A True Showhouse

This June, Chelsea’s Design Avenue (in the Design Centre) has been transformed into a unique showhouse.  The first of its kind, the 400 sqm space holds seventeen full-sized rooms, designed by twenty leading interior designers, who worked closely with international design houses and renowned makers to develop their schemes.

A cornucopia for the eyes, there are different styles, colours, patterns, textures, materials, art and objets on display. What’s more, sound and smell have also been considered for a truly sensual journey. Indeed, a unique soundscape has been composed by sound artist Peter Adjaye, whilst a scent has been matched to each room by Dr. Vrangjes. 

With last week’s deep dive into sustainability in design, it is pleasing to see that this has also been front and centre of the exhibition, with designers working to a brief that as much should be re-purposed and recycled as possible. The built structure will be stored and reused for subsequent exhibitions and the fabrics used will repurposed. Even the facade, a wall of light and shadow formed by geometric mandalas by Mamou-Mani, is symbolic of the circular economy which we so desperately need to achieve. 

I visited with a couple of my KLC pals and it definitely did not disappoint. Here are some snaps from my favourite rooms… 

Emma Burns and Philip Hooper (Colefax and Fowler)

Freddy van Zevenbergen (Lambart and Browne)

Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen

Rayman Boozer (Apartment 48)

Rita Konig

Brandon Schubert

Joanna Plant

Bunny Turner and Emma Pocock (Turner and Pocock)

Rui Ribeiro

There was certainly something for everyone. Here’s the their next one - the dates (5th June to 6th July 2023) are firmly in my diary. A perfect trip for inspiration, education and to keep abreast of the goings on in the design industry.