Latest news with #ChelseaHarbour
Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Ideas to steal from the UK's poshest bungalow
Since its first edition three years ago, the WOW!house decorator showcase at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour in London has given interior-design aficionados a rare opportunity: the chance to see the work of some of the world's best designers up close and in person. The showcase, essentially a pop-up bungalow (albeit an extremely chic one) which is in situ throughout the month of June, comprises 20 rooms and two garden areas, each of which has been created by a designer given creative free rein. This year's line-up includes Kelly Hoppen, Ben Pentreath, Nicola Harding and Emma Sims-Hilditch, and the results are astonishing: every room, no matter its size, is filled with detail and inspiration, and no surface is left undecorated. Here are some of the lessons we learnt when we took a tour. Clever design can give a newbuild room character and gravitas The morning room designed by Daniel Slowik is filled with character and considered design touches that belie the fact it was built in just five days. That's partly thanks to the exquisite antiques supplied via the Treasure House Fair, the marble fireplace from Jamb, and several imposing portraits, one of which sets the colour scheme for the room. The tobacco-coloured trellis wallpaper and blue cushion and upholstery fabric are both from Nuthall Temple (the brand launched last year by Slowic and his partner Benedict Foley), while ingenious and unexpected elements include the reproduction cornice (£30 for three metres from Simply Mouldings – no need to splurge on expensive cornices, says Foley), and the skirting boards, which are covered in a marble-effect wallpaper by Zoffany, colour-matched to the fireplace. The kitchen island doesn't have to dominate Those who hate a monolithic kitchen island but like the idea of the extra storage it provides, take note of the kitchen design by Ben Pentreath's Studio. Here, a central draper's table with slim drawers for cutlery and utensils at the top and a large open shelf for pots and baskets below functions as an elegant island without dominating the space, and the dresser, with open shelves on which plates and jugs are displayed against a sky-blue painted background, is another characterful touch. The tiny tiled pantry is a clever way to make use of an alcove, with plenty of storage for the things you might not want on display, and a high glazed panel to let natural light in. A stripe and a floral will always go together Emma Sims-Hilditch 's design for a modern boot room imagines the dream 'back of house' space for a family home. Shoe storage and dog-washing areas – the latter, possibly the fanciest we've seen, complete with a brass shower and delft tiles – are separated off by glazed panels that allow the light to flow through, and the botanical wallpaper and floral door curtain are combined with a smart pinstripe wallcovering and tongue-and-groove panelling, giving the room a decorative yet tailored, country-house-style look. The ceiling doesn't have to be white Many of the rooms in the showcase have interesting ceilings, covered in everything from mirror panels, decorative mouldings and wallpaper to swathes of fabric. In each case, the treatment brings an extra dimension to the space: this example, in the 'curator's room' by Brigitta Spinocchia Freund – created entirely with furniture and furnishings by female designers and makers – features a ceiling mural by fashion designer Roksanda, which adds a textural quality and chimes with the typographic sofa below – a collaboration between Spinocchia Freund and artist Louise Gray. Every room needs a bar Many of the rooms feature bar cabinets or drinks trays of some sort, reflecting the continued vogue for at-home cocktail making, but our favourite by far was in the media room designed by Alex Dauley. The room is a masterclass in invisible tech, with a perforated suede wallcovering on the walls and ceilings to disguise the built-in speakers – but the pièce de résistance is the painting, seen on the right of this picture, which slides seamlessly up via remote control to reveal a hidden drinks station. Yellow is having a moment There's much talk of the colour trend for ' butter yellow ', but how do you actually use it at home? Designer Peter Mikic plumped for a vintage Maison Royère armchair that looks particularly comfortable and cheerful in its sunny upholstery, and provides a tonal counterpoint to Mikic's off-white Marshmallow sofa. The room is also testament to what you can achieve with some tester pots: the large-scale artwork is a mural created by an artist using Benjamin Moore interior paints. Old and new look good together If one needed proof that a timeless look can be achieved by layering old and new pieces in the same space, the entrance hall by Victoria Davar and Cox London is a case in point. The room, which is lined with ornate period-style panelling and filled with a sculptural metal chandelier and a mix of antiques and vintage pieces, is also peppered with a few modern touches, notably the framed abstract artworks and the slim, brass Paolo Moschino portable floor lamp. Pattern on pattern can be calming Designer Alessandra Branca 's bedroom mixes several different patterns, from the fabrics covering the walls and the four-poster bed to the customised E Braun & Co bedlinen, yet the overall effect is calming rather than jarring, thanks to the soothing colour palette of coral pinks, soft browns and off-whites. The antique-gilt scallop wall lights by Collier Webb above the bed add to the