Clerkenwell Design Week 2023: A Look at The Biggest Trends

Clerkenwell is one of London’s most creative districts, so it comes as no surprise that over 37,000 people descended on Clerkenwell Design Week between 23rd-25th May. The three-day festival was brimming with inspiration and trends, from ‘back to nature’ biophilic references to bold, vibrant colours. Here are the top commercial interior design trends the Amtico team picked up from the UK’s hotly anticipated event.

Bold Colours

One of the biggest trends at Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW) was the use of bold colours. This was evident in the work of several installations and stands, including Morag Myerscough’s maximalist exterior feature walls for BAUX, and the impressive inflatable works of British artist Steve Massam, which saw London’s iconic red telephone box reimagined as sensory sculptures.  

The use of bold colours is a sign of the times; in a world that is growing increasingly digital and monochromatic, people are looking for ways to add personality to their surroundings, while creating a more stimulating and energising environment.

Back to Nature

Greenery flourished between the vibrant splashes of colour at CDW, with stands decked in biophilic-inspired green walls and living plants. While not technically a trend, biophilic design has been shown to have a number of benefits, including reducing stress levels and improving mood, particularly in workplace environments.

There are many ways to incorporate biophilia into commercial interiors projects, from storage with integrated plants, to flooring with natural wood tones. 

Sustainability

There was an encouraging sustainability message running throughout this year’s design festival, including products made from recycled materials or manufactured in ways that minimise carbon emissions. Conversations around sustainability remained high on the agenda and progressive, with designers exploring new methods of challenging the status quo while tackling industry-wide issues. 

Human-centric Design

Finally, an inclusive theme could be found in all areas of CDW, with a strong focus on human-centric design. Workshops and talk panels highlighted the gap between creative design and the needs of neurodiverse individuals, while raising awareness of what neurodiversity means when producing plans for clients. Some of the take-home advice explored the use of sensory design, including texture and colour, to promote productivity and improve mental wellbeing, as well as portable products that promote flexibility and movement in office spaces. 

Overall, Clerkenwell Design Week 2023 was a showcase for some of the most exciting design trends of the year. If you're looking for more inspiration for your next design project, be sure to check out our project gallery and ‘Ask the Expert’ sections.