Overdue for a dose of sunshine? Here’s a bright idea: Summer, the happiest season, has begun, and the moment is ripe for the most optimistic, immersive and adventurous designs, manifested by an all-star roll call of international talent and built from the ground up under one roof. For the fifth year, Wow!house returns to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, on the banks of the Thames. Just opened this Tuesday, its 23 imaginative rooms will be on view through July 2—making a trip to London to visit this cultural touchpoint just the ticket for a much-needed boost of inspiration.
Encompassing everything from a classical entryway to an elegant dining room and a seductive speakeasy, the 2026 Wow!house pairs the most imaginative designers from the U.K., Europe, America and beyond with prestigious partner brands, resulting in spaces that can’t help but spark passionate debates about big ideas and burgeoning trends. On the 2026 “wow” list: discreet drama, fanciful flourishes, surprising curves and cozy cocoons. Georgian and art deco callbacks line up beside a look ahead to futurism. Respect for craft and embrace of technology strike an expert balance. These are spaces that make you think and feel, appealing to head, heart and hand.
To celebrate the opening, Business of Home asked Wow!house designers to play favorites, shining a spotlight on just one or two beloved elements in their room. Their answers unfurl below in the sequence of the showhouse itself—starting for the first time with a charming garden folly conceived in a collaboration among a designer, an architect and landscape architects. Take this quick dip through the showcase, then cross the pond to see every glorious detail in person.
GARDEN FOLLY FACADE
“With a nod to the enchanting playfulness of 18th century chinoiserie, this architectural facade introduces a sense of arrival, theater and otherworldliness to Wow!house. The accompanying folly intensifies the atmospherics, drawing on a tradition in which the garden becomes a stage and architecture loosens its formality to engage with narrative, mood and memory. Hector Finch’s verdigris-finished lanterns bring a richness of surface and a quiet sense of age, giving the structure a tactility that feels both crafted and enduring.” —Darren Price, Adam Architecture
GARDEN FOLLY ROOM
“Designed by Gladee Lighting in collaboration with Houlès, the sconces are a special accent. I wanted to create something that subtly referenced North African interiors, but in a way that felt unexpected and modern. The design combines an antique brass structure with a glass dome, but what makes it truly unique is the addition of a tassel—something traditionally used for curtains. I love that dichotomy between function and decoration, and how it challenges our expectations. For the furniture, made by Origins Designs using fabrics from GP&J Baker and trims by Samuel & Sons, I was inspired by the idea of a majlis, a space intended for gathering and conversation, but reinterpreted through a more contemporary lens. By introducing bold patterns, rich colors and layered trims, the seating becomes both purposeful and expressive. What I love most is the contrast: using a majlis-style arrangement within a garden room, somewhere you wouldn’t typically find it. It transforms the space into a place where you can pause, connect and escape—almost like stepping into a tropical oasis, but through a very personal, cultural lens.” —Enass Mahmoud
ARTORIUS FABER ENTRANCE GARDEN
“The natural stone lion’s-head wall fountain stands, quite simply, as the defining highlight of our garden. Each element has been chosen with the utmost care and conviction, including the monumental arched surround, the richly textured dark marble, and the sculpted lion mask at its heart. Framing the arch, fragrant climbers weave their way upward with all the unhurried elegance of an English garden, softening the stonework and lending the space a wonderful sense of botanic abundance. It is a composition that speaks to the enduring virtues of natural materials, traditional craftsmanship and considered planting, and a quietly powerful reminder that a truly exceptional space engages all the senses.” —Hay Hwang and Simon Kitchin, The Gardenists
SIZE GROUP FACADE
“With Pemberton & Sons, I designed a series of doorknobs that are entirely specific to this year’s Wow!house, each one informed by its architectural context. The texture of the stone, the fluting of the columns and the profiles of the cornices have all been distilled into objects of remarkable clarity and weight. They are small pieces of ironmongery, but they carry the language of the architecture in a direct and memorable way.” —Darren Price, Adam Architecture
ENTRANCE HALL
