Surface Spotlight design exhibit at Surface Design Show, 2026

This year’s Surface Spotlight feature exhibit at Surface Design Show draws attention to materials that celebrate thoughtful design: redefining what it means to be new and expanding the idea of material innovation which embraces rediscovery, reuse, and contextual creativity. 

Curated by design and trend consultant, Sally Angharad, ‘Material Evolution’ explores new ideas in sustainable surface design while revaluing existing materials through creative application and storytelling. 

From recycled surfaces and reimagined waste streams to regenerative materials and nature-based innovation, Material Evolution highlights surface design innovation that looks to the future while celebrating past and present practice. Drawing inspiration from the fashion industry’s advances in sustainability, this year’s theme champions circular systems, material transparency, and inventive reuse. In doing so, Material Evolution bridges disciplines to encourage the surface design sector to adopt a more nuanced, regenerative approach to the future. 

“While evolution often implies novelty, Material Evolution at Surface Design Show 2026 reframes evolution as a process of renewal, rethinking, and responsible transformation through science, technology, culture, heritage, and circular design.”

– Sally Angharad, Material, Design & Trend Consultant

Armourcoat finishes at Surface Spotlight 2026 present a diverse selection of sustainable plaster finishes which take inspiration from current design trends while respecting natural materials of the past: communicating the old and the new while offering unique details that elevate modern architectural spaces.

All finishes are made in the UK using natural mineral materials – including natural hydraulic lime, recycled crushed marble, and mineral pigments – offering inherently durable, low-embodied carbon surfaces for architectural interiors across the world. Finishes are hand applied on site by skilled craftspeople, supporting the creation of healthy, sustainable interiors with minimal environmental and health impact.

Sculptural Plaster

Featured Armourcoat materials include a number of Sculptural Plaster surfaces finished in a bespoke rich red tone, inspired in part by Chanel 2025/26 Métiers d’art show designed by Matthieu Blazy, held in December 2025 in an abandoned NYC subway station; whilst also presenting a modern take on carved architectural surfaces observable since antiquity.

Elegant yet edgy, contemporary yet tied to the past, the sculptural plaster finishes reference a modern eclectic take on luxury design, celebrating creative experimentation and a sustainable reinvention of classic sculptural surfaces.

Polished Plaster

Balancing the deep rich red tone of the Sculptural Plaster designs, a selection of Armourcoat’s textured Polished Plaster finishes in ‘February Pine’ colour offer distinct visual interest in a fresh organic green tone – demonstrating the design possibilities of Armourcoat natural plaster finishes that can be achieved through the use of colour, texture, shape, and style.

Visit Surface Design Show, 03-05 Februray 2026 to see this year’s Surface Spotlight design exhibit and explore the latest innovations and themes influencing interiors, architecture and beyond.