Key Themes from Clerkenwell Design Week 2025
Discover which trends and ideas were influencing the innovations on display at this year’s show
Every May, one of London’s most creative neighbourhoods hosts a week of innovation and design, and this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week was the biggest edition yet. From 20 to 22 May, visitors could wander around the area to discover installations, new products, exhibitions and talks. We went along to visit the venues and showrooms to discover some of the major trends designers are tuning into right now.
Crescent collection by Eugeni Quitllet, Sutherland Furniture and Perennials Fabrics.
Sutherland Furniture’s Crescent collection of aluminium furniture is designed by Eugeni Quitllet and inspired by 18th century Parisian gardens. “[The crescent] revisited in a modern way provided a vision of building a garden furniture collection that evokes the timeless feeling of living in the most beautiful gardens in the world,” he says.
The sturdy weatherproof furniture is teamed with Perennials Fabrics’ Big Softy, which is a velvety material suitable for outdoor use. The furniture wouldn’t look out of place in a luxurious living room, but, at the same time, is able to stand up to the elements.
Sutherland Furniture’s Crescent collection of aluminium furniture is designed by Eugeni Quitllet and inspired by 18th century Parisian gardens. “[The crescent] revisited in a modern way provided a vision of building a garden furniture collection that evokes the timeless feeling of living in the most beautiful gardens in the world,” he says.
The sturdy weatherproof furniture is teamed with Perennials Fabrics’ Big Softy, which is a velvety material suitable for outdoor use. The furniture wouldn’t look out of place in a luxurious living room, but, at the same time, is able to stand up to the elements.
Groove collection, Tom Dixon.
Outdoor furniture is so big, in fact, that even industry innovator Tom Dixon has launched a collection. The brand’s Groove range features Art Deco-style raised ridges, and is made from powder-coated aluminium that’s solvent- and VOC-free.
The collection was displayed alongside Bolon’s range of outdoor rugs at the flooring company’s Clerkenwell showroom.
Outdoor furniture is so big, in fact, that even industry innovator Tom Dixon has launched a collection. The brand’s Groove range features Art Deco-style raised ridges, and is made from powder-coated aluminium that’s solvent- and VOC-free.
The collection was displayed alongside Bolon’s range of outdoor rugs at the flooring company’s Clerkenwell showroom.
Elisa Passino and her Dulce collection, Bert & May.
2. Sweet and playful colours
Many colour palettes were inspired by sweet treats at this year’s show, with a few brands displaying collections that referenced confectionery and biscuits.
Tile company Bert & May celebrated the opening of its Shoreditch showroom with the launch of the Dulce collection designed by Elisa Passino. This range of artisanal tiles features soft geometric patterns and is inspired by the vibrant colours of patisserie glazes.
2. Sweet and playful colours
Many colour palettes were inspired by sweet treats at this year’s show, with a few brands displaying collections that referenced confectionery and biscuits.
Tile company Bert & May celebrated the opening of its Shoreditch showroom with the launch of the Dulce collection designed by Elisa Passino. This range of artisanal tiles features soft geometric patterns and is inspired by the vibrant colours of patisserie glazes.
TreeAzzo in Nougat, Havwoods.
There were more delicious-sounding colours at Havwood’s Clerkenwell showroom, where the brand was showcasing its TreeAzzo resin-bound wood particle surface. Eco-friendly resin is mixed with wood chip wastage from the woodworking industry and each panel is 100% handmade.
The surfaces are a modern take on terrazzo and the vivid colourways have delicious names including Liquorice, Raspberry and Nougat.
There were more delicious-sounding colours at Havwood’s Clerkenwell showroom, where the brand was showcasing its TreeAzzo resin-bound wood particle surface. Eco-friendly resin is mixed with wood chip wastage from the woodworking industry and each panel is 100% handmade.
The surfaces are a modern take on terrazzo and the vivid colourways have delicious names including Liquorice, Raspberry and Nougat.
Toytown collection, Zitozza.
Colours were all about play at textile designer Zitozza’s stand in the Platform area. The brand’s Toytown collection of summer interior textiles is a fun yet simple take on checks and stripes using three block prints. The collection’s colour palette is influenced by vintage sunbeds and scorching summer afternoons.
Got a project in mind? Find the best expert for the job in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Colours were all about play at textile designer Zitozza’s stand in the Platform area. The brand’s Toytown collection of summer interior textiles is a fun yet simple take on checks and stripes using three block prints. The collection’s colour palette is influenced by vintage sunbeds and scorching summer afternoons.
Got a project in mind? Find the best expert for the job in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Trezzi portable table lamp, Nordlux.
3. Top notch portable lighting
No plug socket for a lamp? That’s not a problem, according to many of the brands at Clerkenwell. Portable lighting has really come into its own, with firms showcasing stylish lamps that can be used both indoors and out.
Nordlux displayed its Trezzi portable lamp at the atmospheric Light venue in the House of Detention. The light shines through a stylish tube of reeded glass sitting on a stainless-steel base.
3. Top notch portable lighting
No plug socket for a lamp? That’s not a problem, according to many of the brands at Clerkenwell. Portable lighting has really come into its own, with firms showcasing stylish lamps that can be used both indoors and out.
Nordlux displayed its Trezzi portable lamp at the atmospheric Light venue in the House of Detention. The light shines through a stylish tube of reeded glass sitting on a stainless-steel base.
Poldina Reverso solar lamp, Zafferano.
Zafferano’s portable collection includes the Poldina Reverso, a cordless floor lamp that features a solar panel and a USB port. The base can be used as storage or as a planter, while the lamp has dusk and motion sensors that automatically activate when the ambient light is dim or a presence is detected.
