Grand Designs Live will return to ExCeL London from 2 -10 May 2020, showcasing an amazing selection of the latest innovations, developments, trends and all-new products across each of the five sectors of the show, which cover Build, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Gardens and Interiors. Spanning over 9 days, this exceptional event is a must-visit for those looking to find information on and learn about the world of interiors, home design, self and custom build.
Visitors to the will have the opportunity to hear from an array of industry experts at the Grand Theatre, where an exciting and engaging line-up of talks will take centre stage across each day of the show; with seminars covering a broad range of home, interior, self and custom build topics from extensions to sustainability in the building industry and much more.
Daily sessions at the Grand Theatre, will include ‘Meet The Grand Designers’; presented by different home owners from the most recent series of the popular TV series on which the exhibition is based. Visitors will be able to engage with these Grand Designers as they discuss the trials, troubles and triumphs that their bold self-build projects presented. Grand Designers who will be at the show include Colin & Marta MacKinnon, who will discuss their Strathaven aircraft-inspired home, along with Paul and Amy Wilkinson, who’s Celtic-inspired timber framed roundhouses feature in the latest series of the TV show. Each day the Grand Designers will also take part in ‘Self Build Simplified’, where they will be joined on stage by industry experts for a dynamic Q&A session exploring the various aspects of their self-build projects.
On the 9th May, visitors can join our team of expert judges including Kevin McCloud, Jenny Gibbs the KLC School of Design and Harriet Forde from the British Institute of Interior Design as they announce the winner of the brand-new ‘Great British Box Room Competition’ as they guide us through how this year’s competition entrants used spatial planning, practical interior design and the art of colour in their room set designs.
Visitors keen to undertake projects, whether big or small, can hear from our range of industry experts including Kunle Barker and members form the FMB as they discuss pressing issues centring on the self and custom build. On the 4th May Property Expert & TV Presenter Kunle Barker will explore the potential financial benefits that a self-build property can have.
For those with a potential renovation or extension in mind, Andy Stevens from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) explains ‘How to Get the Best Out of Your Builder’, as he discusses how best to develop a good relationship with your builder. The FMB will also take part in a range of panel discussions and talks throughout the show covering topics inclduing open plan living, kitchens, space and value in ‘Extensions’, choosing the right builder for your project and ‘Sustainable Building’.
Join architect Richard Hawkes and Kevin McCloud as they discuss whether it’s worth the risk of trying to invoke aspirational national planning policy, Paragraph 79”, in order to build a home in open countryside.
Visitors can also learn about the rising trend for electric cars and how our homes are changing to accommodate electric vehicles. In line with the government’s ambitious target of ending the sale of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040, it’s time to decide if the switch is right for you. Join expert John Curtis as they talk us through key information, the range of electric vehicles on the market and their capabilities.
Those dreaming of owning a home abroad can join Kunle Barker as he asks; ‘If you can buy a home on the Sicilian coastline for €1; what’s the catch?’. Buyers have just 3 years to turn a derelict home in to a palace. If this sounds like a project you’d be keen to explore, find out more from Property Expert & TV presenter Kunle Barker on the 6th May 2020.
Visitors can find invaluable inspiration and instruction on everything from extensions to self-build homes, interior decoration and much more. With additional seminars and expert presenters due to be announced, the timetable at Grand Designs Live’s Grand Theatre is shaping up to be the most exciting and informative yet.
Grand Designs Live will return to London’s ExCeL from 2 – 10 May 2020; www.granddesignslive.com
