Design Buy Build Issue 42 2020 | Page 70

KBB Show Preview KBB Birmingham prepares for 2020 show Individuality at the forefront of industry trends kbb Birmingham, Europe’s largest dedicated kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms exhibition returns for 2020. Taking place at the NEC from 1-4 March, the show will feature over 400 exhibitors along with showcasing the latest products and innovations. A key talking point at this year’s show will be personalisation. This is a huge trend in the industry right now, with many manufacturers wanting to offer their clients unique products and services that inspire new interior design choices and fits their brief. Based on this emerging trend, the theme for kbb 2020 is “Individuality” – to provide retailers, architects, designers and developers with the correct knowledge and tools to give their clients exactly what they want. When a homeowner considers personalisation there are four main factors that can influence their design choices: function, look, experience and belief. When designing any room whether it’s in a residential or commercial setting, function is always one of the top considerations. In residential spaces, this is often seen in rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom where homeowners are looking to make maximum use of the space available; products need to be practical and serve a purpose. The look and feel of a room can have a huge impact on the way a room is perceived. An aesthetically pleasing space, that fits in with the client’s personality and character can really make a room feel like home. Similarly, in a commercial setting there can be a real benefit to designing a space that fits in with the brand or business that it represents. A well-designed space has the power to create an atmosphere or a specific experience to fit the rooms purpose. For example, if the homeowner is looking to create a social space for entertaining, seating needs to be taken into consideration as well as logistical factors such as layout to maximise the floor space. Does the room need to be a family space and fit the needs of a busy home with hard-wearing materials? Design can really alter the feel of an environment, and it’s important to understand what the client is looking for. 70 Another design consideration that is increasing in popularity is belief. This could range from a client demand for sustainable manufacturing or vegan design, to ways of organising the room such as Feng Shui. Designers, architects and clients will all have their own personal beliefs and it’s important to weave these into the design of a space - the room needs to represent the brief you are designing for. Making a space feel personal and creating a space that displays the client or homeowner’s individuality is an emerging trend that shows no sign of slowing down. kbb Birmingham will provide a wide range of inspirational exhibitors to bring these elements to life including; Kesseler, Abacus Direct Ltd, Abode, Fisher & Paykel Appliances Ltd, Frontline Bathrooms Ltd, Hafele UK Ltd, J & J Ormerod Plc, Franke, Laufen, Dansani, CRL Stone, RAK Ceramics UK Ltd, Blanco, Villeroy & Boch (UK) Limited, Roca, AEG, Ultra Finishing Limited, mcbath, Nobilia-Werke, Alno and Smeg. Don’t miss out, register now by visiting www.kbb.com for more information.