The International Industry Seminar Series at Furnitex and Decoration & Design is approaching. The seminars run throughout the fair and provide a unique insight into the coming trends from both an Australian and international perspective. This years seminars focus on colour, textiles, outdoor design and guidelines for successful interiors.

Held in the Auditorium of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, each seminar runs for approximately one hour. Bookings are essential and tickets are available through Australian Exhibitions and Conferences for $33.

The Seven Deadly Sins of Decorating

Linda O'Keeffe, Metropolitan Home Magazine (USA)

The most successful interiors show us that design rules are meant to be broken. According to O’Keeffe however, there are strict guidelines that act as an indicator for judging a successful interior - whether it be contemporary or traditional.

Thursday 20 July 2006 from 9.30am – 10.30am &

Friday 21 July 2006 from 11.30am – 12.30pm

Global Colour Styles

Erika Woelfel, Colwell (USA)

Think the Pink Wave was a strong movement? Wait until you see this! Erika Woelfel will share her view on colour and lifestyle trends gleaned from travels in Europe, Asia and North America.

Thursday 20 July 2006 from11.30am – 12.30pm &

Friday 21 July 2006 from 9.30am – 10.30am

Successfully Linking Outdoor Space

Rick Eckersley, Eckersley Stafford Design

As the demand on designers to provide flexible, practical and beautiful areas increases, discover how to design and achieve a positive outcome with limited outdoor space. Learn about the fundamental principles of creating successful, feel–good spaces that are a natural extension of indoor living environments.

Friday 21 July 2006 from 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Trend Forecast - Ark'aeology, the art of creating your personal 'Ark'

Barbara Marshall, Marshall Design

Bree Leech, Godfrey Hirst Carpets

Lucy Sutherland, Porter's Paints

Hilde D'haeseleer, Textivision and Decosit Trend Concertation (Belgium)

The Ark is an enduring and universal symbol of preservation and hope for the future. What better metaphor for the contemporary home? Discover the inspirations destined to drive our interiors industry and explore the themes, colours and innovative products that will influence future interiors.

Thursday 20 July 2006 from 2.00pm – 3.00pm