Whilst our design studio is in full-swing with exciting new projects, I made time on the weekend to visit The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair in Battersea. Over its 35 years The Decorative Fair as it has become known, has around 160 specialist dealers who showcase every discipline of antiques, fine and decorative art and 20th century design, dating from the 1700s to the 1970s at a wide range of price points.

I often find that you can discover more unusual and unexpected antiques here and pieces that are less likely to be discovered at the major art fairs.

Of course I initially set out to discover the antiques, but I was immediately distracted by this silver broach.

I was also drawn to these 19th century tinsel print pictures, still in their original burr walnut frames that date back to around 1830.

Depicting famous actors, they remind me of the Mythical Character tea service we designed for Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The tea service design features friendly characters which nod to the theatre’s rich history.

This vintage Louis Vuitton travel trunk with all its compartments made me feel like going on a voyage, in style!

Chunky outdoor furniture can make a real impact when used indoors too.

This beautiful carved and lightly coloured timber cabinet was asking to be at one of our hotels and filled with treasures!

An eye-catching graphic artwork.

A unique shelving design.

We recently celebrated the art of ceramics. I loved these beautiful large pieces which depicted friendly beasties!

These hand painted wardrobes would make a room feel grounded and could inspire the colour palette for your next interior scheme.

My ‘Shop Kit Kemp’ logo was inspired by similar collections of wax stamps like these. I love the fun frames that these are presented in!

Here are some fun horses and jockeys. They bring a real sense of fun and movement.

These bronze parrots could be added to chandeliers to give additional character.

I’ve done something very similar in our Orangery at The Whitby Hotel.

The Decorative Fair will return on 4th to 8th May, with the ‘Spring Fair‘ where garden decoration will be the focus. I’m looking forward to discovering some outdoor treasures already!