I recently attended a fascinating talk on luxury interior design trends at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre hosted by Romo Fabrics and Elle Decoration. While I was there, I also took a look around WOW!house, which never fails to inspire. What I appreciate most about the exhibition and the talk is that it goes beyond showcasing the latest trends. The design industry is actually heading in a totally different direction with emphasis on brands ethos, creating interiors with personality and practicality in mind. Trendy isn’t something that luxury interior design has ever wanted to be seen as. Instead, the focus is on something much deeper — spaces shaped by emotion, lifestyle and respect for a property’s architecture and heritage.
Here are some of the takeaways from the recent talk and WOW!house visit.
Bathrooms Deserve Real Art Too
Rosee Sa bathroom in partnership with Ca Pietra
Gone are the days of uniform bathrooms tiled from floor to ceiling with the same patterned tiles. One of the architects at the talk made an interesting observation: increasingly, people are displaying real artwork in their bathrooms. No longer seen as purely functional spaces, bathrooms are now viewed as an opportunity to express personality and style. Mixing different colours, textures and tile patterns creates visual interest and adds a sense of warmth and cosiness. Far from being bland or overlooked, today’s bathrooms have become one of the most exciting spaces in the home and a real opportunity to create a wow factor.
With the talented Sian Zeng of Sian Zeng Wallpapers
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone
The Rise of the Colour-Drenched Living Room
Although I am partial to a neutral room myself, there is definitely a shift towards interiors with more personality. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for designers is persuading clients to be a little bolder and less afraid to make a statement. If there is a colour you truly love, rather than introducing it subtly, why not embrace it fully? One room at WOW!house that particularly caught my eye was the Morning Room, designed by Sara Cosgrove. The calm creams and lilacs reminded me somewhat of the Blue Bar at The Berkeley, but with a more soothing effect. It was a wonderfully chic space, especially when paired with the striking walls, finished with a high-gloss varnish that reflected the light beautifully. The result was bold and full of character.
Home Bars— The New Status Room
Lalique bar
Home bars are growing in popularity and, if money were no object, wouldn’t it be wonderful to create something similar to this Lalique bar by Elicyon Ltd? My favourite feature was the hidden drawers, which cleverly double as side tables. It may have been one of the smallest rooms at WOW!house, but it was nevertheless one of my favourites. Thoughtfully designed and beautifully detailed, it proved that even a compact space can make a lasting impression.
Designing with a Property’s History in Mind
A property’s history should never be overlooked during the design process and this is something that is being increasingly emphasised today. When a home’s heritage is taken into account, everything else tends to fall into place more naturally. Sometimes, you simply cannot have exactly what you want if it goes against the character and ethos of the house. That said, different styles can still be successfully combined when done thoughtfully. I personally love an eclectic mix of old and new. There is something particularly intriguing about a period property with soaring ceilings paired with striking contemporary lighting or modern furniture pieces. The contrast creates a sense of surprise and adds another layer of character, making the space feel both timeless and fresh.
The Return of Rich, Moody Interiors
Secret Bar by Studio Duggan
Although I didn’t want this piece to be solely about trends (the whole point is that the luxury interiors industry is moving away from the overly curated, Instagram-perfect look!), I have noticed that rooms are becoming moodier and cosier than ever. Rich velvets, layered textures and beautiful patterns instantly create a sense of warmth and sophistication, giving a space a truly high-end feel. That said, darker interiors require a little more thought and planning. Lighting becomes even more important, colours behave differently and there is an opportunity to play with scale and proportions in ways that might not work in lighter spaces (think oversized sofas, dramatic lighting and bold statement pieces). There are often far more design possibilities than people initially realise. And one practical consideration is that dark paint is far less forgiving on uneven walls and imperfect surfaces. So, if you’re thinking of embracing the ‘dark side’, make sure the preparation work is done exceptionally well.
The Takeaway
I hope you enjoyed this slightly different take on interior design trends. You can still visit WOW!house until the 2nd of July, so if you fancy swooning over beautiful design details, it’s well worth a visit if you’re in London.
It was wonderful to see so many creative and beautifully designed rooms under one roof, filled with the most exquisite furniture and thoughtful details. What I found most encouraging is that interiors seem to be moving away from being simply Instagram-worthy and towards creating homes with genuine soul. In a world that often prioritises appearances, that feels like a refreshing shift. After all, the most memorable interiors are rarely the trendiest. They are the ones that tell the story of the people who live in them.
PS. If you enjoyed this reflection on the changing world of interiors, you might also enjoy my thoughts on the design trends that inspired me at Women’s Open House and London Design Week 2026, where I explored more ideas around colour, creativity and creating spaces with personality.
