2026 in Review

January 19-21, 2026

2026 in Review

January 19-21, 2025

2026 in Review

January 19-21, 2025

Select interior designers and architects met in London for intimate tours, immersive presentations, and connections with makers that sparked creativity and inspiration.

Highlights

From 2026

Monday

Welcome Breakfast & Check-In

Attendees celebrated the beginning of Design Destination London at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. They picked up welcome packets and mingled over breakfast and coffee.

"Thank you to Design Destination London for creating space for connection and creativity during a time when both feel especially needed."

– Design Destination London 2026 Attendee

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Private Sessions

Attendees chose up to three curated, small group sessions.

Excursion in London

From Archive to Artisan: An Embroidered Journey with Chelsea Textile

Details
Excursion Outside London

All Aboard for a Journey of British Craft: A Day with Collier Webb

Details
Excursion in London

New Work: Atelier Experience, Hinterlands Preview, and Gallery Tour with Cox London

Details
Showroom Event

de Gournay's Porcelain Odyssey

Details
Excursion Outside London

Fermoie Studio, Print, Lampshades & Accessories Tour

Details
Excursion Outside London

A Tour Inside Gainsborough, Britain's Historic Weaving Mill

Details
Excursion in London

An Exclusive Private Tour of Kensington Palace and Afternoon Tea with GP&J Baker

Details
Excursion in London

Private Tour of Sir John Soane’s Museum with Steele Marcoux and Hector Finch Lighting

Details
Excursion in London

Inside the Bespoke World of Savile Row, St. James's and Mayfair with Holland & Sherry

Details
Excursion in London

Jamb Workshop Tour

Details
Excursion Outside London

Visit to Yavington Barn with Max Rollitt

Details
Showroom Event

Intimate Dinner and Private Showroom / Studio Tour with Nina Campbell

Details
Showroom Event

Discover Beautiful Furniture Design and the Magic of Modelmaking with an Immersive PINCH Studio Tour

Details
Excursion Outside London

Discovery Day | Porta Romana

Details
Excursion Outside London

Join Rose Cumming and Classic Cloth at Alvaro Picardo’s Charming Country Folly

Details
Excursion Outside London

Sanderson Design Group: Anstey Wallpaper Company Tour + Michelin Star Lunch

Details
Excursion in London

Join Tissus d’Hélène for an Exclusive Dinner in Chelsea​

Details
Showroom Event

Inside the Textile Atelier of Christine Van Der Hurd with Nicola Harding

Details

"I will never place an order with one of our UK partners without picturing the people who are making these products with their own hands. The craftsmanship is stunning across the board."

– Design Destination London 2026 Attendee

Monday

Discovery Day at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

Attendees discovered open houses at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. In addition, they enjoyed “Highclere: Secrets and Stories from the Real Downton Abbey” with guest speaker The Countess of Carnarvon and moderator Steele Marcoux, editor-in-chief of Veranda magazine. 

"The whole event is unlike anything I’ve ever attended, and it was truly a gift. I am coming home with a greater appreciation for the beauty, craftsmanship and intention behind the British brands we use and love."

– Design Destination London 2026 Attendee

Tuesday

Discovery Day on The Pimlico Road

Designers visited charming showrooms on the Pimlico Road, enjoying live demonstrations by the makers.

"Seeing the process up close – the many hands, the intention, the craftsmanship behind every bespoke piece – was humbling in the truest sense."

– Design Destination London 2026 Attendee

Tuesday

Cocktail Party on The Pimlico Road

Attendees enjoyed an evening of cocktails and canapes at the Wildflowers restaurant in Newson’s Yard on the Pimlico Road.

"We left inspired, humbled, and deeply committed to championing work with history and intention. This is why we do what we do."

– Design Destination London 2026 Attendee

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From Archive to Artisan: An Embroidered Journey with Chelsea Textiles

Attendees started the day in the heart of London’s premier design district and joined Mona Perlhagen & Jenny Simpson in their Pimlico Road shop, for an exclusive breakfast event catered by the Connaught.