“As artistic director and CEO of David Gill Gallery, I have worked closely with Mattia Bonetti for over three decades. His ability to deftly reference historical motifs to design contemporary yet timeless pieces is unrivaled. I chose to feature his Grotto standard lamp, as it embodies the essence of my room scheme—one that is rooted in the history of the grand British entrance hall but also looking forward. It is a stunning piece that is sculpturally tactile in patinated bronze and highly baroque in nature.” —Francis Sultana
TURNELL & GIGON GROUP DRAWING ROOM
“The octagonal shape and domed roof provide a unique framework of classical formality, within which we celebrate the enduring artistry of human craftwork, cladding the walls and ceiling in hand-blocked fabric from Turnell & Gigon. Logistically challenging! (Hugest thanks to Barr Build for their boundless energy and enthusiasm for problem-solving.) Two Fenton sofas upholstered in heavily textured neutral linen anchor the room. The style takes its cues from quintessential English classicism, designed with an architectural lean that is elegant and light. At an extraordinary 2.2 meters [7.2 feet] long apiece, the slim, tailored shape and low back assist in keeping the feel of the space open and uncluttered. Gently sculpted arms and deep feather-wrapped cushions offer comfort without compromising the clean lines, while eight tapered, hand-carved legs sit in solid, aged-brass castors, adding a sense of quality and workmanship that is built to last.” —Camilla Clarke and Ben Johnson, Albion Nord
LALIQUE HOME BAR
“The bespoke chandelier we designed represents a meeting of sensibilities. Created in collaboration with Lalique and Iberian Lighting, it brings together the clarity and precision of crystal with the softness of silk shades, both elements gently diffusing the light to create an atmospheric, intimate quality. This interplay between strength and delicacy, structure and softness, allows the piece to feel both sculptural and quietly immersive, reflecting the layered character of the room.” —Charu Gandhi, Elicyon
“The bar is quite a bijou space, but Elicyon has achieved something remarkable in how they’ve layered it. There are over 100 Lalique pieces. When the light hits the crystals, the whole room comes alive, glowing like a jewel box. What I relish most are the hidden alcoves scattered throughout, waiting to be discovered. Each one reveals a Lalique piece—it’s a bit like an advent calendar for design lovers.” —Frederick Fischer, Lalique
SHEPEL’ LIBRARY
“We sought to create a room that is almost an overscale cabinet of curiosities unto itself; a place where perception shifts and discovery unfolds. Spotlighting our love of spatial design and interior architecture—and the incredible skill of Shepel’—we moved from mere decoration to decadence at every touchpoint. Each element has been handcrafted and customized to encourage a unique, unexpected environment. A collaboration with Atelier001, our abacus-inspired pendant dramatically elevates the mirrored entryway. It’s a limited-edition piece blending our love of natural stone and refined detailing with Atelier001’s exceptional craftsmanship and celebrated aesthetic.” —Róisín Lafferty
BENJAMIN MOORE MINHWA SALON
“Fromental and I worked together for many years on wallpaper designs based on minhwa—Korean folk art—and I am delighted to bring new iterations into my Wow!house salon. There are so many stories within these designs: stand-alone artworks that are social commentary or simply charming. Consider scenes that showcase the books and accoutrement of a Korean aristocratic scholar, or classic depictions of pine trees, cranes and clouds, as well as a peach tree symbolizing the heavenly life. The stylistic perspective of these screens is so interestingly decorative. Color being central to our work, joyful hues from Benjamin Moore complement the wallpaper. Through shades such as Citron 2024-30, Magenta 2077-10 and Picante 006, we embraced a maximalist approach, demonstrating just how beautiful, refined and modern saturated color can be.” —Young Huh
PHILLIP JEFFRIES MORNING ROOM
“My first-choice hero piece: Aura wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries. This is the soul of the room—from the moment I saw it, the inspiration unfurled. The combination of matte and gloss surfaces, the diaphanous palette, all brought me back to my early days in fashion. And hero piece number two? The Victoria Stone fireplace. Subtle craftsmanship is one of my key design motifs; I like my interiors to feel like harmonies rather than heavy rock! This fireplace embodies that quality exquisitely. It is a beautifully sculpted and balanced statement that feels fresh.” —Sara Cosgrove
SAMUEL HEATH PRIMARY BATHROOM
