Clerkenwell Design Week 2025: UK Design Leading the Way
Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 delivered exactly what we’ve come to expect from one of the most inspiring design festivals in the interiors calendar — energy, innovation, and a brilliant reminder of just how strong the UK interiors scene really is right now… It also delivered very tired feet by the end of the day!
I don’t know about you, but every year this event just seems to grow — more venues, more installations, more incredible work to take in. And as stylists, we usually only get one day to do the rounds, so there’s always that pang of regret when you get home and scroll through other stylists’ socials, spotting things you’ve missed. But honestly? You can’t see it all. What you can do is soak up as much inspiration as possible in the time you have — and that we did.
Across Clerkenwell, from historic halls to tucked-away showrooms, what stood out this year was the sheer strength of homegrown talent. From heritage paint brands to bold textile houses, fearless printmakers to handcrafted furniture studios, one thing was clear: UK design is rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling — but it’s always pushing forward.
These were the UK names that really stood out — plus a handful of international discoveries we just couldn’t leave out.
COAT Paints x Kirkby Design – Colour Meets Craft
One of the smartest collaborations at Clerkenwell this year was between two very British trendsetters — COAT Paints and Kirkby Design. Their limited-edition collection of 12 paint colours is designed to pair perfectly with Kirkby’s new textile range HEIR, and it’s a joy for designers and stylists. Each fabric comes with two colour matches: one tonal and calm, the other bold and contrasting.
It’s a collaboration that celebrates both heritage and modernity — Kirkby’s refined textures meet COAT’s punchy, contemporary palette, giving designers and stylists instant flexibility.
And while we’re on the subject of clever: COAT’s Peel & Stick samples continue to lead the way in easy, mess-free testing — ideal for fast-paced styling projects. They invented them, you know?
Kirkby Design – Textiles, Reimagined
As part of the Romo Group, Nottinghamshire-based Kirkby Design blends 120 years of heritage with a bold, future-facing aesthetic. Known for strong graphic patterns and modern textures, their collections feel distinctly British — but never old-fashioned. With the increasing use of recycled threads and eco-aware production, their commitment to conscious design makes them even more worth watching.
Divine Savages – Maximalism with a British Accent
If you’ve been hanging around here for any time at all you’ll know we love Divine Savages. Jamie and Tom continue to be one of the most fabulous wallpaper and fabric brands around. Their designs are rooted in classic storytelling — heritage florals, jungle motifs, even tongue-in-cheek takes on historical themes — but all with a sharp, contemporary edge. They’re Bold, witty, and totally unforgettable.
You can listen to my podcast with Divine Savages when they were just starting out here
Divine Savages at Clerkenwell DesignWeek 2025
Fenwick & Tilbrook – Rich Colour, Real Craft
Norfolk-based, family-run paint company Fenwick & Tilbrook are masters of pigment. Their paints are mixed in small batches, with colours inspired by the natural world — from the earthy tones of the salt marshes to the deep blues of the North Sea. Their hand-painted colour cards are a joy to use, and their finishes are flawless. Quietly confident and deeply British. I may have stroked their colour card when they gave it to me!
I asked which were their most popular shades. They shared a few including
Another previous podcast guest. Listen to Simon from Fenwich & Tilbrook’s episode here
Fritz Fryer – Lighting with Legacy
From antique restoration to modern lighting design, Fritz Fryer has built a reputation for excellence. Based in Herefordshire- with a London showroom in the heart of Clerkenwell, their lighting is hand-assembled in the UK using traditional techniques and high-quality components. Whether it’s an elegant pendant or a dramatic chandelier, their pieces bring warmth, craftsmanship, and integrity to any space.
After they had so many quesitions about their vintage and antique lighting, they recently curated a room full of their unique pieces many of which are from the UK. One off pieces you’ll love – all set against a black backdrop.
If you want to know about lighting, listen to these podcasts with the experts.
