If you made it to the London show back in May, you’ll know that Grand Designs Live is one of the most inspiring, innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions on the annual design calendar, so it’s great news that it’s returning for an extra day this October and will run for four days from 9^th to 12^th at Birmingham’s NEC.

We’re promised over 500 exhibitors across the different hubs – interiors, gardens, food and housewares, kitchens and bathrooms, home improvement, self-build, renovations, technology and shopping – and you can book your ticket via www.granddesignslive.com

To whet your appetite, we’ve got the heads-up on some of the leading kitchen exhibitors and what they’re planning to unveil…

MIELE

Miele is one of the main sponsors of the show and, as well as the Live Kitchen Experience, where Miele’s Home Economists put the latest appliances to the test, the brand is also set to launch a range of high-tech kitchen kit.

Their Knock2Open dishwashers are the perfect fit for handless kitchens, as these fully integrated designs have an exclusive handless finish. To open, simply tap twice on the top third of the door. As well as eye-catching contemporary design, the 60cm models feature the latest technologies including an Automatic programme that uses just 6.5L of fresh water and an Extra Quiet setting, which reduces noise level down to 38dB – ideal for open-plan living.

Miele’s latest W1 washing machines offer gentler fabric care, outstanding cleaning performance and convenience. Many of their features are exclusive to Miele too, such as QuickPowerWash, which takes less than one hour; TwinDos, an integrated detergent dispensing system and CapDosing, which enables users to buy precisely proportioned capsules that dispense special-purpose detergents like reproofing agents.

Other hero products include the Levantar 90cm downdraft cooker hood, the new Scout RX1 Robotic vacuum cleaner and the Fashion Master, an all-in-one steam ironing system.

Miele will be on stand K440 (www.miele.co.uk)

DOCA UK

Spanish furniture brand Doca UK will be providing the kitchen cabinetry and worktops for the Live Kitchen Experience, hosting some of the biggest names from the culinary world as the professionals cook up a storm. It’s going to include a Luxury Stone Island Unit with matching worktop, Artemis 985; five-door wall unit in Fuste 491, Old Eucalyptus wood veneer and wall units in Leach 934 with Smoked Mirror and Black matt finish frame.

Don’t miss the Live Kitchen Experience stand at K440 (www.docauk.com)

POGGENPOHL

In other news, the luxury German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl will showcase the +Segmento kitchen in matt Stone Grey lacquer with contrasting units in Holm Oak veneer. Worktops in Carrara Marble will add an extra element of luxury while the stainless steel breakfast bar is in keeping with the contemporary theme. Appliances include Gaggenau’s 400 Series (www.gaggenau.com) along with a Dornbracht sink and tap (www.dornbracht.com) plus Zip Hydro tap for instant boiling, chilled and sparkling filtered water (www.zipheaters.co.uk)

You can find Poggenpohl on stand K200 (www.poggenpohl.com)

LIEBHERR

Refrigeration specialist Liebherr will be revealing its latest food preservation technology with the black glass A++ rated fridge freezer. With Bio-Fresh, which stores food up to three times longer while maintaining vitamins and flavour, it also comes with an advanced independent electronic temperature control system.

Head to stand K230 for Liebherr (www.myliebherr.co.uk)

KINETICO

One of the names set to transform our kitchens of late is Kinetico, a soft water company who will be on hand to show visitors how softened water can save hours of cleaning and put money back in their pockets. There will be interactive demonstrations as well as special show offers.

Kinetico will be on stand K5A (www.kinetico.co.uk)

CDA & SMEG

Images of the new products were unavailable as we went to press, but we are promised a whole host of exciting new appliances from both brands.

CDA’s stand on K541 will feature integrated and freestanding appliances including a new range of sleek, black laundry and dishwasher models; an inclusive cooling zone with full-height stainless steel fridge, freezer and central wine cooler as well as designer extractors with ambient lighting. (www.cda.eu)

Smeg will have 200 square metres on stand K140, where there will be some exciting new launches. The Italians are keeping their cards very close to their chest but they have revealed that one of the new launches will be a built-in version of their best-selling Victoria range cooker. (www.smeguk.com)

Hayley Gilbert, interiors writer

www.hayleygilbert.co.uk / @HaylGilbert / hayleygilbertblog.wordpress.com