The design shows that matter in 2017
Emily Bird, copywriter for the Amara Interior Blog Awards, shares her insider’s guide to the creative events set to inspire your home decor this year.
If your Pinterest board is overflowing but you’re still struggling for interior inspo, why not visit a design show? These events are great for discovering upcoming trends, new brands and the latest collections. Here’s my pick of the best for 2017 in Scotland and beyond…
Ideal Home Show Scotland
SECC Glasgow, 26 - 29 May
An award-winning hub of homeware inspiration, the Ideal Home Show Scotland (main image) exhibits hundreds of brands and thousands of products each year. From kitchens and bathrooms, to basements and gardens, it’s the best place for a full overview of the interior industry. The show also includes fine food, fashion and beauty hubs so there’s something for everyone.
Dundee Design Festival
West Ward Works Dundee, 25 - 28 May
Celebrating the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design, the Dundee Design Festival (pictured above) weaves together some of the great design stories currently emerging from the city. There’s an exhibition, talks, demonstrations and fun child-friendly events across the three days.
Manchester Furniture Show
Manchester Central, 16 - 18 July
Attracting thousands of visitors annually, the Manchester Furniture Show shares the newest interior trends in areas from upholstery and furniture, to art and decorative accessories. Known for being a relaxed and playful show with first-class exhibitors, it takes place in a sleek, contemporary venue right in the heart of the city.
Edinburgh Art Festival
Market Street Edinburgh, 27 July - 27 August
A unique celebration of visual art and design, the month-long Edinburgh Art Festival is run in collaboration with the city’s leading galleries, museums and artist-run spaces. The event attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year and offers a huge selection of activities including exclusive commissions, pop-up events and even live performances.
The London Design Festival
Various London locations, 16 - 24 September
An annual event designed to celebrate London as one of the design capitals of the world, The London Design Festival (pictured above) is a week-long show made up of over 400 events and exhibitions across the city. Staged by hundreds of partner organisations spread across the whole design spectrum, the festival is the biggest design event in the UK and a must-do for interior and design lovers the world over.
Graphic Design Festival Scotland
The Lighthouse Glasgow, TBC October
Promoting creativity, innovation and collaboration, Graphic Design Festival Scotland (pictured above) challenges conventional ways of thinking. Focusing on the best of international graphic design and visual communication, it inspires and educates through active engagement and a programme of talks, workshops and live projects.
Scottish Home Show 2017
AECC Aberdeen, 29 Sep - 01 Oct
Returning for the sixth year in 2017, the Scottish Home Show has a strong focus on home improvement and is the biggest of its kind in the north-east. A family-orientated, three-day event, it’s the perfect show for those looking to refresh their homes or inspire their next interior projects, blog entries or social media posts.