It's Tuesday afternoon and Interiors UK is in full swing - in spite of the beautiful but rather awkward weather covering much of the country. With around 600 exhibitors and a diverse and creative blend of features, Interiors UK, from a content point of view, has much to recommend it, and with just one more day to go, I urge you to make tracks to the NEC in Birmingham before close of play on Wednesday afternoon.

"The real stars are the designers, manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and suppliers who are challenging retailers to 'chuck out the chintz' - as one well-known retailer once exclaimed"

The truth is that just a few short years ago, whilst this event may have been somewhat bigger, it lacked that certain sparkle. It had lost its mojo. Well, in my humble opinion, from a visitor's perspective, whilst I cannot say that every single one of the 600 exhibitors showing their latest wares in Birmingham this week are amazing, there is a considerable upswell in the number of exhibitors who are reacting to, and being inspired by, the likes of Designersblock and others by bringing genuinely creative concepts and commercial product choice for those who venture out.

More colour options, new tactile textures, unusual material combinations, new finishes, not-seen-before upholstery choices - Interiors UK has pulled together a terrific event in less than favourable market conditions. For this, the organiser UBM can take a lot of credit. But the real stars are the designers, manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and suppliers who are challenging retailers to 'chuck out the chintz' - as one well-known retailer once exclaimed.

Of course, at an event such as this, there is a huge choice of staple products such as oak furniture, leather upholstery, repro lighting and so forth. But many suppliers are offering really interesting variations on oak, with part-painted or even part metal-wrapped options in a wider choice of finishes and formats. In upholstery, again a more dynamic colour palette is being offered, and contrasting piping is one of the fashion cross-overs for this season. Upholstery formats are pushing in both directions at the same time, with compact and XXXL offers much in evidence. With increasing multi-purpose domestic arrangements, sofa-beds in various incarnations continue to be a growing trend. In lighting, crystal and clear glass options are proving enduring, and a terrific array of contemporary lighting is on offer.

The market for kids and youth furniture continues to develop, with the overwhelming option of choice being white or off-white. For younger users, multi-functional bunks with desks, shelving and a bewildering array of added options feature heavily. For teens, there is a  resurgence in demand for 4ft beds, with optional TV built-in to the footboard. Storage beds too continue to be a growing trend, with an array of opening options.

On the carpet and flooring side of things, there is a good turn out of suppliers showing a considerable choice of rugs in a huge choice of colours and textures. In fact, coloured and contemporary options seem to outweigh the traditional patterns at this event. Antiqued and blended patterns and colours are showing on a couple of flooring stands, and these give a timeless and sophisticated look to the design.

"For a modest outlay, retail showrooms can, and should, in my opinion, be regularly refreshed and revitalised, and be seen worthy of popping into have a look around"

The choice of decorative accessories, art and mirrors at Interiors UK really requires investigation as there are literally hundreds of exhibitors offering thousands of new introductions at this show. For a modest outlay, retail showrooms can, and should, in my opinion, be regularly refreshed and revitalised, and be seen worthy of popping into have a look around. And with a considerable swing back to wholesale suppliers, offering fairly quick deliveries, a visit to Interiors UK comes highly recommended for retailers intent on offering their customers a better experience than the competition.