… DIY SOS interior design expert Julia Kendell returns to the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC with eighties interior trends inspiration …
“There has been a noticeable move in interest and interior trends harking back to the 1980s recently and I predict we will be seeing much more of this during the year ahead, says Julia Kendell, director and interior designer of Kendell+Co. Returning as an expert for the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC, Birmingham (20-23 March 2025), Julia will be presenting a range of talks to appeal to visitors’ home improvement and design interests.
“The 70s have provided much inspiration for interiors in the past few years, and the move away from grey towards earthier neutrals is definitely pushing the 80s agenda into view. There was much to recoil against in the 80s, and I, for one, have publicly announced on more than one occasion that if ever festoon blinds come back into fashion, I’ll hang up my design hat once and for all. But that said, there was a lot of fun in 80s’ interiors, and this has been creeping in without us spotting it for a while, with rattan and wicker, huge in the 80s, now a key material for furniture and furnishings, along with chintz and frills, albeit set against a plainer background. Pastels are also back, with a revival of the ice-cream palette – think Miami Beach and Art Deco for inspiration. So, watch out for more 80s themes embracing a contemporary twist in the year ahead.”
The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show’s Masterclass and Seminar theatres will feature an impressive cast of leading property experts who will speak about many insightful topics as part of a new series of talks, including: The Top 10 Self Build Mistakes and How to Avoid Them; Inspiration Design Ideas for Loft Conversions Plus Ideas for Adding Space Without Extending; Landscape Design: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Your Dream Garden From Scratch; Confidence With Colour: Decoration Inspiration, and Inspirational Bathroom Design Ideas.
Energy efficiency and sustainability will continue to be high on the agenda with several masterclasses and seminars covering topics such as: From Old Home to Eco Home: How to Make your Home Warm and Comfortable and Slash your Fuel Bills!; Taking Your Home to Zero Bills / Zero Carbon; Upgrading Your Home Heating – Your Options Explained, and more.
The Advice Centre will house the biggest-ever line-up of property specialists under one roof to answer visitors’ pressing questions about their renovations, extensions, home improvements and property projects, with free 15-minute face-to-face sessions. The experts include Homebuilding & Renovating’s Michael Holmes, David Hilton, Allan Corfield, and Sally Tagg as well as Tom McSherry, finance expert, Buildstore, quantity surveyor Tim Phillips, self build expert Mark Stevenson, and broadcaster Andy Stevens.
Over 380 exhibitors will be present at the show to impart their expert knowledge and showcase their offering, enabling visitors to see, touch and compare the latest products to help them realise their dream homes.
Ticket prices to the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show are £36 for a pair of tickets for any one day of the show. Doors open at 10am to 5pm on 20-22 March, and 10am to 4:30pm on 23 March.
Visitors can gain access to free tickets to the show by clicking on this link.
