The esteemed Wow!house show house event has returned to London’s Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour for its fifth iteration, showcasing a curated collection of design narratives. Running through July 2, this year’s event notably supports United In Design (UID), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering equity within the design industry, led by accomplished designers Alex Dauley and Sophie Ashby.
Verdant Palettes Reign Supreme
A distinct trend emerging from this year’s showcase is the sophisticated embrace of green hues—ranging from subtle olive to vibrant emerald—across various interior spaces. In the entrance hall, designer Francis Sultana has masterfully updated classic parquet flooring by imbuing the oak with a deep emerald stain. Sultana articulates his design philosophy as “contemporary reinvention,” a principle evident in the space’s verdigris floor lamp, an emerald banquette, and Roman curtains fashioned from lime Loro Piana fabric that perfectly complement a glass-topped entrance table. The curation of art by luminaries such as Georg Baselitz, Yayoi Kusama, and Cindy Sherman, alongside collectible design pieces like a glass vessel by Marcantonio Brandolini d’Adda, further elevates the sophisticated chromatic scheme.
The octagonal drawing room, a collaboration between interior design studio Albion Nord and the Turnell & Gigon Group, also features a verdant palette. Creative Director Hero Dalrymple employed 82 feet of block-printed “Titli” gridded fabric to introduce softness to the room’s architectural elements, including its domed ceiling. Dalrymple notes that while the fabric itself is more of a powder blue, its interaction with the bright peacock shade used in the room’s alcoves renders it a richer, mossy green. This deliberate interplay of color demonstrates a nuanced approach to palette selection.
Further enhancing the thematic use of green, Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay’s Misia for Casamance Group bedroom suite boasts pine-colored doors, while Samantha Bartlett’s Martin Moore kitchen is distinguished by a minty hood and range. Studio Duggan’s salon features a custom green-and-lilac wool carpet that harmonizes with fanned chartreuse lampshades, and Sean Symington’s “withdrawing room” showcases a pair of striking olive green bookshelves against a backdrop of subtle chintz.
Echoes of the Far East
Young Huh’s salon is a particular triumph, drawing inspiration from minhwa, the traditional Korean folk art. Huh connects the bold clarity of minhwa colors to modernist principles, referencing the work of Piet Mondrian, Donald Judd, and Dan Flavin. This conceptual framework is realized through high-gloss Benjamin Moore paints adorning Tetris-like alcoves, many of which enclose scenes from Soru, Huh’s minhwa-inspired wallcovering for Fromental. Originally a personal commission, this silk scenic depicts tranquil mountains and clouds against a peach sky. The design is further enriched by a bespoke banquette by Robert Langford, reflecting the vibrant stripes of traditional Korean saekdong textiles, and an ornamental ceiling inspired by the Dancheong paintings found in Korean palaces.
This celebration of East Asian aesthetics extends to other spaces. Sara Cosgrove’s morning room features a Deco-inspired screen upholstered in a sky-blue Japanese woven paper from Philip Jeffries, creating a notably seamless finish. In the primary bathroom, Jason Stewart of Rigby & Rigby has placed a contemporary Ofuru (Japanese soaking tub) by David Hayward as a functional centerpiece, complemented by handwoven Nuno fabrics and digital screens by Powerplant that display scenes of Tokyo.
Theatrical Immersion and Technological Integration
The integration of multi-dimensional sensory experiences is a defining feature of contemporary interior design, and this year’s Wow!house prominently features this trend. Fifteen of the twenty-two rooms incorporate advanced visual or audio technology. Russell Sage’s “momentarium” lounge exemplifies this, utilizing a surround sound processor, integrated lighting, and an immersive audio system to create an environment distinct from conventional media rooms. The custom circular sofa is designed to enhance this enveloping experience.
Other designers have innovatively blended technology with traditional aesthetics. Salvesen Graham has cleverly concealed speakers within faux book spines in a primary bedroom, while Max Rollitt employs sophisticated colored lighting and mirrors in a dining room to evoke the ambiance of “18th-century late afternoon.”
Wow!house 2026 is open June 2 through July 2.
A Glimpse into Wow!house 2026
Business Style Takeaway: The Wow!house 2026 demonstrates how curated design narratives, rich with color and cultural references, can create immersive and sophisticated environments. This approach not only elevates the aesthetic experience but also communicates a refined sensibility, enhancing personal spaces and reflecting a discerning lifestyle.
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