Armed with notepad, pen and comfy flat shoes, this week I trawled the aisles at London’s ExCeL, the venue for this year’s May Design Series, which includes the kbbLDN Show and its partner show Interiors LDN. There was lots to see and plenty of friendly faces, including Blum who demonstrated their innovative Dynamic Space concept, and after a good day’s scouting I’ve compiled my top five contenders for best in show…

1. CAPLE

Caple had everything covered with plenty of new products to get excited about. My favourites included the two-in-one Sense Premium C895iWH induction and wok hob, the CM470WH white coffee machine, which can be teamed with matching white built-in ovens and warming drawer, and the TV470 – a built-in 19” LED television that fits snugly into a bank of units and is perfect for open-plan kitchens. (www.caple.co.uk)

The caple two-in-one Sense Premium C895iWH induction and wok hob

The caple CM470WH white coffee machine

The caple TV470 – a built-in 19” LED television that fits snugly into a bank of units and is perfect for open-plan kitchens

2. DOCA

Spanish furniture brand DOCA UK showed off its highly tactile GUM lacquer finish, which was mixed with a stained oak veneer and shimmer coloured lacquer for added style. An integral handle detail enhanced the fuss-free finish. I also loved the concealment designs, which included pocket doors to hide away appliances and a clever bi-folding door system that opened to reveal a handy utility area. (www.docauk.com)

Spanish furniture brand DOCA UK showed off its highly tactile GUM lacquer finish

3. BAUMATIC

If you need more cooking space, then Baumatic’s MegaChef built-in oven is just the thing with 10% more space but using 10% less energy than standard A-rated models. It has nine functions, Pyrolytic cleaning and 65-litre capacity. The hero product, the B630MC 60cm oven, has 10 programmes and an LED semi-automatic timer, which can be programmed to cook a dish and switch itself off after the cooking time is up. (www.baumatic.co.uk)

Baumatic’s MegaChef built-in oven

4. POGGENPOHL

Renowned German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl launched a range of matt lacquer doors, which are available in seven colours including Matt Black and Matt Sand Grey. Another highlight of the stand was the bespoke, handmade tropical marine aquarium – the ultimate finishing touch for your luxury kitchen – along with two ‘mirror’ televisions; one in a bespoke frame and the other in a splashback. (www.poggenpohl.com)

A highlight of the Poggenpohl stand was the bespoke, handmade tropical marine aquarium

5. LEICHT

And finally just for fun, Leicht’s Xtend design is a clever new wall unit with open shelves, which are illuminated with LED lights on every shelf and special shutters that close away the shelves when not in use. The real showstopper is that the shutters can be specified in the same material as the cabinetry and are operated by remote control. (www.leicht.com)

Leicht’s Xtend design is a clever new wall unit with open shelves