At Clerkenwell Design Week 2026, Karndean Commercial will unveil a dedicated exploration of how flooring can enhance wellbeing, safety and comfort in contemporary spaces. Centred around the launch of the renewed Opus collection, the showcase demonstrates how material choice influences how people feel, move and behave in the built environment.
“Designing for wellbeing is about creating spaces that work with people, not against them,” said Richard Allen, VP of sales for commercial at Karndean Designflooring. “The new Opus collection brings natural calm, reliable safety performance and enduring style together in a way that directly supports healthier commercial environments. Across the design community there is a growing understanding that spaces actively influence stress levels, clarity and emotional balance, and Clerkenwell Design Week gives us the ideal opportunity to explore these ideas together.”
Nature led design for healthier spaces.
At the heart of the preview is the expanded Opus collection, featuring 31 wood and stone designs, including ten new additions. Each design has been carefully crafted to reflect the
grounding, restorative qualities of nature while offering 36 plus wet PTV slip resistance for confidence in busy commercial settings. The palette introduces subtle textures, natural tonal shifts and flexible formats to support a wide range of applications, from hospitality and workplace to education and leisure.
As wellbeing becomes a central priority across commercial design, there is increasing awareness of how spaces shape emotional comfort, movement and sensory ease. Designers are placing new emphasis on materiality, flow and clarity, recognising that natural finishes, intuitive layouts and tactile surfaces can reduce stress, support focus and create environments that feel calm and effortless to navigate.
“Each new design started with a genuine material; from reclaimed oak and prime white oak to dolomite, marble and terrazzo,” added Richard. Every surface has been developed to capture authentic character while creating spaces that feel calm, comforting and emotionally supportive. The collection celebrates the role flooring plays in shaping atmosphere, encouraging clarity, relaxation and confidence in everyday environments.
A newly introduced sensory installation within the Karndean showroom at 20 Clerkenwell Green will allow visitors to experience how texture, tactility and product composition can influence emotional comfort, focus and ease of movement. The space highlights the growing role of sensory-led design in creating supportive, inclusive public environments and illustrates how flooring contributes to overall wellbeing.
What’s happening at Clerkenwell Design Week.
Karndean will also host a series of wellbeing-led activities across the week at 20 Clerkenwell Green (by The Old Sessions House), encouraging visitors to explore the relationship between energy, creativity and restorative design. Each activity reflects the principles behind the new Opus collection, emphasising movement, sensory experience and the emotional benefits of thoughtful material choice.
Tuesday 19 May, Pedal, Blend and Refresh, 11am to 3pm Visitors can create their own nutritious smoothie using pedal-powered bikes. This energising, movement-focused experience connects to the way Opus supports natural flow and ease of movement through commercial spaces.
Tuesday 19 May, Find Your Glow Candle Making, 3pm to 5pm A mindful drop-in session inviting guests to blend their own scents and craft a personalised candle. This calming workshop mirrors the emotional warmth, sensory ease and restorative qualities found in the Opus palette.
Wednesday 20 May, Coffee, Pastries and Conversation, 10am to 1pm A relaxed morning with barista coffee, pastries and the Karndean commercial team. Visitors can explore the new Opus collection, discover the brand’s approach to wellbeing and discuss how flooring contributes to comfort, clarity and the emotional tone of a space.
A continued commitment to human-centred design.
With the launch of the new Opus collection and the introduction of a sensory-led showroom experience, Karndean reinforces its position as a design partner focused on creating healthier, safer and more intuitive commercial spaces. The Clerkenwell showcase brings these principles to life, transforming product performance into an experience that designers can see, touch and feel.
