FOCUS/20 Schedule
Sunday 13 September: Virtual launch
Monday 14 – Friday 18 September: Online programme and tailored visits for trade professionals. See the full Focus/20 schedule.
Are you looking forward to this year's Focus/20?
GK: Yes, I've been going to Focus for almost 20 years and this Autumn I'm looking forward to seeing its transition to an event that is both actual and virtual! We access so much online now, that it's going to be really exciting to discover the possibilities of using the web as a gateway to seeing new collections and inspiration from some of the design world's greatest figures.
There are certainly a few virtual events that I suspect might never have happened in the real world - and would certainly never have attracted the huge global audiences that this year's programme will offer.
This year's highlights include some of the most iconic names in interiors from Emma Burns, leading light at iconic British interior designers Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler to Michael S Smith, one of the most celebrated decorators in the US who transformed the interiors of The White House.
What are the highlights for you?
Well, one of them is my interview with Emma Burns (at 4pm on Wednesday 16 September), who I consider to be one of the most talented and intuitive designers working today. She's a beacon of the very best of classic English style. The talk is free to view — you can register for a place at dcch.co.uk.
Also, I'm so much looking forward to hearing a vast range of really inspirational figures, as well as a new programme of Right Here, Right Now events that will focus on specific areas with experts such as Sally Storey, Porta Romana and Original BTC on lighting, Bernie de Le Cuona on trends in textiles, David Harris of Andrew Martin on colour.
And what about new collections?
That's the magnet that's been drawing me back to Focus every year. I love the thrill and excitement of seeing collections unveiled - and there are some particular highlights such as Ben Pentreath's fresh take of William Morris at Morris & Co., new designs from GP & J Baker, as well as a host of other really inventive designers such as Vaughan, Julian Chichester and Turnstyle Designs.
What are the other attractions of the Design Centre, both in its physical and virtual incarnation?
It's the beating heart of the interior design world; I can't think of anywhere else on earth that offers the same depth and breadth of furniture, textiles, wallpaper, lighting. But one of its most unique commodities is inspiration and there'll be plenty of that available during Focus/20.
For more details on the online programme and to catch up on talks, masterclasses and webinars, as well as Discovery Tours, Style Radar discussions and sessions with the Personal Shopper, visit dcch.co.uk/Focus
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A beautiful Georgian house that spent three centuries in the Queen Mother's family, set in 'the most charming hamlet in Northumberland'The Bowes-Lyon family built this house almost 200 years before their most famous member — Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon — married into the Royal Family.
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The Country Life Quiz of the Day, March 19, 2026, has a sunny dispositionWe didn't look far for inspiration for today's quiz — just up at the sky.
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Space, seclusion and indulgence: Arranging a luxury villa experience with One&Only and CarrierVillas and private homes offer privacy, peace, space and top-end resort facilities when you want them — particularly if you opt for one of the choices within the One&Only collection, as curated by the experts at Carrier Luxury Holidays.
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Great garden getawaysDiscover some of Britain’s finest gardens with a PoB Hotels break
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Queensland: The destination where you'll get several holidays in oneFrom golden beaches to ancient rainforest, Queensland is full of wonder — and Turquoise Holidays are the perfect agents to help you book a dream trip.
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The gift of growingEntirely built to suit your needs, a bespoke Alitex greenhouse not only helps you nurture flowers and vegetables, but also offers a tranquil retreat from the pressures of daily life.
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The ultimate Canadian train journeyExperience the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies onboard the luxury and top-tier service of Rocky Mountaineer.
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Why Nassau Paradise Island is the perfect place for your winter break this yearFind out why Nassau Paradise Island in The Bahamas is one of the finest places to holiday in The Caribbean.
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British Columbia’s Best Ski ResortsFrom Whistler to the Powder Highway, Ski Solutions offers tailor-made holidays to Canada’s top pistes.
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The Benmore Estate: Treasure IslandThe Benmore Estate: Treasure Island
