Autumn Fair Gift + Home Trade Show
The first post of September and this my favourite month, feeling that subtle change in the air as it starts to get cooler, crisper and the nights draw in. If you're looking for interior styling inspiration to welcome the coming season then Autumn Fair, a gift and home trade show held at the NEC Birmingham is a must. The show is the largest trade event in the UK, and the ideal place to find inspiration and trend knowledge.For anyone with a shop or retail business, the show offers a choice of over 1,400 exhibitors across 12 sectors including Contemporary Gift & Living, The Light Show and The Summerhouse for the latest in contemporary and more traditional design. Expect to see the new season's collections in textiles, homeware, stationery and gifts. Naturally, I've got my eye on Danish brands Hübsch, Nordlux and IB Laursen as well as the new on my radar By-Boo from the Netherlands.
The show also provides free expert advice, including a program of engaging seminars covering trends, SEO and a must-see keynote from Jo Malone MBE as she discusses her Brand Building Journey. Book a one-to-one Meet The Expert appointment for a more detailed look into your business or if working with social media influencers is your focus, don't miss fellow bloggers Jen Stanbrook of Love Chic Living and Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About The House.
Even though I can't attend this year, I couldn't resist pulling together a few Autumn ready designs from the exhibitors that caught my eye.
|1| EMITION lightshade in black, Nordlux |2| Botanical green chair, By-Boo Furniture |3| Muted pastel vases, Hübsch |4| Black candle tray, IB Laursen |5| Day bed in black, Hübsch |6| Coral pink geometric pots, Hübsch |7| Black and grey woven cotton rug, IB Laursen |8| Anita wool cushion, Shepherd of Sweden |9| Sand velvet cushion, IB Laursen
Moody colours can find their way into your home this season regardless of whether your walls are pale or inky. The key to getting it right is in blending textures. Think warm woods such as rattan, bamboo or cane combined with black (check out the light by Nordlux), deep greens and rich blues in textiles or on your walls. Day beds like the one above by Hübsch are very on-trend, as well as the once more traditional rattan chairs being produced in more contemporary shapes. Introduce chunky wool, velvets (choose pale pinks or sandy tones to offset the darker colours) and heavy linen curtains for simple luxury. Group collections of candles on metal trays for en-masse comfort, or combine a group of muted vases on your dining table with a few sprigs of winter herbs.Feeling ready now?Autumn Fair is held at the Birmingham NEC from 4 -7 September. To book tickets or for further information, head over to http://www.autumnfair.com.