This year's WOW!house event at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour showcased a myriad of innovative interior design ideas, offering a glimpse into the future of British and global design trends. Here's a breakdown of five standout concepts that caught the eye of the Livingetc team, each with a unique twist and a wealth of inspiration for designers and homeowners alike.
1. The Allure of Silky Textures
One of the most captivating elements of WOW!house was the masterful use of silky textures, particularly in the Elicyon-designed Lalique Bar, aptly named 'Box of Delights'. The designer's choice of bamboo silk was a stroke of genius, creating a tactile and visually captivating experience. Miaad Latoof, a stylist from Designlab by Livingetc, noted the softness and natural imperfections of the bamboo silk, which added a sense of movement and repetition throughout the room. This trend extends beyond the bar, with interesting textures and material contrasts becoming a recurring theme across the event.
2. Soft Green Palettes
While WOW!house often embraces dramatic and dark aesthetics, a surprising color trend emerged this year: soft tonal green palettes. Samantha Bartlett's kitchen, in collaboration with Martin Moore, showcased a range cooker in a soft green hue, while Sara Cosgrove's Morning Room featured a palette of pale green, blue, and silvery gray. Iokasti Sotirakopoulou, another stylist from Designlab by Livingetc, praised the calming yet depth-filled atmosphere created by these colors, highlighting the importance of texture and lacquered finishes to avoid a flat appearance.
3. The Intriguing Use of Tassels
WOW!house rooms often showcase a variety of textiles and trimming brands, and this year, the intriguing use of tassels stood out. Miaad Latoof noted the movement and sense of craft added by tassels, which were used across furniture, wall trims, tables, curtains, and different design styles. The use of tassels as a layering element rather than a finishing touch added a unique and unexpected dimension to the overall design.
4. 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 was the unexpected contrasts that truly caught the eye. In Studio Duggan's Black Edition room, a mustard yellow sofa sat on a rich cherry red zellige tile, while the main salon featured a combination of green and purple. Iokasti Sotirakopoulou particularly admired the contrast between deep rust curtains and a green carpet with lilac trim, showcasing how these bold color choices can create a dynamic and exciting space.
5. The Mood-Setting Power of Burl Wood
Burl wood made a significant appearance throughout WOW!house, adding a rich, dark, and glamorous touch to various schemes. Róisín Lafferty's Shepel Library, in particular, showcased the mood-setting potential of burl wood, creating a moody and immersive atmosphere. Miaad Latoof emphasized how a single material can define a room, and the emotional and glamorous feel it brings. This trend highlights the importance of carefully selecting materials to create a cohesive and captivating interior design.
WOW!house is an annual event open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore these innovative design ideas. For those eager to delve deeper, Livingetc editor Pip Rich will be hosting an exclusive talk on Nature-Led Design, providing further insights into creating nurturing and soul-fulfilling spaces.
