A grand return

Grand Designs Live returns after a two year break to Birmingham’s NEC in October

Featuring over 400 companies across four key home project areas, Grand Designs is back! The organisers have staged the 2021 event to be “the perfect day out for anyone taking on a self-build, renovation, or home improvement project.”

Kevin McCloud, presenter of Grand Designs, welcomed the show back after its long hiatus: “I am looking forward to getting back to Grand Designs Live in October! The show is always a great time, and after the last 18 months of uncertainty that we’ve had, Grand Designs Live will be a fantastic event to inspire those who have been itching to renovate and invigorate their homes, learn new skills and even build their own ‘grand design’!”

2021’s show features new exhibitors and exciting debut features, along with popular favourites and established brands. At this year’s event the following discoveries await you:

BUILD HALL

If you’re in the planning stage or your project is underway, the Build Hall will be filled with companies including glazing specialists, heating solutions, staircases and building solutions. The hall is also home to the popular ‘Ask an Expert’ zone. This is where visitors can book free one-to-one consultations with specialists ranging from architects and designers to finance experts and project managers.

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

Including designers, suppliers and accessories for your kitchen or bathroom furniture, this area showcases sanitaryware, kitchenware and appliances – all you need to take your project from start to finish. Visitors will also be able to take a break and grab something to eat at the Siemens Cafe.

INTERIORS

The Interiors Hall features a range of products from flooring and lighting to furniture, and the latest home technology. This year you will find the brand new Great British Box Room competition, which sees interior designers transforming a small, sometimes unloved room in the home into a creative and inspiring concept, giving you home ideas as well as possible product suppliers for your build. If you’ve ever struggled to sleep, speak to the International Sleep Charity at the show; they are conducting The Sleep Quality Experiment, which allows visitors to take part in a ‘blind mattress test.’ Visitors taking the test will have the chance to win their favourite mattress!

GARDENS

Extend your living outdoors, by visiting the Gardens Hall. Suppliers of outdoor furniture, garden accessories, leisure products like hot tubs and Swimspas, and outdoor buildings will be highlighted. An example is Torp, a ‘design-led concept’ set to disrupt the traditional ‘Staycation’ market, which was inspired by Grand Designs. The units are designed to a ‘near Passivhaus’ standard, and offer off- grid and net zero carbon options.

THE GRAND THEATRE

Take a seat and be inspired at The Grand Theatre. Get top tips, the latest trends and advice for your home project with the live talks programme. Speakers include Kevin McCloud, homeowners who have had their project featured on the TV show, and a range of specialists across self-build, planning, renovation and home improvement. Subjects include inside modular building, ‘self-build simplified,’ renovation and restoration with Sofie Hepworth, and My Beautiful Green Home.

KEVIN’S GREEN HEROES

Each year Kevin McCloud selects the best eco concepts of the year, and their products are showcased at Grand Designs Live. This year the show will
also be inviting back a selection of the ‘heroes’ who have now successfully taken their concept to market.

WHEN & WHERE

To book ‘two for one’ tickets to the event visit granddesignslive.com and enter the code SBHM at the checkout

(The ticket offer is valid on Grand Designs Live Birmingham 2021 tickets only and must be booked in advance before midnight 9 October 2021. Tickets incur a transaction fee and the saving is based on the weekend ticket price on the door.)