Every May, London’s Clerkenwell transforms into the centre of the design world.
Thousands of architects, interior designers, manufacturers and workplace specialists gather to explore the latest ideas shaping commercial interiors. Consequently, Clerkenwell Design Week has become one of the most anticipated events in the design calendar.
This year was no exception.
The sun was shining (a lot!), the streets were buzzing, four-legged furry friends were everywhere, and every showroom offered something new to discover.
As a nominated dealer for many of the industry’s leading manufacturers, the LWS team headed to London to see what was new, what was evolving and, most importantly, what could benefit our clients across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
In This Blog
- Why Clerkenwell Design Week matters
- Sustainability takes centre stage
- Our favourite furniture launches
- Showrooms that impressed us
- The biggest workplace trends
- Looking ahead to 2026
Why We Visit Clerkenwell Every Year
For us, Clerkenwell isn’t simply about looking at beautiful furniture.
Instead, it’s an opportunity to meet manufacturers, experience products first-hand and discuss the future of workplace design with the people creating it.
Furthermore, seeing furniture in real environments gives us valuable insight that catalogues and websites simply can’t provide.
As a result, we return with fresh ideas, stronger product knowledge and plenty of inspiration for upcoming client projects.
Sustainability Continues to Lead the Conversation
One theme appeared almost everywhere we visited.
Sustainability.
However, this year’s conversations moved beyond recycled materials alone.
Manufacturers are now designing products that are easier to repair, refurbish and recycle, helping businesses invest in furniture with a much longer lifespan.
In addition, responsibly sourced timber, recycled plastics and lower-carbon manufacturing processes featured throughout many collections.
Ultimately, sustainability is no longer a trend – it’s becoming the standard.
Boss Design – Comfortable, Flexible and Beautifully Designed
Our first stop was Boss Design, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The new Enso modular seating collection immediately caught our attention. Its flowing curves and adaptable layouts make it ideal for collaborative spaces, receptions and breakout areas.
Meanwhile, the Lumae lounge chair demonstrated how comfort and contemporary design can work together effortlessly.
One thing that also made us smile was little Ziggy. Small in size but big in personality, this friendly dog brought plenty of charm to the day and was right at home making the rounds of the informal meeting spaces.
ORN Furniture – Simple, Elegant and Practical
Next, we visited ORN Furniture.
The beautifully crafted Tywst table & seating range immediately stood out thanks to its elegant timber detailing and versatility.
Meanwhile, the Loria collection demonstrated how refined design can create warm, welcoming workspaces without sacrificing practicality.
As always, ORN proved that simplicity often creates the strongest impression.
Gresham – Hospitality Meets the Workplace
The Gresham showroom felt less like an office and more like a boutique hotel.
Consequently, visitors could experience furniture within relaxed, carefully styled environments.
One particular highlight was the Elco seating collection, which perfectly blended comfort, soft forms and contemporary styling.
It’s another reminder that today’s offices increasingly borrow ideas from hospitality design.
The Senator Group – Innovation Across Every Brand
As one of our key manufacturing partners, visiting The Senator Group is always a highlight.
Across Senator, Allermuir and Torasen, there was plenty to explore.
One product that particularly impressed us was the beautifully crafted Sulu Wood table. Its natural timber finish reflected the growing demand for biophilic design and warmer workplace interiors.
Meanwhile, the Elate task chair reinforced how ergonomics and aesthetics can successfully work together.
Camira – More Than Upholstery
Camira demonstrated that fabrics now play a much bigger role than simply covering furniture.
For example, their latest sheer textile collections are helping designers soften spaces while improving acoustics and creating a calmer atmosphere.
Consequently, fabrics are becoming an increasingly important part of workplace wellbeing.
Frovi – Designed Around People
Few manufacturers create playful, people-focused furniture quite like Frovi.
The Pod Melo continued to impress as a flexible solution for focused work and informal meetings.
Meanwhile, the HAPT table highlighted how furniture can encourage collaboration while remaining beautifully understated.
Verco – Celebrating British Craftsmanship
Finally, we visited Verco.
Their expertise in timber manufacturing was evident throughout the showroom.
One detail we particularly admired was the use of upholstered table columns, adding warmth, texture and character to meeting spaces.
Sometimes it’s the smallest design details that leave the biggest impression.
The Biggest Workplace Trends We Saw
Although every showroom had its own identity, several themes appeared repeatedly.
1. Sustainability
Manufacturers are designing products with longer life cycles and lower environmental impact.
2. Hospitality-Inspired Offices
Comfort, warmth and residential influences continue to reshape workplace design.
3. Flexibility
Furniture is becoming increasingly adaptable to support hybrid working.
4. Acoustics
Pods, screens and soft furnishings are helping create quieter workplaces.
5. Natural Materials
Timber, textured fabrics and softer colour palettes appeared throughout almost every showroom.
Leaving Clerkenwell each year always leaves us feeling inspired.
Not simply because we’ve seen beautiful furniture, but because we’ve gained a clearer understanding of where workplace design is heading.
Furthermore, the conversations we have with manufacturers help us bring fresh ideas back to our clients across Northern Ireland.
Whether it’s sustainable materials, smarter workplace planning or innovative furniture solutions, these ideas will undoubtedly influence the offices we design throughout the coming year.
Let’s Create Your Future Workplace
If you’re planning an office refurbishment, relocating your business or simply looking to refresh your workplace, we’d love to help.
At LWS, we combine workplace design expertise with products from leading manufacturers to create inspiring commercial interiors across Ireland.
📧 Email: info@lws-ni.com
Or get in touch through the live chat on our website.
