
A special highlight is a unique ceramics exhibition curated by 1882 Ltd on the Third Floor, Design Centre East, adding another layer of creative depth to the event. The exhibition will feature handcrafted pieces that bridge traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for the intersection of artistry and functionality in interiors.
More than just a trade show
The event extends beyond business to offer networking, relaxation, and discovery. Visitors can explore Design Discovery Tours, which guide them through showrooms and hidden corners of the venue, including spaces like the Design Centre East extension. For downtime, intimate breakout lounges—designed by top interior designers—provide spaces for quiet conversations. Food and drink options include Design Restaurant by Social Pantry (partnering with Joro), Dome Café (with Phillip Jeffries), and a coffee bar by ABI Interiors, ensuring attendees can recharge with curated culinary experiences that complement the design-focused atmosphere.
For those focused on business growth, Grow Your Business sessions will provide expert advice, while Designer Toolkits offer practical strategies to stay competitive. The event’s abundance mindset—free access to expertise and inspiration for all attendees, ensures that whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiast, there’s something valuable to take away. This philosophy aligns with the Design Centre’s commitment to making high-level industry resources accessible to everyone, supporting a culture of shared growth and collaboration.
The House Guests program, now in its second year, brings in 20+ brands for exclusive pop-up residencies, including Zoffany x Michael S. Smith, Marc Phillips Rugs, and Walking on Wood. Their presence shows the event’s role as a hub for community and innovation, particularly for emerging talent. Brands like Alternative Flooring, Dominic Schuster, and Minni Parker will also participate, further diversifying the showcase of new voices in the industry.
With showrooms, workshops, and social spaces all under one roof, Focus/26 on Design aims to recapture the energy and excitement that first drew visitors to the Design Centre. Whether it’s through new collections, industry insights, or unexpected discoveries, the event promises to be a defining moment for the design world, one that invites attendees to rediscover the passion that initially inspired their creative journeys.
