London's design scene declares: verdigris, damask, and tailored interiors are back
Forget fleeting trends and disposable design. The 2026 WOW!house, London’s annual design showcase, has delivered a clear message: enduring craftsmanship, rich materiality, and a sophisticated nod to the past are leading the charge in interior design. It’s a welcome shift, and one that promises to elevate homes from mere spaces to lived-in sanctuaries.
The allure of verdigris: beyond unlacquered brass
While unlacquered brass has enjoyed its moment, a more complex and evocative finish has captured the attention of London's design elite: verdigris. This distinctive blue-green patina, born from the natural oxidation of copper, evokes a sense of history and age that factory finishes simply cannot replicate. Samantha Bartlett’s kitchen for Martin Moore exemplifies this trend, where a Porta Romana chandelier dusted with verdigris brings a touch of the garden indoors, harmonizing beautifully with shades of green and botanical motifs. But it’s not just about aesthetics; Francis Sultana demonstrates verdigris’s transformative power on contemporary forms, creating pieces that feel ‘collected,’ hinting at a slow and gradual acquisition of beauty.
Even exterior spaces are embracing the weathered charm. Hector Finch’s lighting collection, showcased at the garden folly, utilizes exterior lighting with a verdigris patina, proving that the demand for natural finishes is steadily growing. Emma Finch notes that this trend isn’t isolated; it represents a broader return to Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences, adding richness and texture to modern schemes.
A damask renaissance: walls wrapped in opulence
Remember damask? It might conjure images of grandmother’s curtains or formal dining rooms, but interior designers are proving that tradition can be revitalized. Max Rollitt’s dining room is a masterclass in this revival, featuring Schumacher-clad walls that create a jewel-box effect. Rather than a mere accent, damask becomes the defining element, enveloping the room in a sense of old-world opulence and intimacy. Rollitt draws inspiration from classical paintings and Alessandro Michele’s Roman apartment, demonstrating that damask's ability to enrich a space remains timeless.
Architectural tailoring: softening the hard lines
The latest evolution in interior design focuses on architectural tailoring: the art of wrapping or detailing architectural elements—door casings, corbels, moldings—in textiles. Albion Nord’s drawing room showcases this beautifully, enveloping the entire octagonal space in 250 meters of hand-block-printed fabric. This technique not only softens the visual and acoustic impact of the architecture but also creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Salvesen Graham takes this concept even further, introducing inset fabric architraves that transform doorways into decorative focal points, blending structure and softness in a seamless display.
Frieze frame of mind: looking upwards
Designers are now urging us to look up. The decorative frieze, once relegated to exterior facades, is making a dramatic return. Studio Duggan’s Speakeasy Salon features a bespoke plaster frieze that crowns the tented fabric ceiling, adding instant architecture and atmosphere. Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay’s bedroom incorporates geometric plasterwork with Art Deco references, proving the power of this motif. Even the Lalique Home Bar reimagines the frieze as luminous crystal panels, transforming the upper reaches of the room into a captivating decorative element.
Pattern drenching: a cocoon of comfort
The final trend to emerge from WOW!house is pattern drenching – a bold and immersive approach that envelops walls and ceilings in a single motif. Sean Symington’s withdrawing room for Zardi & Zardi demonstrates the surprising tranquility of this technique, allowing artwork, furniture, and accessories to shine against a backdrop of continuous pattern. “When a room is fully wrapped in one print, it feels less overwhelming and becomes a neutral backdrop,” Symington explains, creating a cocooning effect that encourages relaxation and appreciation of the details.
The 2026 WOW!house isn’t just a glimpse into the future of design; it’s a resounding affirmation of the past. With a renewed focus on craftsmanship, materiality, and timeless aesthetics, these trends are poised to reshape our homes—and our lifestyles—for years to come.