AS the countdown to kbb Birmingham 2026 begins, the show will have some exciting new additions for visitors to enjoy, says the event organisers. The biennial event, held at the NEC from 1-4 March, is celebrating its 40th anniversary year, and will showcase over 320 top brands across more than 25 product categories.
New for 2026, kbb Birmingham will host a Spanish Design Pavilion, featuring some of the best Spanish suppliers in the sector, including Dune Ceramica, ES Group, Disbain, Mundilite, Ramon Soler Brassware, Surya, Servicanto Group and Clar Systems. As well as the exhibitors, the Pavilion will also host some traditional, Spanish-themed activities during the show. Also launching is the event’s first app, designed to enhance the experience of everyone at the show, says kbb Birmingham. Sponsored by premium appliance brand, Smeg, exhibitors and visitors will be able to take their networking to the next level by pre-booking meetings and making the most of their time, with all of the show information in their pocket.
This milestone year celebrates the show’s enduring role as a catalyst for networking, collaboration and shaping the future of the sector, as well as leading the way when it comes to identifying and showcasing design trends, says the event organisers. A shift away from minimalism and towards the merging of colour and texture is something that Sam Fisher, event director of kbb Birmingham has observed: ‘We’re going to be seeing spaces rich in tactile materials, where colour is introduced through authentic finishes and surfaces like natural stone, stained wood, plaster and hand-painted tiles. Customers want spaces that stimulate touch, are colourful and connected to natural materials.’ Sam adds: ’The shift away from stark minimalism towards warmer, more personal interiors is unmistakable.’
Now in its 11th year, the Innovation Awards are a key feature of the show, celebrating groundbreaking advancements in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sector. Categories include Judge’s Choice, People’s Choice (which visitors to the show can vote for) and the Sustainability Award.
These are the brands and products that have made the shortlist for the 2026 awards:
– The Green Futures Initiative Ltd: eco-cistem
– GROHE: Rapido Shower Frame
– FRASCIO HOLDINGS CO: Eco-Power Sensor Tap
– Samsung: Samsung Bespoke AI Front-Load Washing Machine Series 9 AI Home
– Sensio Lighting Ltd: Affinity Magnetic Track Lighting System
– Flova UK: DripFree Rainshower
– Finsa: Fimapan Bio BDecor
– Staycold Export Ltd: Blastcool iXP1
– Magnetrace Ltd: Magnetrace
– Waters Baths of Ashbourne: Infinity Stream
‘Announcing the Innovation Award winners live at the show always makes for an exciting moment, and this year the shortlist is as strong as ever. It’s encouraging to see that year after year, this sector continually develops solutions that really do push the boundaries of creativity and genuinely spark excitement in the industry and with the consumer,’ commented Sam Fisher.
Each entry is judged on its levels of innovation, functionality and commercial viability. Comprised of four industry experts with decades of experience between them, the judging panel for the awards include Diane Berry, managing director, Diane Berry Kitchens; Andy Davies, managing editor, Taylist Media; Emma Hedges, editor, KBBFocus and Toby Russell, head of sales at awards partner, Blum UK. For further information on the shortlisted entries, visit the kbb Innovation Awards page.
With a vibrant mix of future-focused exhibitors ready to celebrate this landmark year, kbb Birmingham promises to be an unmissable experience, says the organisation. For the latest on the 2026 show, and to register for your free visitor pass, visit the kbb Birmingham website.
www.kbb.co.uk
