Six key highlights and takeaways from Surface Design Show 2026

To find out what devopments are taking shape in the material world, the Surface Design Show is the place to be – Clare Howcutt-Kelly went to London's Business Design Centre to take a look.

This year’s Surface Design Show was themed around Material Evolution and sustainability was at its very core – olive pits saw new life as tabletops and eggshells had been fashioned into a new biodegradable material. 

More than 6,000 stylish individuals visited the show (I took some sartorial inspiration, too), the products were innovative and there were plenty of opportunities to touch – something that we’re less accustomed to in this digital age – but it's surely an important consideration when making purchases for the home.

Narrowing it down to just a few highlights was tough, but here are 6 things I spotted while I was there that made me want to redecorate...

1 - Smile Plastics
New for this year was MTRL Library – this curated material resource was a real life Pinterest board with innovative and sustainable materials just begging to be picked up and touched. Aimed at supporting a more circular economy, materials have been specifically curated for durability and environmental credentials.

Within the library was SMILE Materials and most relevant to the KBB sector, its Smile Plastics supersized panels collection. While this has been on the scene for several years, its popularity continues to soar with a comprehensive range of surfaces that suit a range of applications. All are created from 100% recycled and recyclable plastics in 3000 x 1200mm formats with standard thicknesses of 12mm and 20mm.

Each panel has a unique design due to the colours, patterns and flecks found in the waste they are made from.

2 - Stone Tapestry
Stone also took centre stage at the show, with the Stone Tapestry installation making a strong visual and educational impact. Created by Squire & Partners in collaboration with Stone Federation, the UK’s trade association for natural stone, the installation offered a compelling showcase of the material’s range and potential.

This year’s Tapestry explored how a deeper understanding of stone’s geological formation can empower designers to make more informed choices, unlocking its versatility, aesthetic qualities and long-term sustainability. By presenting both raw and processed stone, the installation highlighted variations in texture and tone, encouraging visitors to engage directly with the material.

The display also celebrated UK indigenous stones alongside European alternatives, demonstrating that a wide spectrum of colours and finishes can be sourced closer to home – supporting more sustainable specification by reducing the need for long-distance transport.

3 - Andra Munro Design
For those who are looking for a stand out piece to illuminate a room, Andra Munro’s hand crafted creations will likely appeal. At this year’s show, she displayed her atmospheric ‘Undae’’ chandelier as its own installation. It’s created from wafer-thin porcelain which is inspired by organic forms she finds while out walking.

Based in Staffordshire, Andra collaborates with a pottery in Stoke on Trent helping to support an industry that was once thriving. Her bespoke work is quite simply showstopping and creates an ethereal ambience. Believe me, when you see it in person you’ll struggle to believe it's made of clay and it was very hard not to want to touch it!

4 - Tile of Spain/Realonda
Realonda’s latest Kamado collection is a Japanese-inspired porcelain tile range that captures the warmth and character of handmade clay, while offering the durability and performance required for modern interiors.

Available in 12 carefully curated colours, the tiles feature a distinctive tactile relief influenced by a traditional process in which wood waste, such as sawdust, is added to the clay to create organic surface variation. This technique results in subtle patterning and tonal depth, giving each tile a unique, handcrafted appearance. Robust yet visually expressive, Kamado delivers a multi-dimensional finish ideal for kitchen splashbacks, shower walls and bathroom interiors.

5 - Denimolite
This pioneering composite surface material is made from recycled denim waste including off-cuts and hard-to-recycle stretch denim bound with a plant-based bio-resin to form robust, premium panels and sheets.

Celebrated at Surface Design Show 2026 as part of the Green Grads showcase of material innovation, Denimolite turns textile waste into expressive, marbled surfaces with inherent visual texture and character. Its circular design credentials, durability and versatility make it suitable for interiors, cladding, furniture and architectural features, offering designers a sustainable alternative to conventional engineered surfaces while telling a compelling material story.

6 - ReCinder
Developed by ceramic material researcher Rosy Napper, ReCinder is the world’s first 100% recycled translucent ceramic material, made entirely from post‑consumer fired ceramics and waste ash diverted from landfill. Its unique translucency and versatility make it suitable for applications ranging from lighting to furniture, tiling and tableware, offering designers a creative, ecologically responsible alternative to conventional ceramics.

ReCinder’s regenerative approach tackles traditionally unrecyclable ceramic waste, delivering both visual impact and lower environmental footprint for contemporary interior projects.

Clare Howcutt-Kelly is the communications officer for the Worktop Fabricators Federation (WFF) and can found on Instagram @clarehowcuttkelly