subtly glamorous theme. You can use fabrics in the bathroom Many think of the conventional shower curtain with a shudder – but in the luxurious bathroom by 1508 London, a mohair fabric by Coral Stephens has been used to great effect to screen off a bathing nook. The room features a mix of different textures, including pretty green stone-glazed Ca'Pietra tiles on the floor around the bath, a clay wall finish by Clayworks, metallic lights and an upholstered bench, showing that a bathroom doesn't have to be white and sterile to be functional. The metro tile is still chic – if you know how to use it The designer Nicola Harding is renowned for mixing colour and pattern with flair, and her very chic powder room is a master class in that art. There are no less than seven different patterned fabrics – no mean feat for a small space – but what really catches the eye is her inspired use of tiles: glazed zellige metro tiles from Mosaic Factory in a jewel-like teal are laid in a basketweave formation on the floor, and vertically to act as a skirting; and also form the cornice, in a rich aubergine shade. Quiet luxury is getting louder Kelly Hoppen is seen by many as the queen of quiet luxury; so her living room, which combined a neutral palette with striking accents of black and lipstick red, provides an unexpected flash of colour. A black marble coffee table is combined with an upholstered ottoman embellished with a long, lustrous fringe – a touch of flamboyance matched by a black lacquered screen that wouldn't look out of place in Darth Vader's bedroom – and the framed black-and-white prints, arranged casually on a shelf rather than hung on the wall, added a note of informality. All refreshingly fun, and anything but quiet.
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Lightbulb moments: how illumination can redefine your living spaces
Opening on 3 June, the stars of the design world come together for WOW!house, a celebration of creativity without bounds. Held in the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, the critically acclaimed showcase enters its fourth year of pushing design boundaries and inspiring visitors. This year, lighting takes centre stage, with masterclasses from the likes of Kelly Hoppen on the dos and don'ts, room by room, and how to bring 'wow factor' in the home. Lighting misconceptions While some cast lighting as an afterthought, interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE emphatically calls it 'part of the foundation'. In creating Visual Comfort & Co. Living Room for WOW!house, Hoppen believes the space warmly embraces 'asymmetric design infused with history'. This 'history' is seen with a client's art, artefacts and record collection. 'A common mistake is relying solely on overhead lights, which can flatten a room and strip away depth.' The key to achieving good lighting? Layering. She assures there's no need to overcomplicate it. 'A few well-placed sculptural pieces and directional lights can completely transform the space.' Another advocate of the power of layering is Durgesh Sinh, founder of Nucleus AV, who adds that mood and control are important factors. 'One of the biggest misconceptions is that lighting is simply about brightness,' says Sinh, who points out that lighting design is a deeply technical discipline. To move beyond functionality for the Nucleus Media Room, made with interior designer Alex Dauley, creating an immersive experience was crucial. Dispelling the myth that dimming ceiling lights are sufficient for a snug room, light takes centre stage, interacting with the space's rich textures and finishes. 'Great lighting is like a good film score,' adds Sinh. Both tools are essential in illustrating how a space can evoke feeling, delving deeper than mere aesthetics, a sentiment shared by lighting designer Lee Broom. Entrance London homes present lighting challenges with tight layouts and low ceilings, notes Hoppen, who thinks of the hall as a mood-setter. 'Use wall lights or recessed spots to capture textures,' she expands. 'Add a console lamp or two for warmth.' Additionally, a statement pendant can elevate the space, while mirrors 'amplify and reflect light' in narrower hallways. Victoria Davar, founder of Maison Artefact, collaborated with Cox London, creators of unique fixtures, for the Entrance Hall WOW!house project. The starting point was a bespoke oak chandelier, with a 3.5m drop, in its own right a work of art. Although not emitting masses of light, the team found alternative methods to instill lighting to work around the celestial nature of the chandelier. Focusing on ambience, Victoria veers away from the coldness of the singular light often found in hallways. With chandeliers, she warns to be careful of scale, make sure it suits the space it's in, and customise if necessary, using a good electrician. Period details In the period property, lighting requires faithfulness to the character of the home. James Thurstan Waterworth, founder of interior design studio Thurstan, advocates working with the home's architecture when it comes to fixtures, and considering the bulb colour and temperature. 'Antique pieces or lights with antique finishes and classic forms paired with textile or fabric shades work well,' he says. Working with Hector Finch lighting to transform a snug, named after Finch for WOW!house, James took inspiration from Hector's designs. His Arts & Crafts collection, featuring beautiful picture lights to highlight art, can be paired with fabrics from Rubelli or Cole & Son, both in Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Visually, there's an underlying respect between architectural language and historical detailing in any property, something which is important to Darren Price, director of ADAM Architecture, specialists in traditional and classic architecture. Using discreet uplights and picture lights can accentuate cornices, fireplaces or panelling 'without intruding'. Nodding to the graceful approach when configuring period homes, Price cites a garden room in a Georgian Grade I-listed townhouse as a stand-out project. 