Design Centre Stories

Category: Design Avenue

Design stories from WOW!house 2023

WOW!house 2023 was absolutely packed with stories, but they were too much to take in on one visit. Here are some of the design details you may have missed...

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You Saw It Here First…

WOW!house 2023's rooms revealed some common design threads that act a barometer of what's coming next in interiors. From the colour of the moment to the art of trompe l'oeil and some fantastic flooring, here are just a few ideas to take away.

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Creative Curators

It's called "cross-collecting" – the art of bringing together objects from across styles and eras to create an interior that looks like it has evolved over time. It's a defining feature of many of the WOW!house rooms, where an astonishing breadth of objects are on show.

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Paolo Moschino Ltd's WOW!house Drawing Room

Exploring the Fifth Wall

Don’t forget to look up as you tour the WOW!house – designers have lavished detail on the so-called ‘fifth wall’ and decorated the ceiling with stylish alternatives to a plain painted finish.

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Cocooned by Comfort

How do the WOW!house designers create a sense of comfort and relaxation in their rooms? Find out here with these decorating ideas.

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Stephanie Barba Mendoza's Study at the WOW!house

House of Stories

Everyone loves stories, and storytelling has become an important part of interior design. WOW!house is no exception – find out here who the designers had in mind as the imaginary occupants of their rooms.

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Artefact in Five Objects

A fascinating delve into the thinking, skill and artisanship that has gone into just five of the objects on show at Artefact, the Design Centre's contemporary craft fair.

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A Rhubarb & Custard Tart Recipe from Social Pantry

To celebrate the opening of the new Design Restaurant by Social Pantry at the Design Centre, the restaurant has shared a recipe for a delicious – and seasonal – rhubarb and custard tart.

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Planting the Seeds of Inspiration

As gardeners turn their thoughts to planting bulbs for spring/summer, interior design enthusiasts similarly need to plan ahead: in recognition of this, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour presents The Art of Outdoor Living, a series of stylish vignettes in the Design Avenue.

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Gallery Highlights: Perfectly Imperfect

With our world becoming increasingly digital, some of the most compelling objects to be found at Artefact are those that look obviously hand-made, from dripping glazes to uneven textiles, possessing a tactility that we cannot enjoy in the same way looking at them on a screen.

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Gallery Highlights: Elevating Materials

While many stalwart craft disciplines are represented at Artefact, other makers are forging their own path with materials not usually associated with the decorative arts, including paper, plastic and wax.

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Gallery Highlights: International Makers

Artefact's galleries present a global outlook of craft, with makers from all over the world coming together in one magnificent space in the Design Avenue, cementing Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour's role as a world-renowned hub of design. Delve into the craftsmanship of other countries here, and see how talented makers are upholding traditions that are sometimes centuries old, while forging …

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Hardwood for the Home

Visit the Design Avenue for Connected, an exhibition of contemporary furniture made from American hardwoods, designed by names such as Thomas Heatherwick Studio and Jaime Hayon.

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