The 2006 Daily Telegraph House & Garden Fair got off to an impressive start at 10am on Thursday 29 June. As organisers announced that the exhibition was open, waves of enthusiastic punters descended onto Olympia, in search of house and garden products as well as inspiration for their homes. The exhibition space was split between the main House & Garden area, a kitchen and food area and the eternally enticing Holiday area.
As the flood of public commenced their day’s viewing, with catalogue bags and guides tucked under their arms, it was clear that Olympia was about to accommodate four very hectic days of exhibiting. Aisles and aisles of new design products and old favourites ensured that there was enough to keep everyone happy. The daytime mix was just as most people had expected, young mothers (with babies in tow) and retirees (with grandchildren in tow). As the day wore on, the crowds became more diverse and numbers swelled.
After the main floors had been given a thorough examination, everyone’s attention turned to the upper gallery, where the Hidden Art stand was located, tremendously close to the Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar. The Hidden Art display added a much-needed touch of innovation to the array of products on display at the show.
The show’s hectic pace and swelling numbers remained steady (barring the occasional clashes with World Cup matches) for the rest of the show. With themes of nature, neutral colours, and a focus on simple, untreated wood – it gave a good indication of what we will be finding in kitchens, homes and gardens for the next season. The 10,000 visitors will already be eagerly awaiting next year’s show.
