Design & shopping: On show at mode

MODE, THE Contemporary Home Show, is billed as the exhibition equipped with "what it takes to make your home look good, feel great and work beautifully".

In contrast to most of the other home shows, MODE is design-led (rather than DIY-led), and the exhibition features an eclectic combination of emerging design talent and the latest goods that are on offer from established names.

You will find that the products on show are not widely available on the high street, as many of the designers exhibiting work from small studios or from workshops, and often they sell directly to buyers from within the trade.

Everything on show at MODE is available to buy, and many of the designers who are showing are willing to accept commissions from members of the public. A selection of recommended designers to suit every taste includes the following...

Harvey Maria, stand 2.22 (0181-516 7788)

Harvey Maria's cork floor-tiles with a tough PVC laminate include designs such as "Tropical Seas", fish swimming in blue waters; "Meadow", a patchwork of wild grasses; and "Seashore", which is studded with shells, rocks and pebbles in warm colours. Harvey Maria can also help with the design of personal ideas.

DAT Design, stand 1.17 (0181-740 6528)

A collaboration between the woodworker Garvan McGrane and the jeweller Patricia Segrillo, who share a common interest in re-using and recycling and minimising wastage. Their designs are inspired by the desire to challenge the preconceived ideas about the use of materials and about balance and symmetry. The pair use aluminium, glass and plywood that can be found anywhere from skips to specialised suppliers. Space-age Kryptonite lamps, curvy Scyscraper CD racks and glass Water tables exemplify their individual style.

Zigloo, stand 1.37

(01453 753371)

Zigloo is a company that creates geometric sheepskin pouffes to fit the shape of contemporary seating. On show at MODE will be such Zigloo creations as "Bobble", a sphere-shaped pouffe ideal for seating or floor use, and the "POD", a spherical bean bag that provides a sensual environment within which to recline.

Attic 2, stand 3.11

(01222 527014)

Attic 2 is the latest concept created by Angela Gidden, one of the UK's leading furniture designers, who was Welsh Business Woman of the Year for 1997/1998. Attic's concept is a mixture of lifestyle collections designed and developed for the customer who wants design quality. Attic 2 is a Welsh brand (products can be ordered by mail), offering upholstery, cabinets, lighting and occasional furniture.

Loop House, stand 3.37

(0181-961 4950)

Loop is a new design company whose collections encompass wool and cotton handmade rugs and wall hangings. Wildly colourful designs by Lorraine Statham include the groovy "Cows a walking", the in-your-face "vis a vis", the snake-like "Hudson" and the bean-inspired "Lexington".

Kellie Miller, stand 3.49

(01273 720 625)

Combining hand-building techniques with slip casting, Kellie Miller produces decorative vessels and wall pieces that are inspired by architecture, fashion and textiles. Miller works by creating a form that she uses as if it were a canvas, working with colour and porcelain. Her work includes such items as treasure tower bottles and small, lidded containers as well as wall pieces.

MODE, The Contemporary Home Show, runs from 3-6 June at the Business Design Centre, Islington, London N1. Open from 10am-6pm, Thursday to Friday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Tickets: pounds 8.50 advance, pounds 10 on the door. Call 0121-767 4595