Zafferano’s portable collection includes the Poldina Reverso, a cordless floor lamp that features a solar panel and a USB port. The base can be used as storage or as a planter, while the lamp has dusk and motion sensors that automatically activate when the ambient light is dim or a presence is detected.
Terra portable lamp by OEO Studio, Mater.
If you’re after something more rustic, the Terra portable lamp from Mater is a gorgeous option. The simple design is made from coffee waste, which gives it an earthy, tactile, terracotta-style finish. It’s dimmable in three steps and can stay charged for 10 hours.
If you’re after something more rustic, the Terra portable lamp from Mater is a gorgeous option. The simple design is made from coffee waste, which gives it an earthy, tactile, terracotta-style finish. It’s dimmable in three steps and can stay charged for 10 hours.
Kitchen furniture, Pluck x Schotten & Hansen.
4. Inspiration from the landscape
Many brands at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week were bringing their surroundings into their products.
British kitchen designer Pluck unveiled its collaboration with German timber specialist Schotten & Hansen. The latter had created bespoke pigments for its Douglas fir veneers based on a view of earth from above, with hues reminiscent of river tributaries, salt flats, mountain ranges, beaches and deserts.
4. Inspiration from the landscape
Many brands at this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week were bringing their surroundings into their products.
British kitchen designer Pluck unveiled its collaboration with German timber specialist Schotten & Hansen. The latter had created bespoke pigments for its Douglas fir veneers based on a view of earth from above, with hues reminiscent of river tributaries, salt flats, mountain ranges, beaches and deserts.
Clocks, AH HA Project.
Meanwhile, at the Platform venue, Anna Chantarasak and Henry Cleaver from the AH HA Project showcased their range of mirrors, wall art, clocks (pictured), side tables and desk accessories made from Valchromat. Each product’s facade is based on the geographical contours of a place that’s important to the designers.
A full-length mirror, Landor, for example, features the contours of a small hamlet in the Himalayan foothills where Anna’s Delhi-based family would visit frequently, while the Ranmore mirror uses the contours of an area in the Surrey Hills where Henry mountain bikes.
Meanwhile, at the Platform venue, Anna Chantarasak and Henry Cleaver from the AH HA Project showcased their range of mirrors, wall art, clocks (pictured), side tables and desk accessories made from Valchromat. Each product’s facade is based on the geographical contours of a place that’s important to the designers.
A full-length mirror, Landor, for example, features the contours of a small hamlet in the Himalayan foothills where Anna’s Delhi-based family would visit frequently, while the Ranmore mirror uses the contours of an area in the Surrey Hills where Henry mountain bikes.
Seascape wallcovering, Larsen.
Larsen is also seeking ideas from the land with new collections inspired by South American landscapes. The Brasilia range features graphic weaves and embroidery with a modern Brazilian style, while the Nova collection of sheers focuses on the interplay of light and shadow.
There’s also a decorative velvet range, a collection of plain weaves, and an outdoor range, all in earthy hues with tactile finishes. The Seascape sisal wallcovering (pictured) features a design reminiscent of sand dunes and water ripples.
Larsen is also seeking ideas from the land with new collections inspired by South American landscapes. The Brasilia range features graphic weaves and embroidery with a modern Brazilian style, while the Nova collection of sheers focuses on the interplay of light and shadow.
There’s also a decorative velvet range, a collection of plain weaves, and an outdoor range, all in earthy hues with tactile finishes. The Seascape sisal wallcovering (pictured) features a design reminiscent of sand dunes and water ripples.
Strand table lamp, Muuto.
5. Filtered and refracted lighting
Lights at this year’s show were often focused on casting an atmospheric glow, with brands using various methods to filter and refract the rays.
Muuto’s Strand table lamp, for instance, is made of a composite material consisting of tiny strands that’s sprayed onto a steel frame. The surface filters the light to give a warm, comfortable glow.
5. Filtered and refracted lighting
Lights at this year’s show were often focused on casting an atmospheric glow, with brands using various methods to filter and refract the rays.
Muuto’s Strand table lamp, for instance, is made of a composite material consisting of tiny strands that’s sprayed onto a steel frame. The surface filters the light to give a warm, comfortable glow.
Strata Circular Two-Tier pendant, J Adams & Co.
J Adams & Co displayed its Strata collection of lights in the firm’s Clerkenwell showroom. The lights are made of solid brass and reeded glass and come in both circular and linear forms. The ribbed surface of the glass allows for beautiful light refraction.
J Adams & Co displayed its Strata collection of lights in the firm’s Clerkenwell showroom. The lights are made of solid brass and reeded glass and come in both circular and linear forms. The ribbed surface of the glass allows for beautiful light refraction.
Mütze wall light by
Thomas Housden, Hand & Eye Studio.
Elsewhere in the British Collection venue, Hand & Eye Studio showcased its Mütze wall light, a versatile design that can be rotated and is cast from raw terracotta. The interior of the shade is lined in matt opal glass to give a beautiful soft and even light.
Tell us…
Which of these trends is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Thomas Housden, Hand & Eye Studio.
Elsewhere in the British Collection venue, Hand & Eye Studio showcased its Mütze wall light, a versatile design that can be rotated and is cast from raw terracotta. The interior of the shade is lined in matt opal glass to give a beautiful soft and even light.
Tell us…
Which of these trends is your favourite? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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1. Outdoor living with indoor style
With more of us seeing our gardens as an extension of the house, designers are accommodating this desire for outdoor living with robust and stylish furniture and textiles. The innovative products on show at Clerkenwell managed to beautifully combine functional durability with aesthetics.
At Ethimo’s new Clerkenwell showroom, for example, the brand displayed its Patio range of outdoor furniture, which combines teak and woven flat rope. The elegant designs are inspired by Spanish courtyards, and the seat cushions are upholstered with polypropylene to ensure water-resistance and durability.