Spotted: Focus/25 Trends

September marks one of the most anticipated moments in the design calendar: FOCUS/25. At the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, the beating heart of interiors innovation, more than 135 showrooms, including 35 pop-ups, unveiled fresh launches, bold collections, and tactile trends for the season ahead.

With leading brands gathered under one roof, the event was a showcase of discovery, sparking inspiration and mapping out what’s next for the interiors landscape. 

Here’s our round-up of the top three trends from FOCUS/25: 

Burgundy

As autumn begins, it’s no surprise that warm, saturated tones are taking centre stage, none more commanding than burgundy. This season, the shade emerged as a unifying thread, weaving together showrooms, textures, and installations across the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour

New to DCCH this year was Jessica Osborne, the UK-based fabric and wallpaper designer celebrated for her striking colour combinations, uplifting designs and distinctive geometric patterns. Championing British craft, Osborne launched ‘The Woven Collection,’ a series of textiles inspired by antique darning samplers and hand-drawn geometric patterns. One colour that stood out was a rich burgundy, which framed the stand and acted as a connective thread throughout. Osborne invited visitors to experience burgundy in layered textures and thoughtful compositions, from chequerboard prints to zig-zag weaves. It’s a colour that speaks to the turning of the seasons: falling leaves, lit fires, and cocooning interiors, making it the perfect shade to bring warmth, depth, and sophistication into the home. 

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Burgundy also made a bold impression in the Porta Romana showroom at Focus/25, where walls and ceilings were enveloped in its deep, rouge tones. The warm radiance of hand-crafted lighting amplified the presence of the furniture and accessories, which appeared more vivid against the wine-hued backdrop. Set alongside dark woods and metals, the interplay of colours and materials created a soothing atmosphere that lingered long after visitors departed.

Pattern Play

As Cole & Son marks 150 years of crafting exquisite wallcoverings, the brand has delved into its archive to launch two Classic collections, featuring timeless designs, traditionally printed in celebration of British craftsmanship. Alongside this, the Cole & Son x Ardmore collaboration pays tribute to South Africa’s iconic Baobab tree. Drawing inspiration from native flora and fauna, the collection honours the continent’s majestic wildlife and vibrant cultural patterns.

In partnership, Cole & Son and Ardmore Ceramics have created wallcoverings that are intricate, immersive, and reflective of the lush landscapes surrounding Ardmore’s home in KwaZulu-Natal. This joyful and expressive collection spans nine designs, each bursting with vitality. From regal king cheetahs prowling through the tall grasses to tender moments of giraffes nestled among acacia leaves, the collection offers a richly playful backdrop for interiors of every kind. 

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Texture

As we move into the colder months, it’s no surprise that textured, tactile seating continues to dominate our homes. At Julian Chichester, New Zealand sheepskin took centre stage, upholstering a sofa, dining chairs, and an armchair, all with sculptural, curved shapes, creating a dialogue of comfort and sophistication that feels distinctly of the moment. The plush softness of the sheepskin upholstery softened the architectural sweep of the curves, reimagining minimalism with a contemporary edge. 

Julian Chichester also unveiled a refined new collection for AW25, expanding its offering with pieces that celebrate texture and craftsmanship. Among the highlights, Stump, a cast tree-stump side table, stood out. Made from weighty resin with finely detailed bark texture, it draws inspiration directly from the designer’s home in the New Forest. Together, the sheepskin pieces and textured resin designs capture the season’s emphasis on tactile luxury, where materials and surfaces invite touch and comfort into every corner of the home. 

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Wrapping up

Focus/25 showcased a season shaped by rich colour, playful pattern, and tactile luxury. Collectively, these trends signal a broader shift in interiors towards spaces that are comforting, expressive, and immersive, where colour, pattern, and material converge to create environments that invite touch, spark storytelling, and celebrate craftsmanship. 



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