The group was captivated by the artistry of hand embroidery, as one of Chelsea Textiles’ skilled craftsmen demonstrated the techniques that bring texture, depth and storytelling to fabric. Designers were invited to try their hand at embroidery, gaining a deeper appreciation for the precision and creativity that underpin this timeless craft.

The group enjoyed a rare opportunity to explore designs from Chelsea Textiles’ archives, where original 17th & 18th C. documents reveal the historical motifs and patterns that continue to influence their collections.

All Aboard for a Journey of British Craft: A Day with Collier Webb

Attendees left the city behind and traveled through the rolling British countryside to our Foundry and Workshop on the East Sussex coast, where craftsmanship meets the sea. They boarded the morning train with the Collier Webb team bound for Eastbourne, the home of our Foundry, and stepped inside a world where every stage of creation unfolds beneath one roof, from pattern making and casting to machining, patination, and finishing.

Guests felt the warmth of the furnace and the steady rhythm of the workshop as raw brass was transformed into sculptural lighting, furniture, and hardware, each piece meticulously formed by hand. After the tour, they enjoyed a relaxed lunch and conversation with our talented makers before returning to London – a rare opportunity to experience British craftsmanship at its source.

New Work: Atelier Experience, Hinterlands Preview, and Gallery Tour with Cox London

Attendees had a rare opportunity to enjoy the artistic world of Cox London and its founders Chris & Nicola Cox, at the height of the creation of a major body of new work for 2026. Guests visited our ateliers where over 60 artisans work, from hand-forging iron to pouring molten bronze, before being welcomed by Chris & Nicola Cox into their private design studio. Their newest work merges mythic folk-art and bucolic idealism with the wild beauty and decay of North London. Hinterlands is an extensive body of research, work-in-progress, sculpture and recently completed pieces to be launched during 2026. Cox London welcomed guests to a momentary glimpse into the creative crucible of this much loved British brand.

de Gournay Artisan Showcase

Guests stepped inside the rarely seen world of de Gournay’s hand-painted porcelain on a ‘Porcelain Odyssey’ — an immersive journey through every stage of our unique craft. Across a series of rooms transformed into working ateliers, they watched our master porcelain artisans at work, saw centuries-old techniques such as porcelain turning come alive, and even tried their own hand at porcelain painting. With live demonstrations, historical displays and video storytelling, this was a celebration of artistry, heritage and hands-on discovery — a rare opportunity to experience the full scope of de Gournay’s porcelain craft.

Fermoie Studio, Print, Lampshades & Accessories Tour

Attendees visited the home of Fermoie for a truly immersive experience into the artistry and craftsmanship behind each Fermoie design. Accompanied by directors Jamie Shawcross and Charlie Sharpley, their visit included a guided tour of our creative studio and fabric and wallpaper print factory, where they discovered how our designs evolve from the initial hand-drawn line to printing. Guests saw lampshades and accessories being meticulously handmade by the team in our specialist workshop. As a final treat, attendees were among the first to view our forthcoming Spring/Summer 2026 collection – a wonderful insight into what’s next for Fermoie.

Located in the historic market town of Marlborough, around an hour and three-quarters from London and framed by beautiful English countryside.

A Tour Inside Gainsborough, Britain's Historic Weaving Mill

Guests stepped inside the story of British textile excellence with an exclusive visit to Gainsborough’s Mill in Sudbury. This unique experience took guests beyond the showroom and into the very fabric of British design.

Founded in 1903, the mill still weaves silk on century-old looms and proudly holds the Royal Warrant – prestigious recognition for its service to the British Royal Household. Guests followed the journey of fabric through winding, warping and weaving, witnessing time-honoured skills in action. Archivist Tara Hamilton Stubber shared treasures from the 7,000-piece archive, linking past design to the present.

The day concluded in the medieval village of Lavenham, famed for its charm and Harry Potter links, where guests enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea in a historic setting.

