Romo: a Milestone 20 Years

One of the Design Centre's longest-standing showrooms celebrates two decades of change and growth at Chelsea Harbour

Twenty years ago, the Design Centre welcomed a new tenant: British design house Romo was, even then, over a century old, but in the last two decades it has grown further still to become one of the most highly regarded names in decorating. Today it has six brands under its umbrella – Romo, Black Edition, Kirkby Design, Mark Alexander, Villa Nova and Zinc Textile – and is run by a fifth generation of the Mould family. From creative collaborations with everyone from TFL (pictured top) to fashion maven Alice Temperley and design studio Martin Hulbert Design, to innovative sustainable materials and beautiful craftsmanship, Romo is always at the forefront of any conversation about thriving British design brands.

The company celebrated its 20-year showroom milestone in style at London Design Week 2026, but there’s a deeper story to tell amid the celebrations. Here, its director of people, culture & communications, Felicity Mould, reflects on two decades of change and growth – both for Romo, and the Design Centre itself – including a first look at its plans for WOW!house 2026 in this landmark year.

What’s Romo’s history, and what led up to the opening of the showroom at the Design Centre – was it a big step?

Romo has grown from a family-run wholesaling business into a design-led company with its own studios and a distinctive portfolio, a transformation that began in the 1980s. As our creative identity evolved, so did the desire to showcase the collections in a space that truly reflected their quality.

Opening our first showroom at the Design Centre was a defining step, an ambitious move for a still-family-run company. It allowed us to present our collections in a more considered, aspirational environment and played a key role in elevating our brands, paving the way for further showrooms and a stronger physical footprint for the Romo Group.

What were you doing at the time – do you have any memories of the opening?

At the time, I had just completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design at KLC School of Design, which was then located at Chelsea Harbour, and I was brought into the family business to help design and run the new showroom. The Design Centre was quite different then – far more understated than the vibrant, elegant destination it has become – but it already had a unique creative energy and a close knit community of designers. Showrooms were mainly concentrated on the first couple of floors within the main domes. Although the wider Harbour was still evolving, we were fortunate to welcome a steady flow of visitors from the very beginning, which made those early days both exciting and memorable.

How has the showroom itself grown or changed over the years?

The showroom has evolved considerably. We’ve expanded the space to accommodate a growing portfolio, moving from three in-house brands at the time of opening to six today. Along the way, we’ve also refurbished the showroom and now host one of the largest spaces at the Design Centre. Despite the changes, we’ve always tried to maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a wonderfully friendly team who are always ready to help.

How has the Design Centre grown or changed in the last two decades?

The Design Centre has transformed dramatically over the years. It now spans multiple floors, includes Design Centre East, and features the new atrium [Design Avenue] space, making it a far more expansive and dynamic destination. It has also become a vibrant community, with a diverse mix of brands and a busy calendar of events and exhibitions. The team, particularly over the past decade, have done an exceptional job of positioning it as a leading global destination for design professionals.

Why is it important to have a physical showroom space in a world that is now so digitally led?

Our products are inherently tactile. While digital tools are invaluable, they can’t fully replicate the experience of seeing colour, texture and quality in person. A physical showroom allows clients to engage with our collections in a meaningful way, which is essential in the decision-making process. Just as importantly, a showroom creates space for genuine connection. It allows us to meet designers face to face, understand their projects in depth, and collaborate with them in real time. In an increasingly digital world, these moments of human dialogue and creative exchange remain fundamental to how we work.

What are you doing to celebrate your 20 years?

We marked the occasion with celebratory drinks in the showroom, co-hosted by the Design Centre’s CEO Claire German. It was fantastic to bring together clients, collaborators and friends of the brand, and to have the opportunity to thank them for their continued support and for bringing our beautiful collections to life in their schemes.

What new collections are launching in this anniversary year – will there be any milestones to look out for?

This year will see the launch of several exciting new collections, continuing our commitment to innovation in design and quality. It’s a year that reflects both our heritage and our forward-looking approach, with plenty to look out for as the year unfolds and exciting new launches from Romo and Kirkby Design planned for the autumn.

Romo is taking part in WOW!house for the first time in 2026 – can you give us any insights into what the room will be like?

We’re thrilled to be taking part in WOW!house for the first time in 2026, where we will present the Speakeasy Salon sponsored by our Black Edition brand. Designer Tiffany Duggan and her team at Studio Duggan are a natural fit for Black Edition, bringing a thoughtful and highly considered approach to the scheme. They have seamlessly balanced heritage and modernity, layering texture, tone and form to create a space that feels both timeless and contemporary. The result is a richly characterful interior, boldly expressive and unapologetic in its design, with a few surprises in store.

Are you optimistic for the future, from a business perspective?

As a family business with over 120 years of heritage, now in its fifth generation, we’ve weathered many ups and downs. That long-term perspective keeps us focused on the future, continuing to evolve, innovate and improve. As the next generation of leaders, we’re excited about what lies ahead and have plenty of ideas for how we can keep growing while enhancing the way we service the design community.