Another year, another Décor + Design, this time returning to Melbourne for its 14th edition from 20 to 23 July 2017.
A major buying and networking destination for furniture, homewares, lighting, home décor and artwork, the show is co-located with the Australian International Furniture Fair (AIFF) which attracts more than 11,000 visitors over four days.
Both shows provide an interactive and inspirational platform for the design and retail industry, as they aim to provide visitors and exhibitors with an experience which they can use in their professions every day, says Chris May, event director at Informa Australia, organisers of the event.
“We provide tools and resources to broaden horizons and expand networks, to open doors to creatives around the world,” he explains.
“2016 was a fantastic year with 10 per cent growth in attendance. 2017’s exhibition has grown by 20 per cent and has already almost sold out, so visitors can expect many high quality exhibitors showcasing inspiring new products at the event this year.”
A huge part of Décor + Design is the VIVID design competition. Curated by Latitude Group’s Daniel Dalla Riva and judged by a panel, together they will select the winners in categories such as furniture design, lighting design, object design and concept design along with the VIVID Colour Award by Dulux and the VIVID 2017 Judges Choice Award.
“Known for launching the careers of many Australian design luminaries and nurturing Australia’s emerging design talent, VIVID has already unearthed over 700 designers and with 2017 marking the 14th year of VIVID, our hopes are high for even more innovative and creative designs from around the country this year,” says Dalla Riva.
The International Seminar Series will again bring industry experts from around the globe to present the latest and greatest in their fields, while trend forecasts will be showcased in the Trend Hub.
The Daily Trend Tours will be led by UK trend forecasters Victoria Redshaw and Phil Pond, of Scarlet Opus. This year will see Design Laneway & Wall Street return for the third year, providing emerging Australian designers, small studios and individual artists the opportunity to showcase their work.
And after a hugely successful launch last year, AIFF Loves Homemade will again shine the spotlight on Australian made furniture, cabinet and joinery designers and makers.
By Marion Gerritsen
