Speaking at the Kitchen & Bath Show:
What I Shared and What I Learned
I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Kitchen & Bath Show at the Exhibition Centre, and it was such an energising and rewarding experience. I’ve always loved sharing knowledge and insights — I’ve been teaching interior design and interior construction for over six years now, helping students build their skills and confidence. But this talk was a little different.
This time, I was standing in front of seasoned professionals — architects, designers, builders, and cabinetmakers — sharing ideas, opening up conversations, and diving into the details of two of my favourite topics: joinery and stone.
Sharing What I Teach Every Day
While much of what I spoke about drew from what I teach my interior design students, this was a unique opportunity to share those insights with professionals who are already working in the industry — builders, architects, designers, and cabinetmakers. What I covered is just as valuable for anyone planning a project: understanding your materials, knowing what drives cost, and making choices that balance look, performance, and budget.
Here are some of the key points I shared:
Melamine and laminate — not the same thing!
I cleared up a common source of confusion: while both are budget-friendly, melamine is a material applied to a board’s surface, whereas laminate is a thicker, more durable decorative layer that's pressed onto a substrate.
Why are curves so expensive?
Curving laminate means carefully bending it over a substrate, which takes skill, precision, and time. This craftsmanship is part of what shapes the price.Not all “budget” stone is budget — don’t get caught out
It’s easy to think you’re saving by choosing engineered stone, but here’s where people often get tripped up:The basic ranges of engineered (or sintered) stone are affordable.
But as soon as you move to the premium colours and patterns — the ones that look like natural marble — the price climbs fast.At that point, you might actually get better value (and the real thing!) Read more below
Natural stone isn’t always the expensive option
There’s a common perception that natural stone will automatically cost more — but that’s not always true. Options like granite or limestone can be surprisingly cost-effective, depending on the type, thickness, and source. Plus, granite is one of the most durable stones available, making it a smart, long-lasting choice. It’s always worth considering natural stone alongside engineered options when weighing up price, performance, and look.
The Power of Collaboration
One of the main takeaways from the talk — and something that really seemed to land with the audience — was just how important collaboration is, especially between designers and cabinetmakers. When everyone’s involved early on, you get better solutions, smoother installs, and far fewer surprises on site. It’s something I see all the time in my projects, and I know so many others in the room could relate.
Connecting with the Industry
After the talk, I had a chance to chat with a few people — some builders, a couple of fellow designers — and it was really nice to hear their feedback and talk shop. These kinds of events are a great reminder that we’re all part of the same team, and that sharing knowledge only strengthens the industry.
Looking Ahead
Teaching has always been a big part of what I do — so having the chance to speak live, in a room full of people who love design as much as I do, was something I genuinely enjoyed. I’d absolutely do it again, and I’d love to run more workshops in the future. There’s something powerful about coming together in person to talk about the how behind the design.
Need support on your next project?
Designer. Educator. Advocate for relatable luxury.
If you’re a builder, designer or homeowner looking for clarity on your joinery, stone selections or overall space planning, I’d love to help. The right advice early on can save time, reduce stress and help you avoid costly mistakes.
At Miri Interiors, we offer:
Full-service interior design, from concept through to completion
One-off design sessions and 90-minute Design Intensives to help you make confident decisions on specific elements of your project
Get in touch to discuss your project, or follow along on Instagram for more design insights and inspiration.
“Luxury isn’t about excess — it’s about intention. Every finish, every joinery line, every material should feel like it belongs”
