Grand Designs has been one of my favourite TV programmes for as long as I can remember and it was watching those fantastically adventurous property builds and renovations that first helped to spark my love of architecture and interior design. I’d love to embark on my own grand design one day, however I’m not sure how likely that is. But if I ever did get the opportunity to design and build my own home I think a great starting place would be to attend Grand Designs Live 2014. Now in its 10th year, the show will be returning to London Excel from 3rd-11th May 2014. Aimed at home owners and self-builders, the show features numerous exhibitors who will be showcasing a range of innovative and inspirational ideas for the duration of the nine day show.
The show is split into seven separate sections: Grand Build, Grand Interiors, Grand Kitchens & Bathrooms, Grand Village, Grand Technology, Grand Gardens and Grand Food & Housewares.
Grand Interiors sounds particularly exciting this year as it will feature room sets to inspire generations. Top home interiors stylists will be designing room settings aimed at everyone from first time buyers, young families, and empty nesters to those just looking for a revamp. This is set to be a great source of inspiration for home colour, materials and pattern.The Grand Interiors Theatre will be the hub of the interiors hall, offering inspiration, ideas and advice from industry interiors professionals ranging from DIY specialists, interior designers, and celebrity speakers.
Other show highlights include:
Ask An Expert, located in the heart of Grand Build, promises to offer aspiring developers and those undertaking a home project, specialist advice to assist with getting their own Grand Designs project underway
Market Lane is new for 2014, and is an interactive feature within the Grand Food & Housewares section. There will be six daily demonstrations along with tasting and cookery schools from a variety of experts based in London and the South-East
‘The Tech Box’ is also new for 2014, and is an interactive walk through experience showing the latest innovative gadgets and technology as well as lighting designs and systems for the home. It can be found in the Grand Technology section
The Live Kitchen Experience, will boast two unique and interactive stages. The first will showcase top chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers demonstrating on the Live Kitchen and the second will allow show guests to interact and experience Miele products and appliances in action. There will also be a celebrity ‘cook along’ featuring show ambassadors Kevin McCloud, George Clarke, James Alexander-Sinclair and Jo Hamilton
The Grand Village will showcase best-in-class innovation as seen on Channel 4: ‘Grand Designs’ with a range of eco-homes and green living solutions for visitors to explore. Plus it will also demonstrate a variety of sustainable building techniques with hands on activities and live builds taking place throughout the show
The Grand Theatre will host a ‘meet the grand designer’ seminar each morning along with hot debates and talks with a range of experts and guest speakers – from self-builders to interior designers as well as addressing local planning and building issues
Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes will showcase Kevin’s hand-picked selection of the most impressive eco-innovations and technologies; some of which are being exclusively launched at the show
The Garden Design Competition will see entrants submit a garden design based on the theme ‘Introducing Colour to your Garden’. Final judging will take place live at the show by a panel including Kevin McCloud who will be joined by the Grand Designs Live Garden Expert, James Alexander-Sinclair
Show Opening Times:
Saturday 3rd May – Saturday 10th May 10am-6pm
Sunday 11th May 10am-5pm
Win tickets to the show
Grand Designs Live has kindly given me three pairs of tickets to giveaway to my readers. The giveaway is being run on Rafflecopter and the winners will be chosen at random and announced on 30th April 2014.
And the winners are…
Thanks to everybody who entered the giveaway. I am very happy to announce that the following readers will be receiving a pair of tickets to the Grand Designs Live:
Polly Rowan
Patrycja Koczwara
Nicky Simpson
Congratulations and I hope you enjoy the show!
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