Grand Designs Live attracts crowds at twelfth annual Birmingham show - with pictures
From October 11 to October 15 Grand Designs Live returned to Birmingham's NEC for its twelfth year.
With over 400 carefully curated exhibitors spread across six key sections; Build, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Technology, Gardens and Interiors; the NEC was transformed into an inspiring hub for those looking to make home improvements on any scale.
Once again hosted by Grand Designs guru Kevin McCloud, the five-day show offered visitors the chance to discover and experience the latest products and trends, and gather insights and inspiration for upcoming or planned developments.
Daren Newton, Event Director for Grand Designs Live said of the show "We have had an incredibly busy show, catering to every home design need and providing insightful advice for every visitor, along with new inspirational features and exciting brands.
"The renovations of kitchens and bathrooms have emerged as a key trend, with bigger budgets than ever being committed at the show.
"The quality of attendees has reaffirmed the show’s reputation as the place to visit to see the latest trends and innovations in self-build, design and interiors."
Kevin McCloud commented; "The overall the feel and look of the show has been the best yet at the NEC, with very impressive stands from the exhibitors, demonstrating everything visitors could possibly need for a home build or renovation.
"Looking ahead to the ExCeL show we can look forward to the launch of even more new products and the showcasing of emerging brands, new designers as well as renewed Green Heroes."
Kevin McCloud, joined by a host of industry experts, provided a wide-reaching range of talks at The Grand Theatre, sponsored by Airflow. A hot topic for the show was the subject of social housing, with Kevin taking the stage alongside property expert and TV presenter Kunle Barker to debate the issue of whether the UK needs ‘More Council Houses or More Grand Designs?'.
Returning favourite feature Kevin’s Green Heroes, inspired by Kevin’s passion for pioneering, beautiful and eco-friendly product designs, featured a handpicked selection of innovations including Huskee Cup, Claire Potter Design’s unique artistic lights made from recycled plastic bottles, eco-conscious natural building material Light Earth Blocks, and GIY Mycofoam, a natural mushroom fire resistant and effective insulation product and Coffee Logs by Bio-Bean, a sustainable eco-friendly fuel source made from used coffee grounds, among others.
A new feature to the show, The Virtual Sandbox, allowed visitors to experience domestic and commercial architectural projects via fly-throughs and 360 degree views; while the Local Garden Deli showcased six bespoke wheelbarrow gardens, designed by local suppliers Becketts Farm, Beez Neez Honey, Cofton Nursery, Kingsheath Nursery, Tuckshop and Umberslade.
Hundreds of exhibitors attended the event to showcase their latest products and expertise.
Richard Archer, owner of Quickgrass said, "this is our first ever consumer show and it’s been a fantastic way to get the word out to the public, and we’ve had an enormous amount of interest, so much so that, we’ve already rebook for next show!’
Returning exhibitor Sarah Barton from The Workshop Below commented "we’ve placed a lot of orders; Grand Designs Live is the best consumer show by far for us!"
Darren Long, Sales Manager for Internorm Windows UK Ltd. said ‘We’ve found the quality of leads is great at Grand Designs Live, and this year is no different! We’ve seen lots of visitors who are undertaking self-build projects and interested in our products."
The Grand Room Sets competition, sponsored by AXA Insurance celebrated interiors, drawing submissions from designers across the country.
On display at the show was a selection of six, covering a variety of trends from ‘Modern Luxury’ to Rustic Botanics’ and beyond. The shortlisted rooms were judged by top Interior Stylist Sophie Robinson and Interior Designer Daniel Hopwood, with the overall winner was named as Lynne Lambourne of Love Nellie Designs with her up cycled lounge room.
The Grand Room Sets competition, sponsored by AXA Insurance celebrated stunning interiors, drawing submissions from designers across the country; each presented a room inspired by a popular design trend. On display at the show was a selection of six, covering a variety of trends.
The shortlisted rooms were judged by top Interior Stylist Sophie Robinson and Interior Designer Daniel Hopwood, with the overall winner was named as Lynne Lambourne of Love Nellie Designs with her up cycled lounge room.
Everything on offer was designed to inform and inspire those who wish to attempt their own Grand Design, and it did just that.
Visitor Jack Edwards from Birmingham commented, "We are currently planning a loft extension and have found lots of great ideas and useful companies we wouldn’t have found otherwise. The Ask an Expert section was extremely helpful and offered great advice.
"We have also bought several pieces for our home in the interiors section including a beautiful chandelier. Grand Designs Live has provided us with lots of inspiration and ideas."
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