An Exclusive Private Tour of Kensington Palace and Afternoon Tea with GP&J Baker

GP&J Baker’s Royal Court collection celebrates timeless elegance inspired by Britain’s regal heritage. Developed in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces – the independent charity that cares for six historic royal palaces – this collection of fabrics and wallpaper draws inspiration from the grandeur, architecture and decorative legacy of these historic buildings. Attendees joined GP&J Baker’s Managing and Creative Director, Ann Grafton, for a private tour of Kensington Palace to celebrate the launch of this distinguished collection. The experience concluded with an indulgent champagne and afternoon tea in The Orangery. 

Private Tour of Sir John Soane’s Museum with Steele Marcoux and Hector Finch Lighting

Hector Finch Lighting and Sir John Soane’s Museum have worked in partnership for 11 years and recently launched the second of two designs that were sympathetically inspired by Soane’s work. Attendees joined Steele Marcoux, Editor-in-Chief of Veranda, in this exclusive private tour with the museum’s Director Will Gompertz. They discovered the extraordinary house and museum of Sir John Soane, one of the greatest English architects, who built and lived in it two centuries ago. The museum has been kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837 and displays his vast collection of antiquities, furniture, sculptures, architectural models and paintings.

Inside the Bespoke World of Savile Row, St. James's and Mayfair with Holland & Sherry

Attendees stepped inside the bespoke world of Savile Row, St James’s and Mayfair with Holland & Sherry for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour celebrating centuries of British master craftsmanship. This rare experience offered an intimate glimpse into the artistry and heritage of exceptional makers; many of whom are Royal Warrant Holders who preserve these time-honored skills today.

Guests began at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour; before continuing to Holland & Sherry’s Savile Row showroom. They enjoyed private access to renowned ateliers, culminating in a reception at Holland & Sherry’s Savile Row Showroom with a tasting of the celebrated Savile Row gin.

Attendees discovered the ancestral home of Holland & Sherry from where it dresses the world’s finest, both in clothing and interiors.

Jamb Workshop Tours

Guests joined Jamb for a behind-the-scenes journey to its South London warehouse. The group explored the stone and lighting workshops, where they witnessed the intricate process of crafting mantels and saw how each lighting piece is made and hand patinated. The expansive 22,000 sq ft space houses more than 200 antique mantel and furniture pieces, along with dedicated studio space where the lighting and fireplaces are designed.

Founders Will and Charlotte Freemantle guided attendees you through both the shop and warehouse – sharing insights into everything from chisels to longcase clocks, their rigorous design process and exacting craftsmanship. 

The warehouse tour was co-hosted by Veranda magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Steele Marcoux.

Visit to Yavington Barn with Max Rollitt

Attendees enjoyed a special visit to Max Rollitt’s Yavington Barn, a grainstore-turned-emporium where antique treasures sit side by side with bespoke furniture, traditional workshops and a busy interiors studio. Hosted by Max, they had the opportunity to meet the makers as they discovered every corner of this hidden gem in the Hampshire countryside.

Intimate Dinner and Private Showroom/Studio Tour with Nina Campbell

Nina invited attendees to an intimate dinner — the very first to be held in her Pimlico Showroom.

Guests joined Nina, along with her children Max and Alice, for cocktails at 6pm. With a drink in hand, they were welcomed on a private tour of the showroom, where Nina highlighted new fabric and wallpaper collections, recently launched furniture, and beloved product categories.

The evening continued upstairs with a hands-on exploration of the archive. Nina shared a personal look at some of her favorite archival pieces — the inspirations behind many of the fabrics, wallpapers, and designs available today. Attendees also enjoyed a sneak peek of the upcoming Spring collection.

A seated dinner followed – it was an evening of laughter and inspiration surrounded by the curated world of Nina’s beautiful design. 

Discover Beautiful Furniture Design and the Magic of Modelmaking with an Immersive PINCH Studio Tour

Guests joined founders Russell and Oona as they opened the doors to their London design studio and workshop for the very first time. They enjoyed a privately guided, immersive tour that offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of their furniture, lighting, and upholstery studio. Attendees saw prototypes, sketches, and early concepts in development. They stepped into the workshop to experience its creative energy—alive with works in progress, from hand-formed and hand-stitched lighting to hand-turned solid timber furniture, custom upholstery, and more. Through hand-drawn sketches, small-scale models, prototypes, and material samples, they discovered the inspiration, creative process, and product development that bring PINCH’s celebrated designs to life.

