This year's WOW!house at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, has revealed seven trends that will shape the future of British interior design. From reimagined friezes to deeply textured fabrics, these trends offer a glimpse into the evolving aesthetic of our homes. Here's a closer look at each trend and why it matters.
The frieze reimagined
The frieze, a classical architectural element, has been reimagined in contemporary interiors. From neoclassical plaster friezes to abstract geometric reliefs, this trend adds a touch of sophistication and versatility. One standout example is Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon, where a delicate plaster frieze by Atelier Blundell & Therrien and Ovolo London complements the deep plum walls. The use of friezes in various rooms showcases their adaptability, making them a surprising yet essential feature in modern design.
Plummy colours
Rich, warm shades of plum and berry dominated the colour palette at WOW!house. These colours create a glamorous and inviting atmosphere, perfect for cocooning rooms. Salvesen Graham's Primary Bedroom features a 'Gussie' fabric in Damson, while Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon is wrapped in a lacquered plum-brown Romo fabric. These purples, with their subtle variations of brown and red, evoke a sense of luxury and warmth.
Deeply textured fabrics
Textured fabrics were everywhere, adding a tactile and immersive experience to the rooms. Russell Sage's Nucleus Media Room showcases a mix of fabrics, including Evitavonni's 'Aurora' and Joro's 'Dupion'. Martin Kemp Design's Parlour features Dedar fabrics with sensuous satiny and velvety textures. Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay's bedroom showcases Misia's wide range of jacquards and cut-pile textiles, creating an endlessly intriguing interior. These fabrics add depth and a sense of touch to the design.
The enduring appeal of curves
Curves are in, and WOW!house embraced this trend with architectural arches, rounded furniture, and circular forms. Albion Nord's Drawing Room features curved alcoves and a dome, while Elicyon's Lalique bar has a scalloped niche. Circular furniture, such as the Japanese ofuro bathtub in the Samuel Heath Primary Bathroom 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, are a clever way to add depth and interest to limited spaces. Young Huh's Benjamin Moore Minwah Salon features painted coffers inspired by Korean folk art, while Sara Cosgrove's Philip Jeffries Morning Room has deep coffers. Salvesen Graham's design enhances coffers with discreet painted borders, and Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay's dramatic look uses backlit coffers with blocky mouldings. These ceilings are a testament to the creativity of designers.
Fabric-wrapped walls
Upholstering walls in luxurious fabrics creates an enveloping and escapist atmosphere. Studio Enass's Garden Folly Room uses Phillip Jeffries' 'Amalfi Silk', while Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon features Black Edition's 'Miri' copper fabric. Albion Nord's Drawing Room uses linen on the walls, and Max Rollitt's Dining Room, designed with Schumacher, is particularly enchanting with terracotta damask-lined walls. These fabric-wrapped walls add a sense of retreat and luxury to the rooms.
The home bar as a proper room
Dedicated bars within WOW!house showcase the growing desire for home bars. Elicyon's Lalique bar is a showstopper, featuring exceptional craftsmanship and crystal. Studio Duggan's Speakeasy Salon has an intimate concealed bar space, and Fettle Design's Perennials and Sutherland Garden Terrace ends with a curvy wooden bar. These bars prove that the home bar is no longer just a functional space but a desirable and luxurious addition to any home.
In conclusion, this year's WOW!house trends offer a glimpse into the future of British interior design. From the reimagined frieze to the allure of curves and the sophistication of fabric-wrapped walls, these trends showcase the creativity and innovation of designers. As we embrace these trends, we can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also inviting and immersive.
