The World Trade Centre recently hosted the 25th INDEX Design Exhibiton and I went along. Twice. This is Dubai so the place is vast and it took me about 7 hours over 2 afternoons to cover it. The prospect of so many undiscovered interiors gems meant that I was grabbed by an unexpected and frankly, undignified, urge to skip through the doors. Thankfully though, I managed to hold it in and stick to a casual stroll.

The first such gem was Louis De Poortere which supplies beautiful vintage style, hand finished rugs from Belgium. They should be available in Dubai in the very near future. I’ll keep you posted. This beauty in ‘mineral black’ from the Fading World collection will soon grace my bedroom floor if I can convince Mr Y that despite clear evidence to the contrary, we really do need another rug. ‘Obviously we can just layer them’ is my compelling argument. 

Next up were more gorgeous textiles courtesy of Italian family company Busatti which is over 150 years old. Traditional looms and dying methods combine to create a softness and an integrity of colour that is hard to find in these days of mass production. New to Dubai, their luxury bedding, towels, dressing gowns, table cloths and cushions, among other lust-able items, can all be customised through their bespoke service. Nothing like a house full of co-ordinating, personalised linen to make you feel like an Italian Contessa. 

My final pick of the many stunning fabrics on display were those found at Schlossberg of Switzerland. This is bedding worth selling a kidney for. My two favourites were quite different but equally gorgeous. Gina is a more graphic, illustrative print while Leonie is more romantic and painterly. I need them both. Sadly there is no Dubai stockist yet but for you lucky London people, the range is available at Harrods.   

Lebanese brand Kafka Goes Pink’s contemporary take on traditional Eastern lighting can be found at Comptoir 102 and O’de Rose. Designer, Fady Saliva, has also create a range of gorgeous silver, gold and rose coloured bowls, trays and stools. The good news is that there’s no need to limit yourself to just one metal. Mixing them will add depth and glamour to your scheme, and, if you ask this magpie, more is more when it comes to metallic accessories. 

The carved aluminium light installations by artist Yu Jordy Fu at M&J  London were simply breath taking. The intricately detailed carvings depict people, animals and buildings within an overall theme such as the beautiful Dream Collection shown below. These bespoke pieces can be completely customised to meet the customer’s requirements and vision. The company also has an incredible furniture collection which is well worth a look. 

Sustainability is a key issue in Interiors with both designers and customers showing increasing concern for how the industry impacts our planet. French company Adjao Maison exemplifies this with it’s nature inspired and eco friendly range of furniture and lighting. I love their cute, tactile Kino stool made from recycled driftwood and faux fox fur.

The international and innovative nature of the exhibiton was reflective of Dubai both as a city and a design destination. INDEX was absolutely worth the blisters and I’ll definitely be back next year wearing more comfortable shoes. My only worry is that if I’m in flats, the urge to skip might triumph.

Websites:

http://www.louisdepoortere.be

http://www.busatti.ae
http://www.schlossberg.ch
http://www.mjlondon.uk
http://www.adjao.com/en/