Discovery Day | Porta Romana

Guests visited Porta Romana’s studio in the beautiful Surrey countryside and became immersed in a unique behind-the-scenes tour. They experienced the artistry of sculpting, casting, lampshade making and decorative hand-painted finishes. Porta Romana’s design team shared their product development process, showcasing customization and the creation of bespoke pieces that grace the world’s most beautiful interiors. Attendees experienced the skill of their lampshade studio and discovered how different linings affect the light output and ambiance. They joined skilled artisans in the painting studio to learn about their detailed hand-painted finishes, and gold-leafed their own sculpted bird to cherish as a keepsake.

An Afternoon at the Folly with Rose Cumming and Classic Cloth

Guests joined Rose Cumming and Classic Cloth for an unforgettable afternoon in the English countryside at Alvaro Picardo and William Thuillier’s romantic folly. They enjoyed a private tour, cream tea, and a first look at Rose Cumming and Classic Cloth’s newest collection. Attendees discovered an exclusive series of Alvaro’s hand-painted lampshades created in collaboration with Rose Cumming. The afternoon was made even more special with a talk from Country Life editor, Giles Kime, on the history and importance of English follies.

Sanderson Design Group: Anstey Wallpaper Company Tour + Michelin Star Lunch

Guests traveled from London to Anstey Wallpaper Company, a heritage manufacturer behind Sanderson, Morris & Co., and many leading interior brands. They discovered the full wallpaper-making process—from hand-block to digital—and met the design and production teams behind it. Interior designers also had the chance to discuss bespoke opportunities or future collaborations. They enjoyed a seasonal lunch at John’s House, a Michelin-starred restaurant set in a 16th-century farmhouse.

Join Tissus d’Hélène for an Exclusive Dinner in Chelsea

Attendees enjoyed an unforgettable evening hosted by renowned showroom Tissus d’Hélène, featuring a curated gathering of distinguished brands: Fleurons d’Hélène, Nicole Fabre, Boon & Up and Collins & Green Art. Guests heard stories of their creative inspiration in an intimate conversation at the showroom in Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. They experienced the grandeur of 18th-19th century archive patterns on display and their transformation into beautiful fabrics and wallpapers, learned how a frame can transform a picture and discovered the art of cleaning a vintage painting, and participated in hands-on weaving with a traditional West African loom. The moderator was Emma Redmayne, former Publishing Director at Conde Nast of House & Garden and World of Interiors magazines.

As dusk fell, taxis whisked guests five minutes away to the iconic Phene, a hidden gem in Chelsea with a rich history dating back to 1853, for an elegant dinner of modern British fare. 

The Joy of Bespoke with Christine Van Der Hurd and Rita Konig

Attendees joined design icons Christine Van Der Hurd and Rita Konig in conversation with Hatta Byng, former editor of House & Garden, discussing the beauty of bespoke and how it adds an individuality to an interior.

Christine’s rugs and fabrics combine a deep understanding of weaving with an intuitive eye for color, texture and pattern. Decorators collaborate with her not only to create unique textiles but to shape their most important projects. 

One of the elements Rita likes most about her job is finding the experts who will go to extraordinary lengths to create something completely unique for a room. She works closely with Christine often on embroidery and rugs.

With Vanderhurd, each client is given time, whether they’re commissioning one rug or a whole project for an entire house.

Sparkling Brunch & Illuminated Tour at Claridge's

Designers joined Collier Webb and George Spencer Designs us in the heart of Mayfair for a Champagne Brunch at the world renowned Claridge’s Hotel. After a guided tour of bespoke projects commissioned for the hotel, designers had a chance to sit down over a private brunch and mingle with the teams behind Collier Webb and George Spencer Designs. This exclusive event was an unforgettable blend of tradition, design, and sophistication.