'The lighting was deliberately quiet, grazing light over mouldings, candle-like sconces in transitional spaces, and a subtle shift in mood between the historical and the new,' he explains. 'It was designed to support rather than compete with the architecture.' Modern fixtures In a modern space, there are fewer constraints. It's the absence of these constraints (and client briefs) that makes working on WOW!house particularly special to Kelly Hoppen. While she finds minimalism and sculptural fixtures work well, she and her design peers are also exploring a grey area to integrate old and new worlds. 'In contemporary spaces with fewer ornate details, there's often room to play,' says Tommaso Franchi, founder of Tomèf. Collaborating with three leading Italian heritage brands – Fortuny, Bonacina and Barovier & Toso – on the Primary Bedroom for WOW!house, he married heritage and modernity. Franchi notes Barovier & Toso's Spade chandelier, with its juxtaposition of ancient Italian Murano glass and angular spades, is a testament to these themes. Bathrooms A haven of relaxation, the bathroom is a chance to create a spa atmosphere. Avoid relying on ceiling downlights, urges Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms. Multiple styles are an effective way to cater to various needs. Types of lighting should be related to the daily tasks conducted, from applying make-up to shaving and cleansing. 'There are multiple ways this can be achieved with light either side of the face, it could be a backlit mirror, wall lights or pendants either side of the mirror – not only does it look stylish, but it's also practical,' says Louise. Striking a balance, West One Bathrooms has styles in ceramic and glass. Placement is especially important, with Louise noting downlights above the head cast an 'unflattering' shadow over the face. Outdoors Ideal for entertaining friends and family, gardens are there to be enjoyed when the sun sets on a summer's day. Whether within a path or under steps softly lit or branches decorated with string lights, outdoor lighting can be impactful. Festoons or lanterns, emit warmth, according to Danielle Le Vaillant, head of photography and film at Cox & Cox. Even though they take time to hang, it's worth the effort for a festive appearance. And to make a statement, pendants can also be used on a pergola – Cox & Cox's Outdoor LED Tapered Rattan design offers relaxed (solar power) boho vibes. Also a fan of festoon lights, Nkuku 's product developer Polly Munson, considers bistro lights equally as brilliant, particularly styled with warm white light. Candlelight is an immediate way, whether real or battery-operated, "with a soft amber hue' to a natural effect. To create a secret garden ambience, mirrors are often overlooked, finds Munson. 'Positioning an outdoor mirror opposite a candlelit area or lantern arrangement helps reflect the light, doubling its effect and creating the illusion of more space,' she advises. 'It adds depth and elegance without overpowering the natural setting.' Within the garden, Martin Goddard and Jo Littlefair, founders of design practice, Goddard Littlefair, see garden lighting and planting schemes as equally important. Presenting opportunities for zoning, strategically placed lighting can illuminate plants and architectural character. Designing the Perennials and Sutherland Courtyard, inspired by a boutique hotel that the pair had recently completed in Marbella, where Andalusian gardens and North African influences met, the courtyard is a call to stop and soak in tranquility. Joining forces with renowned landscape architect, Randle Siddeley, The Soho Lighting Company also took inspiration from further afield. Its new Artisan collection consists of Siddeley ceramic table lamps and Lexham floor lamps, inspired by Siddeley's travels to Nicaragua. The company always considers the environmental impact of its lighting, particularly on wildlife. Lee Lovett, its co-founder and creative director, cites being especially cautious when using artificial lighting in outdoor designs, as it can disorient nocturnal animals, in turn interfering with their natural instincts. Trends vs personal style Although looking forward to Milan's latest designs, Victoria Davar emphatically believes that lighting is about personal style. Creating bespoke adds a certain heightened sense of greatness to any project. Kelly Hoppen is also of the mindset that lighting is personal, but has observed a move towards sculptural and multifunctional lighting. 'People want spaces that feel relaxed and real, so lighting that complements that ethos is always in.' Meanwhile, ADAM Architecture's Price sees a lean towards natural materials. 'Like opaline, glass, bronze, and linen, which sit well in classic interiors,' he specifies. As individuals continue to find balance in routine, health is being considered in relation to types of lighting. 'One major trend is the focus on circadian rhythm,' notes Sinh. Supporting natural sleep and wake cycles, he notices people looking for lighting that has cooler light in the morning for alertness, and warmer tones in the evening to help wind down. It's these seemingly minute details that make the home just that bit more special.
