The Surface Design show is set to return to the Business Design Centre in Islington once again this year, from 6-8 February. More than 180 companies and organisations will exhibit at the 2024 show, including a large contingent of tile and stone suppliers, such as Mirage, Kivos Ceramics and 4Tile. Over half of this year’s exhibitors are new to the event.
This year’s show is organised around the theme of Mindful Living, which organisers say is aimed to “explore the balance between design intuition and analytical thinking to achieve meaningful experiences”. This theme is an extension of the show’s increased focus on sustainability and “doing good,” according to director Nickie West, although it’s also inspired by recent technological developments in the world of design.
Speaking with TSJ, West said: “Tile and stone are an integral part of the show and we are delighted to announce that The Stone Knowledge Hub is also returning to the 2024 Surface Design Show bigger and better than ever. Building on the success of the 2023 edition and thanks to the increase in the number of Stone Federation members wanting to showcase their materials and expertise, the size of this feature has increased with confirmed exhibitors including Albion Stone, Arcturus Stone, Brittanicus Stone, Burlington Stone, Fila Surface Care Products, Stone Cladding Systems and Welsh Slate. The go-to place for architects and designers looking to find inspiration and information for their natural stone projects, the Stone Knowledge Hub is host to some of the leading names with the UK natural stone sector.”
Matt Robb, digital media executive for Stone Federation Great Britain said: “Stone Federation is delighted be returning to the Surface Design Show for 8th year running. The 2024 show will see a fresh expression of the hugely popular Stone Tapestry and an expanded Stone Knowledge Hub.”
“Both these areas will help connect architects and designers with the beauty, versatility and sustainability of natural stone and provide them with the inspiration and information required to deliver stunning natural stone projects. The Surface Design Show has always been a fantastic event for the Federation and our members, this year is shaping up to be perhaps, the best one yet.”
West continued: “We will also once again be welcoming back our friends from The Italian Pavilion, the collective Italian area is devoted to the best in Italian stone with the 2023 edition featuring 21 exhibitors revealing the beauty of Italian stone.”
Italy isn’t the only European country making its presence known at this year’s SDS however, with Tile of Spain once again returning “in force” for the 2024 edition. According to the organisation, which describes itself as the voice of the Spanish tile industry, 17 manufacturers from the country will attend the show to introduce their latest ranges at the event.
Describing the products on show at this year’s SDS, Tile of Spain said: “Sustainable, safe, hygienic, easy-care, durable, hi tech… and authentically beautiful, Spanish tiles will keep specifiers, trendwatchers and the design-savvy engaged at the show with all the latest looks and qualities. Collections for both residential and commercial spaces, and for interior and exterior environments, will be on show with representatives on hand to share their expertise.
“From decorative pieces in a variety of formats and finishes, to porcelain slabs displaying their distinct benefits, from pattern to colour and from reliefs to glazes, premium ceramic products are all set to bring unique Spanish flair to surface design”
Designing well, doing good
As part of the theme of Mindful Living, the show has announced a charity partner for the 2024 edition in Furnishing Futures. Founded by interior stylist, writer and social worker, Emily Wheeler, the charity aims to create “beautifully designed, fully furnished healing homes for women and children who have suffered domestic abuse”.
According to the charity, a common issue for individuals who have escaped domestic abuse is the lack of basic amenities in social housing. Furnishing Futures aims to address this critical issue by “partnering with the interiors industry to repurpose good quality ex-display items, returns, props, or donated furnishings”. These donated items are then used to transform empty spaces into fully furnished homes designed to help people heal.
Emily Wheeler, continues “Furnishing Futures is absolutely delighted to be chosen as Surface Design Show’s charity partner, and we want to say a huge thank you to all the exhibitors for supporting us.”
The show will also once again celebrate the achievements of the sector this year at the Surface Design Awards, taking place on Thursday 8 February, before the show opens that morning. The breakfast ceremony attracts around 200 attendees, and judges were reportedly “delighted” with the quality of entries to this year’s awards.
The judge’s panel was co-chaired by Charlotte McCarthy, head of interiors at Heatherwick Studio and Nimi Attanayake, director & co-founder of NimTim Architects.
As always, the TSJ team will be present at the 2024 Surface Design Show, where we will be handing out copies of the latest edition of our Specifier’s Guide to Ceramic Tiles and Calibrated Natural Stone. We will also be sharing our stand with The Tile Association (TTA) so please do visit either of us on Stand 156 when the show opens at the Business Design Centre in Islington on 6 February.
See you there!
www.surfacedesignshow.com
