WOW!house, an annual event at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, showcases the creative prowess of British and international interior designers. This year's edition, a celebration of experimental ideas and impactful details, offers a treasure trove of inspiration for anyone seeking to elevate their interior design game. Here's a deep dive into five standout trends that emerged from the event, each with a unique twist and a wealth of commentary and analysis.
Silky Textures
The use of silk textures in interior design is not a new concept, but this year's WOW!house showcased a masterful application of this trend. The 'Box of Delights' bar, designed by Elicyon, stands out for its rich materiality and the use of bamboo silk. From the ceiling to the chandeliers and wall insets, the softness and natural imperfections of bamboo silk create a tactile and visually captivating experience. Miaad Latoof, a stylist at Designlab by Livingetc, highlights the sense of repetition created by this material, allowing the eye to gently move throughout the room. This trend extends beyond the bar, with interesting textures and contrasts in materials being a recurring theme across the WOW!house rooms.
Soft Green Palettes
While WOW!house often embraces dramatic and dark spaces, a soft tonal green palette emerged as an unexpected color trend. Samantha Bartlett's kitchen, in collaboration with Martin Moore, features a soft green range cooker and a Porta Romana chandelier, creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere. The use of pale green, blue, and silvery gray in Sara Cosgrove's Morning Room further showcases the depth and tranquility that can be achieved with a subtle color palette. The contrast between the soft greens and the lacquered finishes adds a layer of sophistication, proving that minimalism doesn't always require an absence of color.
Tassels on Tassels
Layered textiles and the use of tassels were prominent features in many WOW!house designs, particularly in the garden room by Studio Enass. Tassels were not limited to furniture but were incorporated into wall trims, tables, curtains, and various design styles. Miaad Latoof praises the use of tassels, noting their ability to add movement and a sense of craft. The intriguing way tassels were incorporated into the overall layering of the space, rather than being a mere finishing touch, showcases the designer's attention to detail and creativity.
Unexpected Contrasts
Rich color palettes dominated the WOW!house rooms, with deep browns, oxblood, olive greens, rust, plum, butter yellow, and lacquered neutrals taking center stage. However, it's the unexpected contrasts that truly elevate these color schemes. In Studio Duggan's room for Black Edition, a mustard yellow cocktail sofa sits on a rich cherry red zellige tile, creating a bold and dramatic statement. The combination of green and purple in the main salon adds a touch of excitement, while the contrast between the deep rust curtains and the green carpet with lilac trim showcases the designer's ability to play with colors in innovative ways.
The Beauty of Burl Wood
Burl wood, with its rich and dark aesthetic, made a significant impact at WOW!house, particularly in Róisín Lafferty's Shepel Library. The designer's use of burl wood throughout the space creates a moody and glamorous atmosphere, proving that a single material can define and transform a room. Miaad Latoof emphasizes the emotional and immersive experience that burl wood brings, showcasing its versatility and ability to set the tone for an entire design scheme.
WOW!house is an event that opens its doors to the public from June 2nd to July 2nd, offering a unique opportunity to experience the latest trends and creative ideas in interior design. Don't miss out on the chance to combine your visit with an exclusive talk, 'Nature-Led Design: How To Create Spaces that Nurture The Soul,' hosted by Livingetc editor Pip Rich. This event promises to inspire and educate, providing valuable insights into the world of design and the power of nature-inspired spaces.
