Preparations for the Surface Design Show are well underway, with the promise of a brand-new theme and a plethora of highlights returning to Islington’s Business Design Centre from 6-8th February 2024.
Centred around ‘Mindful Living’, the show will examine the balance between design intuition and analytical thinking to achieve meaningful experiences. The idea of Mindful Living will address what role materials and their properties will play in the multi-sensory space; how the virtual and real worlds continue to merge and what technological advancements and investments in new design approaches mean for the built environment.
Among the elements where the theme will feature prominently is Surface Spotlight Live, the material showcase curated by design and trend expert, Sally Angharad. This is located at the heart of the show and will once again shine a light on cutting-edge surfaces, finishes and processes that embrace the future and harness the vital role materials play in design across all dimensions.
The ever-popular Opening Night Debate will also focus on the Mindful Living theme. This can be found on the Main Stage where, over the rest of the two and a half days, a range of debates, panels, trend forecasts and insights into the latest material innovations will take place.
The New Talent area, curated once again by Jennifer Castoldi, Chief Creative Director at Trendease, will be a must-visit section of the show with the very best in emerging creatives displaying an inspiring range of biomaterials, natural materials, textiles, furniture and wallpaper.
The Stone Knowledge Hub is also returning. Building on the success of the 2023 edition and thanks to the increase in the number of Stone Federation members wanting to showcase their materials and expertise, the size of this feature has increased.
As ever, The Surface Design Awards are a much-anticipated part of the show, receiving global recognition and attracting an impressive number of entries from the UK, Europe and Asia. The 2024 edition will be judged by an expert panel, co-chaired by Charlotte McCarthy, Head of Interiors at Heatherwick Studio and Nimi Attanayake, Director & co-founder of NimTim Architects.
This year’s show will also see a presentation by Colour Hive entitled ‘CMF Directions 2025’. Colour Hive, which has more than 20 years’ experience forecasting and publishing design, colour and material insight will host live seminars featuring two diverse stories from their 2025 forecast exploring the macro drivers, colour palettes and material and finish directions in an inspiring and insightful presentation.
