Preview: first look at Focus/26 on Design

Focus/26 on Design returns to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour this September, bringing five days of new launches, creative collaborations, industry insight and design discovery to London.

Taking place from September 14^th-18^th, the event will showcase autumn/winter 2026 collections from more than 700 international brands alongside a programme of over 100 talks, workshops, demonstrations and events. This season, pattern, colour and texture take centre stage, with major collaborations including American designer Michael S. Smith x Zoffany, Ken Fulk’s fabric and carpet collections with Perennials Sutherland Studio, Paul Smith x The Rug Company and Rita Konig’s new collection for Oficina Inglesa Furniture.

The Design Centre’s seasonal Design Directions point towards rich claret, gold and teal alongside verdigris, saccharine pink and warm metallics. Natural stone finishes and pleated, papery textures add tactility, while damasks, corduroy and wool bring heritage appeal. Expect geometric patterns, flamestitch, tropical motifs and curvaceous silhouettes to feature strongly across the new collections.

Beyond product launches, Focus/26 offers extensive opportunities to hear from the people shaping contemporary interiors. Conversations in Design returns to the main stage with speakers including Michael S. Smith, India Hicks, Lorenzo Castillo and Paolo Moschino. Topics range from blending history, art and modern living to ‘The Art of Gathering in the Age of AI’ and lessons learned from careers in interior design.

Image on the right is of ‘Waterford’ wallcovering by Sequana at Pierre Frey. Image credit: Natalie Dinham. Image on the left is of ‘Seaside Singerie’ wallcoverings by Aux Abris at George Spencer Designs. Image credit: Natalie Dinham

For design professionals looking to develop the commercial side of their practice, Grow Your Business sessions will combine masterclasses, seminars and Designer Toolkits. Discussions will explore subjects including neuroscience and interiors, building a desirable brand and creating trusted professional connections. Visitors can also get closer to craft and creativity through the Access All Areas programme. Highlights include a metal-finishing workshop inspired by Loom Furniture, a discussion of Rubelli’s collaboration with Ai Weiwei, an exploration of the Gainsborough archive and a session on sensitively restoring period properties.

New for 2026 are two initiatives within the Design Emporium Collective. The Learning Lounge will host intimate professional-development sessions covering subjects such as specifying rugs, lighting and fabrics, while Emporium Live will offer the chance to meet product designers and discover more about the making process. Four new showrooms will also open in time for the event: Corston, Armac Martin, The Vale London and Spanish fabric specialist Alhambra. Meanwhile, a curated group of pop-up House Guests will take up residence in Design Avenue for the week, adding independent and emerging names to the mix.

With design tours, installations, hospitality spaces and opportunities to meet designers and makers throughout the week, Focus/26 once again promises to turn Chelsea Harbour into one of London’s busiest destinations for the international interiors community.

Focus/26 on Design takes place at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour from September 14^th-18^th.