Spitalfields Interiors
December 5, 2008
By Samantha Finley
Eight years ago, Noel McManus was finding inspiration on his market stall selling Indian textiles and gifts at the Old Spitalfields Market. Today he talks about the past seven years from the launch of OneDeko, a creative hub for new interior designers and an online contemporary design shop.
Tell me about your design background… What was your first design?
I’m not a designer but I do know what good design is. I have always loved interior design and Onedeko is my way of being able to explore my creative side. East London is a hive of designers and this gives us a chance to see first-class, unusual designs for the first time. It is so inspirational and a lot of designs you find in the East End are from up-and-coming, naturally talented designers.
What inspired you to get your business started?
I used to have a stall in Old Spitalfields Market eight years ago. I found a gap in the market and it did really well. Customers were crying out for a contemporary furniture store in the heart of East London.
What inspires your passion for design?
Design for me has to be honest, ethical and practical. Yet, at the same time it needs to be challenging. My main inspiration comes from both old and new design work – merging the two and creating something cutting-edge.
Why did you choose Old Spitalfields Market as a location?
Well, I started with my own stall here at Old Spitalfields Market eight years ago. I absolutely loved being down there amongst similar creative people, and I also got a real buzz from seeing people enjoy the designs I had. From there, I decided to open a contemporary home store bringing design to the general public.
Also there are a lot of creative people in the area and so I also use Onedeko as a way for new designers to showcase their work. This is great as it means less established designers can get their work seen and we also have the opportunity to bring new designs to our customers.
What's your favourite Company?
I am a massive fan of Calligaris. We have been selling the Mascotte dining/coffee table which is ideal for small homes for many years. It is our best seller.
What were you hoping to achieve with Onedeko?
Onedeko has gone from strength to strength over the seven years that we have been open and I hope to continue with this success. We hope to go nationwide, what with the internet. We have just released our new website (http://www.onedeko.co.uk.) which we hope will take us nationwide, its a different experience, and a good way to shop.
Describe 2 interesting products…
Mascotte Coffee/Dining table designed by Calligaris. This table will transform from a coffee table to a dining table at the touch of a button. When extended you can sit 6 people.
Luke sofa bed. I mention this product more for the price than the design. Retailing at £595, I would say that the design is fantastic and very easy to use.
Do you ever encounter times where your personal style is evolving but you purchase goods to keep in with the shops portfolio?
The shop portfolio is about good design. The products I show all have this idea in mind. There are a few items in the store that are not to my personal taste but that does not mean the public don't like them. I listen to what the customer wants and not just to what I think they should have. A good interior designer will listen to their client, then suggest, we take a similar approach.
What do you think is the next big thing for interior design? Any trend forecasts?
I do think that Italian and Danish design can not be beaten - simple and stylish. I would say that I feel that wood is back. Simple design, 60’s style ercol inspired furniture will be the next trend in interior design.
What is your next challenge?
Our showroom in Old Spitalfields Market is being renovated over the next six months. The next challenge for OneDeko is to change location for a temporary period and move back in to our soon to be beautiful showroom.
Generally my design philosophy is…Ethical, practical, comfort ability and durability.
To view some of the products click on Launch gallery above or log on to http://www.onedeko.co.uk
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