Immerse yourself in London’s WOW! House 2025
As Chelsea Harbour opened its doors to its fourth WOW! House in the Design Centre, TGQ stepped inside the popular industry event, where an array of impressive rooms are laid out to inspire original ideas and creative thinking. Each room is a result of a collaboration between design studios and suppliers to the industry. Designers, enthusiastic interior stylists and lovers of the aesthetic world flock to the Design Centre for a feast of inspiration and intrigue in the design world.
This year, visitors to WOW! House 25 enter through the grandiose entrance created and designed by Adam Architecture. Darren Price has created a handsome, proportioned Georgian façade that stretches over six metres and captures the imagination of classical architecture.
A contemporary interpretation of the past, it preludes an awe-inspiring experience as you enter the showhouse. Looking up and capturing “WOW” through the oriel window, it’s more than an entrance; it tells the visitor they are about to enter a sensory overload of colour, texture, and achingly beautiful, curated spaces.
Awe Inspiring Experience
Each of the rooms has been under creation for over six months. The painstaking attention to detail cannot be overlooked and admired. As a designer, I understand the military precision involved in bringing every element in a room to attention within a specific time frame to make it WOW!
United in Design is the official charitable trust partnering with the event for the second year. Money raised opens opportunities to deliver an equal route for entry in the design world for underrepresented ethnicities and those from underprivileged and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. you are buying more than a ticket,; it is a commitment to opening doors and creating a more inclusive design industry.
I spoke to Alex Dauley, the co-founder of United in Design, WOW! House charity partner. Alex has created a “Date Night” media room. The room’s vibe is sensual. It speaks of a comfortable place to be yourself, escape from the world, away from family life and a chance to relax with your partner. Many features within this sensuous space include a secret bar, mood lighting and a bespoke sofa for lounging by Julian Chichester.
Several rooms stood out for their particular attention to supporting women in art and design. Brigitta Spinocchia Freund’s rooms exclusively feature art crafted by women. “The Curator’s Room” is enriched with panelling and a reclaimed timber floor. Set amongst the iconic furniture and art, the bespoke rug made by the sponsor, Stark, notes every artist whose work is on display. The result is arresting yet stimulating to the imagination.
What home is not complete without the dog bath by Barber Wilson? At the centre of the show home is a dreamlike boot room that is usually forgotten. These functional spaces are generally the backbone of the country home, and here, Emma Sims Hilditch has cleverly displayed how beautiful these utilitarian areas can be. Mixing architectural detailing with antiques and decorative finishes, many artisans have contributed to the overall design, perfectly modelled by their well-behaved dog.
As we make our way to the end the “Home Bar “by Toni Black with Shepel as the room’s sponsor, welcomed us with a palette of soft blush and terracotta hues. In her bespoke curved bar area, captivating nostalgia with traditional details within a modern frame.
WOW! House 25 is a journey through the rooms. Each space is elevated with Jo Malone London’s fragrances that coordinate with the atmosphere and mood of the room. This synergy with how rooms make you feel enriches an emotional experience.
Come in to visit and pause. Be ready for your senses to be awakened. It’s a luxurious feast for the eyes; inspiration is in every corner. Visually compelling, it is, above all, a place to take your time and think. It compels you to explore and contemplate the enrichment that life brings through beautiful things.
