London Design Festival 2025: Designing for a Softer, Smarter Future

From material innovation to sculptural lighting and softer aesthetics, this year’s London Design Festival offers powerful inspiration for shaping tomorrow’s interiors.

The Aarhus sofa designed by ARDE

This September, London will once again become a global stage for creativity as the London Design Festival celebrates its 23rd edition. From 13–21 September, design will spill out across the capital, with landmark installations in public squares, curated exhibitions in heritage buildings, and ten vibrant Design Districts each with their own identity.

Anchored by institutions such as the V&A and the Design Museum, the festival attracts architects, interior designers, and specifiers from across the world. More than just a showcase, it’s a laboratory for the future of design and this year’s edition has some compelling themes for those of us shaping interiors on a larger scale.

Sustainability at the core

Sustainability threads through almost every element of the festival. From installations designed for reuse, to furniture crafted from offcuts and rejected materials, the conversation has moved beyond simple compliance to embrace circular thinking.

This is a mindset we share through our Aarhus collection, designed by ARDE. The Aarhus sofa is one of the few in Europe designed for complete disassembly — meaning every component can be repaired, replaced, or recycled. By combining mid-century inspiration with circular design principles, and using steel springs instead of foam for comfort with less waste, Aarhus proves that longevity and responsibility can go hand in hand with beauty and comfort.

Matching tables in the collection extend this philosophy, crafted in solid wood with a natural finish that avoids conventional lacquers. In many ways, Aarhus embodies the same ethos being celebrated across the festival: design that respects resources, prioritises lifecycle, and still delivers timeless aesthetic appeal.

What Nelson Sees installation in Trafalgar Square, credited by London Design Festival

Innovation in materials

A major highlight is Material Matters, held at the iconic Space House. Here, designers are pushing the boundaries of what furniture and interiors can be made from: mycelium-based panels, recycled PVB, pine resin composites, and reworked timber all feature heavily.

The message is clear: tomorrow’s interiors will be judged not only on beauty and performance, but also on material innovation and sustainability credentials. For large-scale projects, durability and lifecycle are as important as aesthetics — and the products chosen need to meet the highest environmental standards without compromise.

Public landmarks, private lessons

Landmark installations have always been a festival hallmark, and this year’s projects are bolder than ever. Paul Cocksedge’s 'What Nelson Sees' in Trafalgar Square reframes the city from a new perspective, while Lee Broom’s 'Beacon' at the Southbank Centre uses recycled glass to create a towering sculpture of light.

While these are temporary works, they point to lasting lessons for commercial design: the role of spectacle, the power of light to transform space, and the importance of visibility in crowded environments. Hotels, offices, and retail spaces can all draw on these principles — using sculptural forms and creative lighting to make spaces not only functional but memorable.

Beacon installation at the Southbank Centre, credited by London Design Festival

A softer world

The Brompton Design District is themed 'A Softer World', curated by Alex Tieghi-Walker. The focus is on tactility, gentler aesthetics, and human-centred design. Expect to see plush textiles, curved silhouettes, and natural tones — a counterpoint to the sharp minimalism that has dominated in recent years.

This softer sensibility feels particularly relevant in hospitality, workplace, and residential projects, where comfort and wellbeing are increasingly prioritised. From upholstered seating to textured finishes, the tactile qualities of furniture and accessories are taking centre stage.

London Design Festival

London Design Festival 2025 is more than a celebration — it’s a forecast. Softer aesthetics, innovative materials, sculptural lighting, and sustainable design are not passing trends; they’re shaping the expectations of clients and end-users alike.

As we continue to create spaces that inspire and endure, these themes remind us that design must balance beauty, functionality, and responsibility. And in doing so, it can leave a legacy every bit as powerful as the installations lighting up London this September.

Apply for a trade account & get in touch

Becoming a BoConcept trade partner opens the door to exclusive benefits—from bespoke discounts and customisation options to a dedicated account manager and real-time project insights. Apply today and discover how we can support you every step of the way.

To learn more, visit our flagship showroom on Tottenham Court Road, call us on 020 7383 3226, or email tradeenquiries@boconcept.co.uk—our team will be happy to help.