@ Business Design Centre, London

Once the new year begins, it brings with it a renewed interest and excitement in all things kitchens and design, so I’ll be making a beeline to London’s Business Design Centre in February for the Surface Design Show, the only event in the UK that focuses solely on interior and exterior surfaces. It’s a great place to see the latest materials, gain inspiration for an upcoming project and network with like-minded designers, architects and suppliers.

What to see:

Give yourself plenty of time to check out over 120 exhibitors including Mundy Veneer, specialists within the veneer industry, CD (UK) – sole distributors of Corian in the UK for over 30 years – and Spectral, a lighting company whose designs have received international awards including iF and Red Dot. New exhibitors will include RAK Ceramics, the world’s largest ceramics manufacturer, and Hi-Con, a leading European brand of high performance concrete.

Events & Entertainment:

Don’t miss the Preview Evening’s Live Debate hosted by RIBA Journal on 10 February. There’s also the ever-popular PechaKucha Evening on 11 February with an informal presentation of slides and a new event called Materials Speed Dating hosted by Materials Council, which is set to be an interactive way to be rapidly introduced to new surfaces and finishes to meet your perfect materials match.

Light School:

We all know that the interplay between light and surface can change a room dramatically, especially in the kitchen, so make a date with Light School, an area specifically dedicated to lighting within the show. The three zones – The School Room, Product School and School Newspaper – are designed to educate and inspire visitors with the latest lighting design and products.

Colour collaborations:

Following the success of the 2013 and 2014 Trend Wall, the influential consultancy and creators of colour forecasting publication MIX Magazine will work with acclaimed surface designer Emilie Osborne to present Colour Collaborations. The exhibit will focus on the vital colour and material trends for 2016 and their importance within design.

Surface Design Awards:

Recognising examples of progressive design and the use of innovative surfaces in projects both in the UK and internationally, these awards cover everything from retail and commercial to housing, public buildings and temporary structures. The presentation takes place on 12 February.

My To Do List:

I can’t wait to discover some brand new concepts and contacts but I’m also looking forward to seeing a few old favourites…

Corian:

CD (UK) are the sole distributors of DuPont™ Corian® in the UK and at stand 210 you’ll find a spectacular design and construction of curved external and internal Corian® cladding as well as the new Deep Colour Technology Corian® colours. They will also be showing how specialist fabrication and thermoforming techniques can show off the potential of this solid surface material. Making the most of both the design flexibility of Corian® and the fabrication skills of Fabtops, this kitchen by Hannaway Hilltown in Northern Ireland features seamlessly flowing curves that integrate the working and dining zones of the scheme.

Cosentino:

The ultra compact surface Dekton® by Cosentino will be showcased on stand 400. Ideal for architects, developers and builders alike, it has a wide range of unique properties, comes in slabs of 320cm x 144cm and three thicknesses. Not only does it have over five times the flexural strength of granite but it’s also scratch, stain and heat resistant.

Louis Poulsen:

Visit stand LS444 for this international lighting manufacturer, whose designs are often found in contemporary kitchens. With an ethos of simple, functional design, I love the brass Doo-Wop and Toldbod Duo styles along with the new Collage shades.

Registration to attend is free for professional visitors – visit the show website at www.surfacedesignshow.com