The UK’s largest gathering of some of the best kitchen, bedroom and bathroom brands from around the world opened on Sunday as The Kitchen Bedroom and Bathroom exhibition came to Birmingham’s NEC.

This is the industry’s opportunity to show off new offerings and innovations for the year ahead as thousands of new products go on show.

With over 300 brands, manufacturers and suppliers, KBB Birmingham is the place to source the very latest new products, new technologies and stunning new ranges from furniture, appliances and accessories to components and surfaces.

Those attending couldn’t have failed to notice that pastel colours remain one of the trendiest options for kitchen designs, with shades of grey, olive green and sand colours also essential for a modern and contemporary look.

But it’s not just colours that make a kitchen; it’s texture and feel too. A point that the many designers in attendance were keen to discuss.

Designers Paul O’Brien and Diane Berry spoke about the challenges they face in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the seminar theatre.

Among the many topics discussed, they highlighted texture as one of the most significant innovations over the last few years – particularly when it comes to kitchen doors and worktops.

Innovative textures such as the handleless Gemini on Finsahome and Buckingham doors certainly can create that added luxury feeling in contemporary kitchens and remain popular.

Along with physical and visual elements, the panel also discussed how technology is playing a part in the way kitchens look today.

They agreed that the impact of new technologies and even social media on the kitchen designing industry, allows designers to share experiences and get inspiration from style networks around the world.