Giles Perry is a driving force behind the Ideal Home Show, who has been leading the show for over 15 years, expanding its reach to include Spring and Christmas editions, as well as the Eat & Drink Festival, and The Cake & Bake Show.
The Ideal Home Show, in partnership with La Redoute, which has been a cornerstone of British culture since 1908, is set to return to Olympia London from 21st March to 6th April 2025. This iconic event has long been a beacon for home enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends in home design, renovation, and lifestyle.
But it doesn’t come together just by chance as Giles Perry explains here.
Behind the scenes: bringing the Ideal Home Show to life
The Ideal Home Show is a massive undertaking! Pulling off an event of this scale takes careful planning, teamwork, and plenty of passion. The key? Surrounding yourself with an incredible team. We’ve got dedicated experts covering everything from commercial strategy, marketing, PR, and editorial content to operations, venue logistics, and onsite delivery. While our core team sits at around 30 people, that number skyrockets to over 150 on the ground at Olympia, plus around 3,000 exhibitor staff.
What goes into making it happen?
- Planning with precision: Setting clear goals and timelines ensures everything runs smoothly and aligns with our vision
- Choosing the perfect venue: The show’s heart has always been in West London, hosted between Earls Court (now sadly gone) and the stunning, historic Olympia London. Olympia gives us the space and accessibility we need to bring the show to life
- Managing 600+ exhibitors: With so many companies involved, organisation and communication are key to making sure everything flows seamlessly
- Spreading the word: Our marketing team partners with top media outlets like ITV, Good Housekeeping, and Magic FM, plus social influencers, to keep audiences engaged year-round
- Long-term prep: Believe it or not, planning starts about 14 months in advance. From securing exhibitors to curating exciting features, we leave no detail to chance
What’s in store for the 2025 show? This year’s show is packed with fresh, exciting attractions:
- The Ideal Home Designed by the Experts: A full-scale, interactive house showcasing the latest home and garden trends
- Workshops: Hands-on sessions led by experts in crafts, home improvement, mixology, and more
- A variety of content: From interiors, gardens, and home renovation to style, beauty & wellbeing, there’s something for everyone
- Celebrity appearances: Expect insights from household names like Martin Lewis, George Clarke, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, David Domoney, Lynne Lambourne, Lisa Faulkner, and John Torode
A legacy of innovation now in its 117th year, the Ideal Home Show continues to evolve while staying true to its mission, helping people create beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their personalities. With everything from interiors and architecture to gardening and cutting-edge home tech, it’s the ultimate destination for home lovers.
Giles’ favourite standout moment was the involvement of King Charles III in designing modular homes for the show, some of which ended up on the Royal Estate at Dumfries House or were auctioned off, giving lucky buyers a chance to own a piece of history.
The show’s continued success is thanks to the passion and hard work of our team, the support of exhibitors and sponsors, and, of course, the enthusiasm of our attendees. Whether you’re planning a big renovation or just looking for inspiration, the Ideal Home Show 2025 is the place to be.
