News & Events
From 13 to 21 September 2025, London once again became the global capital of creativity, hosting the London Design Festival (LDF 2025). The festival brought together leading designers, architects, and brands, transforming the city into a vibrant stage for exhibitions, installations, and professional events.
Interior designer Yuliya Forrest attended the festival, exploring a wide range of highlights: from large-scale design fairs to boutique showrooms, from cutting-edge material exhibitions to professional networking events. Her visit provided not only inspiration but also practical insights for future interior design projects in the UK and internationally.
One of the key stops was the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour — the UK’s largest luxury interior design destination. With more than 120 showrooms showcasing furniture, lighting, textiles, wallcoverings, and accessories, Chelsea Harbour plays a central role in London’s design scene.
Yuliya shared her impression: “I once again realised that British collections of wallpapers, textiles, and carpets are among the very best in the world. Their quality, originality, and timeless appeal make them truly outstanding, and it is always a pleasure to see them presented at the highest level.”
During the festival, the Design Centre hosted special presentations, product launches, and installations, making it one of the busiest hubs of London Design Festival 2025
Another essential part of the festival was Material Matters, held at Space House near Holborn. This fair focused on innovative and sustainable materials, offering everything from experimental composites to recycled surfaces and bio-based designs.
Material Matters highlighted how sustainability has become central to modern interior design. For Yuliya, it was inspiring to see how global studios and British brands integrate ecological thinking into their creative processes.
The Triangle District was another highlight, a lively hub of pop-up galleries, open studios, and boutique events. This design district offered an intimate experience where visitors could meet designers directly in their workspaces and see their creative process.
Yuliya also noted the exhibitions at ICON, where innovative furniture and product design were presented with a bold, experimental approach. Both the Triangle District and ICON showcased London’s unique blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and contemporary design thinking.
Among the standout installations was Beacon by acclaimed British lighting designer Lee Broom, located at the Southbank near the Royal Festival Hall. The monumental lantern pulsed in rhythm with the city, echoing the chimes of Big Ben.
Beacon was not only a visually striking piece but also a project with a strong sustainability message: its glass elements were created using recycled techniques. For Yuliya, this installation demonstrated how lighting can go beyond function, becoming an emotional and atmospheric storytelling tool in urban design.
During her visit to London Design Festival 2025, interior designer Yuliya Forrest had the opportunity to step into one of the most remarkable showrooms in the city — the Lee Broom London showroom. The visit was particularly special as she had the honour of meeting the designer himself.
In an inspiring conversation, Lee Broom shared insights into his creative process, explaining what he puts into his works and how each design reflects not only form and function but also emotion and narrative. Hearing directly from the creator added a deeper dimension to experiencing his lighting collections.
Broom is known for his sculptural and timeless lighting pieces, which have become icons in the world of contemporary design. Among his most celebrated works are:
Each of these pieces demonstrates Broom’s ability to merge classic influences with contemporary minimalism, resulting in designs that are both functional and artistic.
Yuliya described the visit as “a very interesting and inspiring experience — it is always special to hear from the creator himself about the ideas, meanings, and emotions behind his work.”
This personal encounter with Lee Broom reinforced her belief that lighting design is not only about illuminating a space but also about telling a story, creating atmosphere, and leaving a lasting impression.
Yuliya also attended the SBID Industry Day, organised by the Society of British & International Interior Design. This professional event gathered leading designers, brands, and organisations to discuss design standards, market trends, and the future of the industry.
For Yuliya, it was an opportunity to connect with peers, expand her professional network, and better understand the unique characteristics of the UK design market.
Reflecting on her visit, Yuliya compared the event with another major design gathering she attended earlier in the year: “If we compare London Design Festival with Milan Design Week 2025, the London festival is not as large-scale. However, it feels more intimate, accessible, and personal. And London itself is such a beautiful city — walking through its streets during the festival was a true pleasure.”
The London Design Festival 2025 offered Yuliya Forrest not just inspiration but also professional insights, confirming once again the richness of British design and its global influence.
