The UK’s leading contemporary home show, Grand Designs Live, returns to London’s Excel from 3-11 May and promises to be a haven for homeowners and self-builders alike. My first stop will be Grand Kitchens & Bathrooms and I’m really excited to see that many of my favourite brands are going to be exhibiting.

You can find more info at www.granddesignslive.com but in the meantime, here’s a sneaky peek at what’s going to be on show…

ALNO GO FOR GLASS AND GREY

German kitchen manufacturer Alno will be unveiling its new glass kitchen range Alnovera, a gloss glass door with a real metal frame in brushed, stainless steel effect. Available as handless or with handles, it’s been developed by Alno in response to increasing demand for glass combined with metal accents. Head to stand K118 where you’ll also see their matt glass Alnosara as well as the new wood-effect Caruba Elm laminate, which is making its debut at the show, and the textured lacquer of the Alnostar Sund kitchen in a new Violet Grey.

BRITANNIA GET ARTY

I love the idea of Britannia’s Colourange, which enables you to design a truly unique range cooker. Don’t miss their wonderful Jackson Pollock-inspired model on stand K84. You’ll also see the stunning new collection of designer cooker hoods from BEST, including the unusual Overside extractor, as well as vibrant, Italian-influenced range cookers from Bertazzoni.

You’ll also see the stunning new collection of designer cooker hoods from BEST

SMEG LAUNCH SMALL APPLIANCES

For fans of the iconic Smeg retro range, check out stand K149 for the UK launch of its new small domestic appliances, which includes kettles, toasters, a blender and mixer – all in the signature curvaceous 50s-inspired design. The stand will also feature the famous 50s fridge-freezers as well as washing machines, dishwashers and fires. For modern, angular lines, there’s also a not-to-be-missed collection of cooking appliances.

LIEBHERR SHOWCASES PREMIUM REFRIGERATION

On stand K368, Liebherr will showcase a variety of new energy efficient innovations, including their new NoFrost freezer range, freestanding fridge-freezer combinations and stylish built-in wine cabinets. With 150 appliances in all, many of which are A++ and A+++ rated, I’m looking forward to seeing their new handless built-in wine cooler. The UWT1682 even has the latest TipOpen technology to help prevent vibrations that disturb the wine maturing process. This ensures the door opens 7cm when tapped lightly and has an automatic soft close mechanism if it’s not opened any further after three seconds.

I’m looking forward to seeing their new handless built-in wine cooler

IN-TOTO REVEALS NEW ACRYLIC RANGES

The new cabinet doors from In-Toto will be available in both the In-style contemporary collection and the In-line handless range. Celino has a slightly rounded acrylic edge while Cetus has a stainless steel effect edge. Both use an ultra high gloss acrylic lacquer for a shiny statement kitchen. Head to stand K148, where you’ll also see the new matt Umbra Black from the In-line Alva range; a melamine resin door with slightly rounded thick edges.

Hayley Gilbert, interiors writer

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