From 21 to 23 May, the iconic Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam once again formed the backdrop for Design District, the annual trade event for interior design in the Netherlands. During these three days, interior professionals from home and abroad came together to immerse themselves in the latest trends, innovative designs and inspiring encounters.
With almost 200 exhibitors, ranging from established indoor and outdoor brands to young designers and design academies, the exhibition floor offered a rich and varied palette of interior inspiration. Visitors were also able to attend various lectures and network with fellow professionals.
© Marie-Elise Bruins Slot | InteriorDaily.com
International competition and a more selective audience
On Wednesday 21 May, the first day of the fair, the editorial team of Wonen360 visited the Van Nelle Factory. Despite the presence of other international design fairs, such as Interzum in Cologne and Clerkenwell Design Week in London, the atmosphere and number of visitors on the first day of the event were positive.
'There were fewer pre-registrations this year,' said one exhibitor, 'but we'd rather have fewer visitors who are genuinely interested than, for example, whole school classes with no purchasing power.' The simultaneous events may have had a dampening effect on visitor numbers, but this was not seen as negative by many. On the contrary, the audience that did attend was described as knowledgeable, focused and high-quality.
© Marie-Elise Bruins Slot | InteriorDaily.com
On the left are the new lamps from Hollands Licht, with the new Lily bath from Jee-O on the right and the latest "Spot shower'"collection behind it.
Changing market dynamics
During the first day of Design District, it quickly became clear that the current market situation is on everyone's mind. In conversations with various exhibitors and visitors, a common theme emerged: the market is noticeably quieter. One exhibitor put it as follows: 'There is certainly still interest, but decision-making processes are taking longer and projects are increasingly being postponed or even temporarily halted. What was mainly evident in the retail and residential sectors last year is now also filtering through to the contract and project market.'
The general feeling is that economic uncertainty and pressure on investment budgets are translating into a wait-and-see attitude among clients. 'One consolation,' adds another exhibitor, 'is that we are all facing the same challenges. We are all in the same boat. It is a temporary phase, but one that is noticeable now.'
© Marie-Elise Bruins Slot | InteriorDaily.com
There was even "digging'"on a "digging mat'" from mflor, which shared the stand with Textiles & More.
Nevertheless, Design District remains a bright spot in the year for many. The compact layout, strong offering and atmospheric location contribute to the appeal of the fair. 'There is a lot of demand for this type of small-scale, well-organised event,' says a regular participant. 'Design District feels intimate, well-organised and professional. It's a great place to have really good conversations.' There were therefore a striking number of new exhibitors who visited the fair last year to see if it was something for them.
© Marie-Elise Bruins Slot | InteriorDaily.com
On the left is the Monarch chair, which was created in collaboration between huqrugs and Phranid. On the right is new exhibitor Studio Thier & van Daalen, who presented the GRID lamp.
It is possible that the fair will have to move to a different location from next year onwards. The Van Nelle Factory remains a popular venue, but one of the large halls has not been available as an exhibition hall for years, which limits growth opportunities.
The market may be 'acting a bit strange', as one exhibitor aptly summarised, but the field remains in flux.
© Marie-Elise Bruins Slot | InteriorDaily.com
Orac Decor was also one of the exhibitors at Design District. Kees Wolffensperger (right) was satisfied with the number of visitors on the first day of the fair.
More information:
Design District
www.designdistrict.nl