News & Trends

The high points of Highland design

During Clerkenwell Design week I was lucky enough to visit the House of Detention, an amazing and atmospheric labyrinth of brick lined cells that occupy the subterranean floors of an old Victorian prison. It's a stunning backdrop to showcase some of the World's most exciting new design talent. It did not disappoint and of all the incredible talent on show, the ones that stood head and shoulders above the rest were in an exhibition space devoted to the Furniture and Interiors of Scotland.

A celebration of beautiful craftsmanship, attention to detail and gorgeous colours filled the vaulted chambers and although each designer only had a small cameo in which to communicate their skills it was truly inspiring and a real delight to see.

Flanking the entrance were 2 panels featuring the designs of Timorous Beasties, one in cast polished concrete and the other, digitally printed Grand Blotch Damask wallpaper. Remembering when I first saw them, exhibiting hand blocked samples in the confines of a tiny stand, their work shines as brightly today as it did then and I'm always happy to come across their unique beastly take on decoration, in whichever form it is represented.

As well as the more established designers like Timorous Beasties, there were ones to watch like Birky Design who showcased their wonderful inlaid map tables and the Turnberry Rug Works whose rugs were stunning.

If you want to see more great Scottish design - go and visit the Scottish Ideal Home Show and talk to our Dulux Designer for Scotland Debbie Logan about using Scottish design to make your home as beautiful and unique as it can be (no matter which side of the border you happen to be living). For more information about where to see and find exceptional Scottish design visit: www.textilesscotland.com and www.scottishfurnituremakers.org.uk

Marianne Shillingford, Dulux Creative Director