Design Centre Chelsea Harbour - Design Week 2010 London

I found myself suddenly in London due to family commitments....my life is usually like this, never a dull moment... jetlagged or not, I was transported by my son in law Oliver Adam, see his beautiful bespoke rugs (http://www.cb-parsua.com/ ) to a wonderful feast at Chelsea Harbour for Design Week 2010 http://www.designcentrechelseaharbour.co.uk

I have visited this centre on previous visits, but having Design Week was the icing on the cake

I traipsed in & out of many of the fabulous showrooms seeing their latest releases, drinking in ideas, stimulated by colour & amazing designs, all of this within the 3 glass domes, up and down stairs, in & out of lifts....the place was buzzing with decorators, designers, hearing many different accents & nationalities sourcing for their clients - so good to know that the market is coming out of the recent gloomy times

I often ponder why we don't use colour & design more in Australia, we seem to be a little conservative somehow, playing it safe.... far too often methinks

The Victoria & Albert Museum has a fabulous Quilt Exhibition at the moment, if you follow textiles it's well the trip, http://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/future_exhibs/Quilts/index.html

My favourite store is Liberty www.liberty.co.uk ..... I always get lost inside for hours, don't just think Liberty prints, it's an off beat place, amazing window displays, unique pieces - you might be surprised ....the furniture floor always gets my attention. From Arts & Crafts, industrial, retro .......check out their use of fabrics - always such a different look - and that's just what I like....never boring or mainstream

A couple of great foodie suggestions if you are in London, www.thewaterway.co.uk & http://www.ruby.uk.com/idlewild/index.htm - try them out ... no disappointments here !

Am back in Sydney now, luckily missing the Icelandic volcanic fall out.....see you next time

Pam Fielding, roving textiles fanatic