5 Trends to Watch From London’s 2024 Surface Design Show
Find out about new surface materials and products displayed at the annual trade event
This year’s Surface Design Show in London, held Feb. 6-8, showcased innovations from more than 180 exhibitors and hosted talks by leading industry experts. The theme of the 2024 show was Mindful Living, highlighting brands that design well while doing good. Sustainable surfaces and zero waste manufacturing were at the forefront, as well as products influenced by the natural environment.
The theme also referred to how we can connect human intelligence with technology, ensuring we make the most of both elements when creating materials. With that in mind, the event combined designs researched and manufactured through the use of digital technology and also those that came about through traditional techniques.
Here are some of the products and materials on display that were created within the realms of those key themes.
The theme also referred to how we can connect human intelligence with technology, ensuring we make the most of both elements when creating materials. With that in mind, the event combined designs researched and manufactured through the use of digital technology and also those that came about through traditional techniques.
Here are some of the products and materials on display that were created within the realms of those key themes.
2. Easier, Cheaper Sustainable Surfaces
Not only are sustainable materials becoming more mainstream, they’re also becoming more accessible for those on a tighter budget.
Unilin’s Master Oak panels are made from 95% recycled wood and combine an oak veneer with strong melamine and HPL (high pressure laminate). The company says the panels are a “sustainable and budget-friendly alternative to real oak or veneer.”
More alternatives to solid wood could be found at the Mundy Veneer booth, where a line of wood veneers were on display (pictured). The veneers are sourced from forests that are managed to meet social, economic and ecological standards, following guidelines laid down by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and other organizations.
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Not only are sustainable materials becoming more mainstream, they’re also becoming more accessible for those on a tighter budget.
Unilin’s Master Oak panels are made from 95% recycled wood and combine an oak veneer with strong melamine and HPL (high pressure laminate). The company says the panels are a “sustainable and budget-friendly alternative to real oak or veneer.”
More alternatives to solid wood could be found at the Mundy Veneer booth, where a line of wood veneers were on display (pictured). The veneers are sourced from forests that are managed to meet social, economic and ecological standards, following guidelines laid down by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and other organizations.
The Houzz Pro Takeoffs tool lets remodelers and builders quickly and accurately measure and mark up plans and turn them into professional estimates.
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3. Simple Ways to Get an Organic Look
A number of materials that allow natural-looking textures to be applied in a faster and easier way were showcased at the event. ClayLime’s Wonderstone (pictured), for example, is a ready-to-use plaster for floors and walls. It’s made with clay and gives surfaces the look and strength of natural stone.
Elsewhere, San Deco was exhibiting its Travertino mineral-based interior coating, which looks like travertine, while Valpaint displayed its Valrenna paint, which has a soft texture that feels like buckskin.
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A number of materials that allow natural-looking textures to be applied in a faster and easier way were showcased at the event. ClayLime’s Wonderstone (pictured), for example, is a ready-to-use plaster for floors and walls. It’s made with clay and gives surfaces the look and strength of natural stone.
Elsewhere, San Deco was exhibiting its Travertino mineral-based interior coating, which looks like travertine, while Valpaint displayed its Valrenna paint, which has a soft texture that feels like buckskin.
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4. Materials Tailored to the User
One size fits all doesn’t always cut it, particularly when we all have such differing needs, and that’s why many designers at the show prefer to create surfaces that are tailored to the end user.
Ketley Bricks, for instance, showcased its Vision Brick range of custom products (pictured). The company uses the latest mold and die technologies to develop solutions for each architect’s project.
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One size fits all doesn’t always cut it, particularly when we all have such differing needs, and that’s why many designers at the show prefer to create surfaces that are tailored to the end user.
Ketley Bricks, for instance, showcased its Vision Brick range of custom products (pictured). The company uses the latest mold and die technologies to develop solutions for each architect’s project.
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Modern Marquetry by Stratum Designs
Stratum Designs exhibited its custom marquetry interiors and furniture, for which it uses waste materials to produce composite surfaces with unique patterns, colors and textures custom designed for each client.
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Stratum Designs exhibited its custom marquetry interiors and furniture, for which it uses waste materials to produce composite surfaces with unique patterns, colors and textures custom designed for each client.
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5. Biophilic Surfaces
It’s believed there are multiple health benefits to bringing natural elements into our interiors, and plenty of designers were on board with this at the show.
Walls of Eden displayed its 3D wall tiles, which incorporate moss, plants and sustainable materials, while Panespol showed off its Textures range of decorative panels, some of which were inspired by wild nature.
Woven (pictured), by Surface Design Awards 2024 finalist Giles Miller Studio, is a stunning example of a biophilic exterior surface. An intricate latticework covers the outside of a building and allows plants to climb up, around and through it.
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It’s believed there are multiple health benefits to bringing natural elements into our interiors, and plenty of designers were on board with this at the show.
Walls of Eden displayed its 3D wall tiles, which incorporate moss, plants and sustainable materials, while Panespol showed off its Textures range of decorative panels, some of which were inspired by wild nature.
Woven (pictured), by Surface Design Awards 2024 finalist Giles Miller Studio, is a stunning example of a biophilic exterior surface. An intricate latticework covers the outside of a building and allows plants to climb up, around and through it.
More for Pros on Houzz
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Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Many of the materials on display at the Surface Spotlight Live section of the show were a perfect example of how craftsmanship can be used to create products for a modern world.
Nowshin Prenon’s colorful woven fabrics (pictured), for example, combine a variety of traditional techniques that make them functional as well as beautiful. The material is reversible to increase its usage and there are a number of different weights of fabric that can be layered to take the user through different seasons.
Rosy Napper’s ReCinder line of clay products is made from ceramic waste diverted from landfill, then beautifully crafted into tableware, furniture and lamps.