9 Things I’ve Learnt About Lighting Design From the experts
Talking all things Lighting with Fritz Fryer. Podcast Episode #103
Studio Arvor – Furniture from the Cornish Coast
If there’s one thing I absolutely love about CDW it’s discovering new brands that take your breath away, and that’s exactly what we found with Studio Arvor. Arvor means ‘coast’ in the Cornish language and it’s from their name and surroundings that really ground them — quite literally — in the rugged landscape of Cornwall. They use locally sourced timber, celebrate the beauty of natural imperfections, and design furniture that feels elegant. They can tell you where the wood from each piece was sourced and sometimes where the tree grew.
The curves and designs are stunning
Matthew Burt – Design with Depth
Based in Wiltshire, Matthew Burt creates sculptural furniture that bridges function and art. Each piece is handcrafted in his workshop, where sustainability and quality are key. It’s design that’s made to last generations — timeless in style and impeccable in build. Burt is the kind of name that should be on every stylist’s radar.
At Clerkenwell his stand had this incredible collection of ‘pebbles’ that until you were close up looked like they were carved from stone rather than wood. When i asked about them I was told that they were left over from a design project that had been completed where the pebbles were actually made to resemble the seeds on the inside of a sunflower. These seeds – in the thousands, were attached to a high, undulating ceiling. A truly incredible installation as you can see from the image taken from his website
Bisley x RISOTTO Studio – Print Meets Precision
Bisley’s partnership with print designer Gabriella Marcella of RISOTTO Studio was one of the most uplifting moments of CDW. Their iconic steel furniture, made in Wales for over 80 years, got a colourful graphic twist with Gabriella’s bold ‘Tetris’ print.
It’s a brilliant reminder that design doesn’t have to be quiet — it can be playful, vibrant and just a little rebellious.
Gabriella Marcella – Glasgow’s Queen of Print
Founder of RISOTTO Studio, Gabriella Marcella fuses traditional risograph and screenprinting with riotous colour and pattern. Her work has a cult following, and her Bisley collaboration showed just how well her bold aesthetic scales. It’s energetic, graphic and unmistakably British.
I got the chance to meet Gabriella ahead of the launch and she is an absolute delight. I could have talked to her all evening. Being around such passionate and creative people is totally uplifting.
Timorous Beasties – Pattern with Punch
Glasgow-based Timorous Beasties continue to push boundaries and you can pop by their long, bursgting Clerkenwell showroom full of creatures of all kinds. Their edgy take on traditional motifs — toiles with graffiti, florals with attitude — is both provocative and poetic. Proudly made in the UK, they remain one of the country’s most original creative forces.
I got a sneaky peek at the new designs launching in September – bugs, caterpillars and all. EXACTLY why you’d expect from TB.
And from Beyond the UK …
While this year’s focus was firmly on British brilliance, a few international names deserve a mention too:
- ARTE – Their ‘Penumbra’ wallpaper, woven from banana bark, was a textural obsession. I couldn’t leave it alone – like the foambacked velvets. “Perfect for cinema rooms” they told me, but all I could think of was ‘great for a podcast studio!
- String Furniture – Celebrating 75 years of Scandinavian design, their modular shelving remains a minimalist icon. I hadn’t seen their modula units before. Love a tomato red colour for an office.
- Hinomi – The H1 Pro V2 ergonomic chair had comfort nailed — with features ideal for long hours at a desk.I sat. They moved the arm rests to support sholders and pulled out a hidden foot rest from underneath. I have never wanted an office chair so badly. It even came in mint green – the colour of my office. My weary feet were very grateful.
- Flokk – Though rooted in Scandinavia, Flokk’s UK presence is growing. Their sustainable task chairs and furniture are so well thought out and designed you’ll want to completely revamp your office – or be desperate to style an office space at the least. I popped along to the Flokk showroom at the end of the day to see our Interior Stylist member Georgina Issacs superb styling work in this massive showroom. She did a great job.
Final thoughts:
Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 was a masterclass in what makes UK design great — substance, sustainability, and soul. The best brands weren’t just making products; they were telling stories. And whether you were there for one day or all three, you couldn’t help but feel proud of the creativity coming out of the UK right now.
These are the names to watch. The ones we’ll be styling, pitching, and featuring all year long.
