WOW!House 2025: My Top Three Spaces with True WOW Factor to Define Luxury Living
As an interior designer specialising in high-end residential properties, who naturally gravitates to those full of comfort, character and soul, I am constantly inspired by any space that marries a high-end finish with a lived-in aesthetic and leaves the contemporary show home approach on the doorstep.
For me, there were three exceptional spaces at WOW!House 2025 that perfectly encapsulated this perspective and balance. In this article, we delve into the Courtyard Room by Sims Hilditch, the Lopen Joinery Kitchen by Ben Pentreath, and the Dedar Milano Library by Pirajean Lees, each offering a unique take on modern luxury living.
WOW!House: The Luxury Ikea
Not wanting to do WOW!House a disservice, the format really is reminiscent of an Ikea showroom, only a great deal more luxurious and well thought-out. An immersive design showcase spanning 600 square metres, the event typically runs throughout the month of June at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. This year’s event featured 22 meticulously crafted rooms and outdoor spaces, each envisioned by over 20 world-class interior designers (think Kelly Hoppen, Emma Sims Hilditch etc), in collaboration with renowned brands and suppliers.
The Courtyard Room by Sims Hilditch: A Modern Mudroom with Timeless Charm
Emma Sims-Hilditch reimagined the traditional boot room into a sophisticated yet practical space that embodies the essence of English country living - perfect for clients dotted around the Sussex Downs!
Drawing inspiration from her own home and studio in the Cotswolds, the room featured bespoke joinery painted in uplifting shades of green and yellow, complemented by a fluted marble sink and rustic oak flooring. My personal favourite feature was the dog-washing station, clad in the most beautiful hand-painted Delft tiles, designed in collaboration with Marlborough Tiles.
Whilst the scale of the space may not reflect the typical boot room found in most homes (indeed, if you’re fortunate enough to have one at all!), there was much to take away from this room and reinterpret in a manner suited to individual client projects.
The Lopen Joinery Kitchen by Ben Pentreath Studio: A Lesson in Craftsmanship
I confess, on an initial viewing, I found myself a little underwhelmed by this room. I had such high expectations that I found the overall scheme rather paired-back compared to some of the other designs on show. However, it was then that I realised this was exactly the point.
In collaboration with Lopen Joinery, Ben Pentreath Studio created a kitchen that marries intricate and traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities and demands. The simplicity of the space allowed the joinery to take centre stage, and showcased bespoke cabinetry that seamlessly integrates with the room's architecture, creating a harmonious and functional environment. The design emphasized the importance of quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, reflecting a commitment to enduring style and practicality.
In particular, I found the pantry door to be the stand-out piece, with just the right amount of detail, and a beautiful glazed panel above (but alas, I didn’t photograph it in detail!)
The Lopen Joinery Kitchen by Pentreath
Dedar Milano Library by Pirajean Lees: An Immersive Sound and Silence Experience
Last but by no means least (this room was actually my personal favourite) is the Dedar Milano Library by Pirajean Lees – a reimagining of the traditional library as an immersive experience that explores the relationship between sound and silence. The cocooning circular layout paired with the smooth jazz that played on entering resulted in the most inviting space of the experience, and established a sense of intimacy and focus. A bespoke listening chair, equipped with a built-in record player and storage for vinyl records, served as a focal point whilst allowing an observer to admire the beautiful velevet and silk-upholstered bookcase (or record-case in this instance) opposite. Had I had a coffee in hand and a copy of the latest Homes and Gardens, I could have stayed in here for hours!
The Dedar Milano Library by Pirajean Lees
In my humble opinion, these three spaces at WOW!House 2025 perfectly exemplified the evolving landscape of luxury interior design to another level, where functionality, craftsmanship, and sensory experience marry, to create environments that are both beautiful and meaningful. Should you have a project approaching across Sussex, Surrey, London or Kent, and be particularly inspired by any of the features mentioned above, we’d be most happy to assist you wherever possible.