- Price:
- Free
- Rating:
- 3
Reviewed by: Kath
Summary:
Lucky me got some free tickets for this years’ and last years’ Grand Designs Live in ExCel London. There was a definite improvement on the array of consumer-focussed products this year, in my opinion, and here was my experience:
The show is split into 4 main sections: Interiors, Build, Gardens and Kitchens & Bathrooms.
This is the main entrance after going down a tunnel playing the annoying Grand Designs television tune. I don’t know why they did this but it’s really annoying. Information about the show would have been better with details of what you can find in the aforementioned sections, surely?
These furry accessories and words really stood out to me. Slightly garish and not really something I’d buy, but definitely cool to see at a show. They’re by Johnny Egg, and other works included clocks, framed letters and animals.
The last piece of furniture is curved and ever so smooth. It reminds me of Ikea furniture but far more expensive, but I quite like it. I don’t know who it’s by unfortunately, but you can also get curved bookshelves and candle holders.
I actually bought some of these frames. By a company called SpacerFrame, these are acrylic pockets with a sticky label on the back which can be stuck on a wall and moved without damaging the wall. I like this as I’m currently in rented accommodation and need to protect the walls, but I still want to decorate. Kind of. I bought some of the squares which come with a separator and a spirit level, and I’m going to pop some wallpaper samples into them.
I found this piece in the Interiors section of the show. The above map of the world is made of badges and buttons, and is by a company called Hello Geronimo.
I like George Clarke so it was great to see him at the show. Last year there was Kevin McCloud who I don’t think has the same presence, although I believe he was around this year too at some point.
The theme this year seemed to be based around the Green Deal, which is a government-backed initiative which provides a loan to insulate your home and lower your energy bills. There’s a lot of controversy around this topic at current because although the repayments of your improvements will never be more than what your bills were before the measures were installed, the interest rate is around 7%. However seeing as it’s all to do with home improvement I can understand why it’s placed in the show, especially amongst the double glazing stands.
Overall a good show, although still some way to go to make it consumer-friendly and affordable. Some cheaper products for the home would be great. I don’t even think there needs to be such a big Gardens and Kitchens & Bathrooms section because these zones were very similar and verging on boring; only to be saved by the food section at the back. Not to say this show isn’t good for inspiration because it is, but I still don’t think it’s quite right yet. Just my 2 pence!
