Clerkenwell Design Week 2025: My Highlights

Clerkenwell Design Week is always a date I look forward to, and this year didn’t disappoint. It’s a great chance to catch up with people in the industry, see what brands are working on, and get inspired by where design is heading. A few themes really stood out to me during my visit this year:

Burgundy & Plum Everywhere

One of the first things I noticed was how often rich burgundy and plum tones cropped up, and not just in one or two spaces. These deep, moody shades were featured across seating, fabrics, wall panels and even accessories. It gave many of the showrooms a more refined and layered feel, a bit more luxurious than the cooler tones that have dominated recently. It’ll be interesting to see how clients respond to these colours, but personally, I think they work brilliantly when paired with light wood, natural textures and soft lighting.

Furniture That Actually Support Focus

Another strong theme was how much thought is now going into non desk-based working. Loads of brands are moving beyond the basic desk-and-chair setup, and instead focusing on comfort, privacy and acoustics. I saw everything from high-backed screens and wraparound dividers to soft-touch materials and quieter finishes. The idea seems to be creating spaces where people want to work, places that feel calm, comfortable and a bit more human. Definitely food for thought for some of my upcoming projects.

Tubular Seating Takes Over

If there was one shape that kept showing up, it was the tube. Seating everywhere had that soft, rounded, tubular look, from low-slung armchairs to modular sofas. It’s a trend that leans into comfort, but also adds a sculptural element to a space. I really liked how these pieces could sit just as well in an office breakout area as they would in a hospitality setting. They’re playful without being too ‘out there’.

The Value of Being Together

Beyond the showrooms and installations, one of the biggest benefits of Clerkenwell is simply having so many industry professionals in one place. Whether it’s bumping into someone you’ve only ever emailed, chatting with designers over coffee, or making new contacts at an evening event, the whole atmosphere encourages connection. It’s a reminder of how important these face-to-face moments are, especially in a field where collaboration and shared ideas are everything. I came away with not just inspiration, but new conversations that could lead to future projects and partnerships.

Takeaways

As always, Clerkenwell left me with a lot to think about, new materials, colours, and some great ideas around how we design for focus and comfort. It's exciting to see design maturing in this way, with more attention being paid to how spaces actually feel to use day-to-day.

Silly as it sounds, I'm already excited for next year and can't wait to see what the industry creates for the future. A big thank you to all the showrooms that looked after me during my time at Clerkenwell, you should all be proud of your spaces and products. For now it's back to project work and some exciting new things to come.