The WOW!house at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, has long been a barometer for British interior design trends. This year's showhouse showcased a range of captivating styles, from cocooning rooms with rich colours and textures to the unexpected versatility of friezes. Here's a deep dive into the seven trends that will dominate the design world long after the showhouse closes its doors.
The frieze reimagined
The frieze, a neoclassical decorative panel, has emerged as a surprising contemporary addition. From Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon to the Misia for Casamance Group Bedroom, designers are reimagining this classical element in unique ways. In the Speakeasy Salon, a neoclassical plaster frieze by Atelier Blundell & Therrien, crafted by Ovolo London, adds a delicate touch to deep plum walls. Meanwhile, Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay's take on the frieze in the Misia for Casamance Group Bedroom Suite blends Art Deco motifs and ancient glyphs, creating a truly distinctive feature.
Plummy colours
Rich, warm shades of plum and berry dominated the colour palette at WOW!house. From Salvesen Graham's Primary Bedroom to Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon, these colours evoke glamour and sophistication. The use of 'Gussie' fabric in Damson by Salvesen Graham and the lacquered, plum-brown Romo fabric by Studio Duggan create a cohesive and luxurious atmosphere. These shades, leaning towards brown or red, are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any space.
Deeply textured fabrics
Textured fabrics were a key trend, with designers creating immersive experiences through touch. Russell Sage's Nucleus Media Room showcases a mix of incredibly tactile fabrics, including Evitavonni's 'Aurora' and Joro's 'Dupion'. Martin Kemp Design's Parlour features Dedar fabrics with sensuous satiny and velvety textures suspended from the ceiling. Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay's bedroom showcases a wide range of jacquards and cut-pile textiles, creating an endlessly intriguing interior.
The enduring appeal of curves
Curves dominated WOW!house, from architectural elements to furniture. Albion Nord's Drawing Room features curved alcoves and an ambitious dome, while Elicyon's Lalique bar showcases a scalloped niche. Circular furniture, such as the Japanese ofuro bathtub in the Samuel Heath Primary Bathroom by Rigby & Rigby and the circular sofa in Russell Sage's Nucleus Media Room, adds a unique and inviting touch to the spaces.
Coffered ceilings
Decorated ceilings, especially coffers, were a standout feature. Young Huh's Benjamin Moore Minwah Salon features painted coffers inspired by Korean folk art, while Sara Cosgrove's Philip Jeffries Morning Room showcases very deep coffers. Salvesen Graham's approach to coffers, enhanced with discreet painted borders, adds a traditional touch. Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay's dramatic backlit coffers, filled with blocky mouldings by Ebanisteria Marelli, create a highly striking effect.
Fabric-wrapped walls
Fabric-wrapped walls create a sense of retreat and envelopment. Studio Enass's Garden Folly Room uses Phillip Jeffries' 'Amalfi Silk', while Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon features walls in Black Edition's 'Miri' copper fabric. Albion Nord's Drawing Room creates a soothing atmosphere with linen on the walls. Max Rollitt's Dining Room, designed in collaboration with Schumacher, is particularly escapist, with terracotta damask-lined walls that glow seductively under candlelight.
The home bar as a proper room
Dedicated bars within WOW!house highlight the desire for a home bar. Elicyon's Lalique bar is a showstopper, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship from Lalique's crystal to Shamsian's marquetry. Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon features an intimate concealed bar space with deep plum interiors and curved banquettes. Fettle Design's Perennials and Sutherland Garden Terrace concludes the WOW!house sequence with a curvy wooden bar, complete with a smart marble top and charming Murano lamps, making it a must-have feature in any garden this summer.
