Grand Designs Live launches All-New Feature ‘Under The Stairs’ at London’s ExCeL

Under-stairs storage cupboards are often an afterthought when planning home renovations. Under The Stairs, a series of 8 installations, using often-overlooked storage spaces, each imagined by a different interior designer, will be on display only at Grand Designs Live, from 4th – 12th 2019. This competition will focus on the increase in the use of unconventional spaces and Grand Designs Live are inviting pioneering interior stylists to come and bring their ideas to life at the show, using colour, materials, and patterns to achieve some impressive spaces. This brand-new, imaginative and exciting feature will aim to inspire visitors and encourage them to take home new ideas, information and supplier contacts.

This winner of the competition will be announced on the Grand Theatre at the show, with judges including Kevin McCloud, Barbara Chandler from the London Evening Standard and Jenny Gibbs from the KLC School of Design, who remarked “With the increasing trend towards smaller homes every bit of space needs to be put to use.  This is a really fun and interesting challenge and I am looking forward to seeing how the entrants solve some of the related practical problems and the creative ideas that emerge.”

Amanda Neilson - amandaneilsoninteriors.com

Embracing the more ‘traditional’ use of an under-the-stairs space, a downstairs toilet, Amanda Neilson’s deign incorporates elements of design to bring a modern, spacious look to a usually cramped area. Using natural elements and textures, alongside green tones, spliced with bright floral colours and metallic accents, this beautifully natural powder room provides a small sanctuary in the home.

Charlotte England – mkira.co.uk

This space encompasses a celebration of natural products, all with low environmental impacts, natural fibres and soft tonal shades create a welcoming environment, ideal for a cosy reading nook, or a snug spare bedroom, when necessary. 

Chloe Spillet – chloegetscreative.com

This under stairs play area provides the perfect solution for families residing in smaller properties without space for a playroom. The smaller space is perfect for children, aiding their development and fuelling their adventures. Carefully thought-out features such as wall mounted ladder rungs allow children to climb up onto a lookout ledge and read their favourite book, and the area can also be conveniently closed off at the end of the day.

Fleur Ward - fleurwardinteriordesign.com

This space for teenagers or gamers provides the perfect hideaway allowing them to get lost in the experience. A feeling like being in enveloped in an 80’s game. Containing a drawer unit for headphones, equipment etc, and a drinks fridge for refreshments and snacks, comfy beanbag seating and retro-inspired Wired For Sound wallpaper from OhhFleur, this is the modern-day treehouse for teens.

Helen Crouch - conceptandcompletion.co.uk

With a serene moss wall, a sparkling centre piece contrasting with deep-toned walls, leading up to starry celling lights, this hidden escape features a folding wall desk for studying or writing, along with cosy seating, a foot spa and other relaxing features like a cocktail bar, book shelves and live plants. Relax, unwind & sip a drink while your feet have a dip in a foot spa, running relaxing water & warmth of fire feature and a good book.

Accanto Interiors - accantointeriors.com

This room set aims to bring the natural outside world into the home, using sustainable materials and a colour palette of soft and vivid natural tones. Ecodesign and the use of live plants in the space reduces negative impacts on environment, along with the health and comfort of building occupants. The use of the space to create a seating area, with storage, accented by wall-hung plants, shows the Accanto Team’s exemplary use of space to serve several functions, as well as being beautifully designed.

Kristyna Mcdarby – klc.co.uk

Using muted grey and wood tones, with heavily textured materials and fun touches alongside decorative artwork and walling, this modern, spacious and cosy dog house is the perfect retreat for a pampered pooch.

Lynsey Hoskin - ashevilleinteriordesign.com 

Lynsey’s under the stairs design is designed with photography aficionados in mind, providing the perfect space for film developers to practise their craft.  This closed off under-the-stairs space is designed with chemical wet and dry areas, while industrial touches add stylish elements to this functional space.

Designs from these finalists will be on display at Grand Designs Live, at London’s ExCeL, from 4 – 12 May 2019. For more information visit Grand Designs Live - www.granddesignslive.com

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