WOW!house 2026 at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre

A visit to WOW!house 2026 at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre was a reminder that great interior design is about far more than creating beautiful spaces. This year's exhibition placed a strong emphasis on sensory design, exploring how lighting, texture, colour and materials can influence our emotions and shape our experiences of a room.

As I moved through the house, one theme stood out above all others: the desire to create interiors that engage the senses. Designers used layered lighting to create atmosphere, rich textures to add depth and tactile interest, and carefully selected materials to evoke feelings of comfort, calm and connection. Rather than simply showcasing furniture and finishes, the rooms told stories and invited visitors to experience them.

My favourite space was undoubtedly the Garden Folly and Garden Folly Room. Before even entering the room itself, visitors were greeted by the beautifully designed façade by Adam Architecture, the Winchester-based architectural practice. The structure created a sense of anticipation and set the tone for what lay beyond, demonstrating the importance of architecture in creating memorable experiences.

Stepping into the Garden Folly Room felt like entering another world. Rich reds, layered fabrics, decorative trims and an abundance of tassels created a space that was both dramatic and inviting. Every surface seemed to celebrate craftsmanship and texture. The room encouraged visitors to slow down and absorb the details, from the intricate textiles to the interplay of light across the richly coloured surfaces.

What I loved most was the joyful use of tassels and passementerie. Often seen as a traditional decorative detail, here they were elevated into a key design feature, adding movement, softness and character throughout the room. Combined with the deep colour palette and layered textures, they created an atmosphere that felt warm, imaginative and wonderfully immersive.

The Garden Folly Room perfectly captured one of the strongest themes of WOW!house 2026: the return of decoration, craftsmanship and individuality. In a world increasingly dominated by minimalism, it celebrated the beauty of detail and demonstrated how tactile materials can create a powerful emotional connection with a space.

Elsewhere in the house, lighting played a starring role. Designers used it not simply to illuminate rooms but to shape mood and atmosphere. Carefully layered lighting highlighted textures, created intimacy and transformed ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. It reinforced the idea that lighting should be considered from the very beginning of a design scheme rather than added as an afterthought.

Another memorable aspect of the exhibition was the focus on wellbeing. The bathroom spaces in particular demonstrated how thoughtful design can transform functional rooms into restorative retreats. Through the use of natural materials, subtle lighting and sensory elements, these spaces encouraged relaxation and reflection.

The Morning Room also stood out as a calm and restorative environment. Designed as a sanctuary from the pace of modern life, it showcased how texture, colour and natural light can work together to create a sense of peace and wellbeing.

Leaving WOW!house 2026, I felt inspired by the shift towards more human-centred design. While there was no shortage of beautiful furniture, fabrics and craftsmanship on display, the most successful spaces were those that created an emotional response. The Garden Folly Room embodied this perfectly, demonstrating how colour, texture, lighting and decorative detail can come together to create an interior that is not only visually stunning but also memorable, immersive and full of personality.

For me, it was a powerful reminder that the best interiors don't simply look good, they make us feel something.

Whether you're planning a complete home renovation or simply looking to refresh a room, thoughtful use of lighting, texture and colour can transform the way a space feels. If you'd like help creating a home that reflects your personality and enhances your everyday living, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss your project and discover how bespoke interior design can bring your vision to life.