“Our chair and Japanese-inspired stool, provided by Ceccotti, are upholstered in beautiful handwoven textiles designed by Sudō Reiko for Nuno Fabrics in Tokyo. They pay homage to the overall concept of the bathroom by bringing authentic Japanese patterns into it, enhancing complementary accents like the lattice motif on the ceiling, which was designed in-house by our Make Lab team. James Wellesley Bespoke Interiors provided all the stunning stained oak utilized on the wall paneling and the stepped ceiling feature above the central, custom ofuro bath. Adding an element of metal, a floor-mounted, single-lever mixer in anthracite and brushed nickel from British architectural hardware manufacturer Samuel Heath fills the tub.” —James Ashfield and Jason Stewart, Rigby & Rigby
SALVESEN GRAHAM THE COLLECTION PRIMARY BEDROOM
“Handmade in the United Kingdom and based on an antique design, our mahogany-framed four-poster bed brings a depth and permanence that center the room. The piece is a study in craftsmanship. Our textiles soften the classical architecture and introduce variety through texture, pattern and tone. A layered mix of woven fabric, chintz and cotton poplin keeps the scheme interesting while staying within a close tonal range of chocolates and pinks, adding warmth and femininity. Trailing floral motifs in subdued, harmonious hues bring cohesion and a comfortable, lived-in feel.” —Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen
MUNDER SKILES COURTYARD
“The curvaceous shape of the Swan chair by Munder Skiles fits perfectly into so many of my designs and is comfortable too, even without a cushion. It’s the ultimate spot to enjoy a coupe of champagne that’s been perfectly chilled in the built-in unit of Whispering Water, our fountain feature by Torc Pots. Not only does it help create a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere through its reflections, sounds and movement, it also provides a convenient space to store wine at the perfect temperature. Cheers to the three beautiful multistem Platanus x acerifolia I brought into the space as well. Their structure is completely ‘wow,’ imparting maturity and presence on the courtyard.” —Richard Miers
BLACK EDITION for ROMO SPEAKEASY SALON
“My favorite piece is undoubtedly the Speakeasy armchair, which is part of our Trove collection for Studio Duggan. We have reimagined her in a beautiful Black Edition for Romo velvet that works so well in the space—and I love the contrast of the fabric against the deco-inspired, glossy chocolate arms and ribbed bun feet. The lightness of the arms works so well with the beautiful Sedilia sofa. It’s such a sweet spot for cocktail hour.” —Tiffany Duggan
“There are so many aspects of Tiffany’s design to admire, but the use of our new Imani wallcovering—unveiled for the very first time in the speakeasy at Wow!house—stands out for me. The idea of a hidden bar is inherently playful, and this design in all its grandeur brings real character to the space, heightening the surprise of discovering it.” —Emily Mould, The Romo Group
THE PARLOUR
“The Arizona armchairs strike that delicate balance between classicism and modernity. Upholstered in the Silkbird jacquard by Dedar, they take on a softness and sense of whimsy that I find incredibly appealing. Equally, the wall sconce by Nick Jones is a true standout. It’s an extraordinary, silver-plated piece, almost tentacular in form, and brings a sense of drama and theatricality that completely elevates the room.” —Martin Kemp
MISIA FOR CASAMANCE GROUP BEDROOM SUITE
“We are very excited about our fireplace, informed by brutalism and made by Victoria Stone. Our primary inspiration for the suite is art deco; being able to reinterpret it through the lens of brutalism created a design aesthetic that felt particularly contemporary. The curtains are Misia’s Riviera du Levant. The balance between the strong geometric pattern and the differing textural depths produces the perfect harmony of our two main aesthetics: art deco and African influence.” —Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay
CA’ PIETRA BATHROOM
“Our starting point was a nostalgic hotel room overlooking the Mediterranean Sea—a slightly faded and cinematic space evoking early summer light and the promise of warmth. The aim was to create a sensual, transportive atmosphere where you can almost hear the crickets and smell the citrus in the air. Fleurons d’Hélène’s Leo Stripe in Pumpkin, a 100 percent linen used for the bespoke awning, conjures up that relaxed, Amalfi Coast feel and subtly ties into the green in the Fusion Wow quartzite skirting, while a pair of tapered Murano sconces with a textured ribbed finish cast a diffuse glow. The combination of Fusion Wow and Versailles Rouge marble from Ca’ Pietra brings together soft pink with deeper green hues—a contrast that gives the scheme richness and a slightly unexpected edge. Particularly in the stonework, we’re pushing the limits of what can be achieved: The shower features a circular window uniquely framed in marble. Designed to sit beside the bath, a timber butler’s table finished with contemporary brass ball feet nods to other pieces in our collection.” —Max de Rosée and Claire Sá, De Rosee Sa
ZARDI & ZARDI WITHDRAWING ROOM
