Grand Designs Live 2014 / My Top Picks For Interiors

Hello you! How was your weekend? Mine was a strange mixture of glorious, child-free design indulgence and chickenpox-my 7 month old is currently covered in spots, poor sausage.On Saturday I took Rob with me to the penultimate day of Grand Designs Live courtesy of John Lewis, to celebrate their 150th birthday. The store were launching their new range of large appliances at the show and I wished I had space for one of them, especially after exploring them first hand in their kitchens stand.Today I thought I'd share with you some of the interior style that caught my eye and my pick of the "ones to watch". There were some real gems too. I loved the room sets, one of which I've shared on the Facebook page as there just wasn't room here, but I've picked out my stand-outs and think you'll love them too...I absolutely loved the idea interior design duo Owl Design introduced into their room sets to use paint piping just above the skirting board. As seen in both sets, the splash of neon added a playful element in the kids room and really lifted the rich and decadent marine blue in the living room with that gorgeous cantaloupe orange. The kids room took inspiration from modern scandinavian style with fresh white walls and bright, zingy colour. The Lego storage bricks were a brilliant idea! We also decided that we needed to invest in a Donna Wilson Frank Pouffe-the sofa just isn't enough for us!I wish I'd taken better shots of the living space they'd styled-the colour story was a beautiful deep blue with clean wooden flooring and copper accessories, but the light wasn't the easiest to get right. I've not been able to stop thinking about that stunning Badger footstool by Orwell and Goode either. Seriously.The reclaimed oak parque flooring had me glued to this bedroom set by K P Interiors-isn't it stunning? What I wouldn't give for a real parque floor. The whole feel of this space was serene and calm and modern-vintage in style. Warm woods connect the look, from the flooring to the Ercol Treviso Desk and Loveseat (out of shot).Our stars of the show were design collective Joined+Jointed. This collective of established and emerging designer makers were brought together by furniture designer Samuel Chan, who I had the pleasure to meet in person.With a keen eye for clean lines and simplistic, functional yet completely beautiful design, Joined+Jointed showcased a stunning collection of pieces where the wood was left to shine through. I loved the smooth, tactile feel of the Willow Chair by Sean Yoo, which I'm told his unique design is that the chair back will never hit the wall when you push the legs back to it. Clever, no? My favourite piece, however was this beautiful accordian desk lamp which was also available as a floor lamp. Just exquisite and I'm desperate to have one on my desk!Did you see the incredible HiveHaus modular living space on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces? It blew me away. How excited I was, then, to see it standing there- I couldn't wait to get inside. A living space made from interconnecting hexagonal pods, they are custom designed to suit your needs in a sustainable and affordable way. Had I land to build on I think I'd choose one of these. A definite highlight for me and the bespoke pull-out kitchen was to die for. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good shot of it as it was always full of people!As my last top pick of the day, I'm lusting after the humble radiator cover. I think that designer/maker Jason Muteham may actually be a genius. How do we not all have these in our homes? Finally-a stylish alternative to the DIY store lattice model. Look at these beauties! Hand crafted by Jason they come painted, laminated, fabric covered or in timber. I think they're a feature in themselves, don't you?So what do you think of my favourites? Did you make it to the show too? What stood out for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts...And thanks again to John Lewis for treating us and a very happy 150th birthday to you!