Reflections on WOW House 2024
Last week I visited WOW House within London Design Centre with a couple of fellow interior designers. I thought it would be good to reflect on this immersive experience and consider the key features of the spaces and what if anything I can consider introducing within upcoming interior design projects.
What is WOW House?
WOW House is a large pop-up show house built within the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour. There are 19 rooms to experience; each one has been created by an interior designer working in collaboration with globally recognised design brands and suppliers including Schumacher, Zoffany and Colefax and Fowler. After months of planning the whole house is built within 5days; it’s the Chelsea Flower Show of the interiors world!
This is the third year of the event and this year each room has its own signature scent by Diptyque and it’s own soundscape to create an immersive sensory experience.
This year WOW House is partnered with the charity United in Design which works to promote diversity and inclusivity within the interior design industry.
Favourite Designs
Walking through the house, each room sparked a very different feeling when I entered; some were instantly calming, others nostalgic and one or two a little too stark or vibrant for me! My favourite rooms included the luxurious primary bathroom designed by Michaelis Boyd in collaboration with House of Rohl. The bathroom featured a hand painted mural cocooning the bath, brushed brass hardware, chequerboard floor tiles and deep olive greens.
The library designed by Andrea Benedettini sponsored by Chase Erwin had an elegant and romantic feel with a design concept based around ballet. This room felt warm and inviting and with no natural light felt like a comfortable space to spend an evening. The library featured curtained walls, a hand painted forest wallcovering on the ceiling, a large glass chandelier and an antique mirror cocktail cabinet.
The sophisticated kitchen designed by Studio Vero in collaboration with Martin Moore has a warm earthy colour palette of terracotta and green with antique brass complementing the natural timber cabinets and wood flooring. I really liked the relaxed use of art in this kitchen which added interest and personality. The room felt welcoming and would make a wonderful entertaining space!
Key Trends for 2024
I love attending events like this to spark ideas and inspiration.
There were some common design features I noticed throughout the house;
Fabric covered walls
Curved furniture
Featured ceilings
Statement chandeliers
Ochres, greens and blues
WOW House is open to the public throughout June 2024 and tickets can be purchased here