“A combination of functional and beautiful, the Collier Webb picture rail does something quite special: We’ve used it to hang the tapestry, creating a real focal point rather than simply filling a wall. The antique brass finish ties into the wider scheme, and integrated lighting illuminates it from above with a warmth that feels genuinely luxurious. We knew exactly which wallpaper we wanted to use from Zardi & Zardi. Their archival Primavera print sets the tone for a richly layered palette of color and pattern throughout, blending Park Avenue glamour with the comfort of an English country manor.” —Sean Symington
THG PARIS POWDER ROOM
“We set out to create an innovative, eye-catching tap, starting with a sculptural, fountain-like spout. We then introduced fluted detailing to add texture and a sense of movement. Designed in collaboration with THG Paris, the tap sits at the heart of the scheme, complemented by other pieces featuring the brand’s signature mixed-metal finishes—reminiscent of Cartier details. We believe bathrooms should feel like an absolute escape: a sanctuary removed from the everyday, and one of the few spaces where you can be completely alone. It’s an environment intended to transport, inspire and offer moments of quiet indulgence.” —Mark Partner, Studio Mark Andrew
NUCLEUS IMMERSIVE ROOM
“For the key piece of furniture, I pictured a giant circular sofa: part 1960s conversation pit and part enormous dog bed; a place to dive into, alone or with friends, where guests could all face each other to chat—or I could take a nap with my pooch, Hugo. L-Acoustics Hyriss allows the space to become far more immersive than a traditional media room. It doesn’t just reproduce sound beautifully, it actively shapes the acoustic character. That means we can create different emotional experiences—intimate, expansive, calm, or cinematic, depending on the content and the moment. For me, that is where technology becomes truly exciting: when it stops feeling like equipment and starts becoming part of the atmosphere.” —Russell Sage
SCHUMACHER DINING ROOM
“The console that my son, Will, made is particularly satisfying because it’s based on one leg I bought many years ago at an antiques dealer’s annual swap shop. It was obviously originally the back leg of a significant table, and I later found a matching example at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, which helped fill in the missing pieces to finalize our design. The new console also makes use of an antique mahogany top I’ve had for years, waiting for the appropriate moment. From these different elements, Will manufactured and re-created the piece, right down to the sea-scroll frieze and ornamentation from the Chatsworth reference. A fantastic damask fabric from Schumacher lines the walls, and we played on that with decorative detailing that’s influenced by George II–type architecture as seen at some of my favorite places, like Uppark House in West Sussex. I gave Mathew Bray and Matthew Collins of MBMC Studios a sample of some distressed paintwork from one of the paneled rooms there, and they expertly matched the finish—always a feat!” —Max Rollitt
MARTIN MOORE KITCHEN
“I was delighted to be asked by Martin Moore to work with their golden-anniversary Legacy collection. To commemorate this personal milestone, Storytelling Lab wrote a poem!” —Samantha Bartlett
A Poem for Kitchen Life
Here is the heart of any house—
pots clattering like laughter,
sunlight spilling gold across the counter,
dizzying aromas perfuming the air.
It is where time tastes of cinnamon,
where love is stirred rather than spoken.
Memory bakes itself into the walls—
ghosts of holidays, burnt toast,
a child’s sticky hand on the fridge door.
Every scent remembers someone.
Every cup holds a story.
Here, joy is not loud,
but steady—
as the hum of the fridge
and the rhythm of hearts
beating toward dinner.
—Bonnie Garvin, Storytelling Lab
PERENNIALS AND SUTHERLAND GARDEN TERRACE
“The Euridice table lamp by Sogni di Cristallo encapsulates the essence of traditional Murano glass technique, bringing a touch of Venetian detailing to the Italian-inspired concept for the space. The amber glass accents pair nicely with the yellow tones of the marble bar countertop. We selected Perennials’ Al Fresco pattern in the Positano colorway for the largest upholstered piece in the room to make it one of the focal points. Capturing the warm, colorful and fresh atmosphere of an Italian garden, it’s the hero fabric of the La Dolce Vita collection.” —Andy Goodwin, Fettle Design
This story is a paid promotion and was created in partnership with Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
Homepage image: In Young Huh’s salon, a rainbow of panels in Benjamin Moore paints complement depictions of traditional Korean scenes; in the foreground, Deglan’s wood, lime plaster and pewter Eido dining table from the Charles Burnand Gallery displays assorted vases and objets | Courtesy of James McDonald Photography
