Interior Design Event: Focus/26 puts autumn interiors and international design in the spotlight at Chelsea Harbour, London

As London prepares for another major season of design activity, Focus/26 on Design will bring the international interiors industry together at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour from 14 to 18 September, putting the spotlight on new autumn collections, emerging creative directions and the latest thinking across the sector.

The timing is significant. Focus/26 opens as London Design Festival - running from 12 to 20 September - gets under way, making Chelsea Harbour a key destination for designers, architects, specifiers and design enthusiasts looking to assess the new season's direction. The five-day event is centred on the Design Centre's network of showrooms, with additional brands and events creating what organisers describe as a creative hub for the industry.

At the heart of Focus/26 is product discovery. The event provides an opportunity to see autumn launches from leading international brands. This gives the event particular relevance for interior designers and specifiers seeking distinctive fabrics, wallcoverings, furniture, lighting and decorative products for forthcoming projects.

The Design Centre currently brings together more than 135 showrooms, while Focus/26 will add more than 30 temporary House Guests along the Design Avenue. The combination of permanent showrooms and temporary installations is designed to broaden the sourcing offer and bring additional designers and specialist brands into the mix for the duration of the event.

Among this year's House Guests are Artfully Sorted, Christy, Iliv, Martin Huxford, Shailand England, The Vale London, Studio Ham and Zoffany X Michael S. Smith.  

(Click here to find out more about the House Guests.)

A focus on knowledge as well as product

The increasingly important role of events such as Focus is not simply about showcasing products. For the professional design community, they have become places to exchange ideas, build relationships and gain insight into the commercial and creative forces shaping the industry.

Designer Stephanie Barba Mendoza will talk to House & Garden's editor Talib Choudhry on her passion for history, art and the play of pattern and colour translated into memorable projects worldwide.

Focus/26 will therefore combine showroom launches with a substantial programme of talks, masterclasses and industry discussions. Its flagship Conversations in Design series will bring leading names from the design world together, while Grow Your Business sessions will address professional development and the practical challenges facing designers. 

There will be 100+ free Free Access All Areas events within individual showrooms, alongside tours, Designer Toolkit sessions and the new Learning Lounge.  Daily Design Discovery Tours will provide another way of navigating the event, directing visitors towards products and launches attracting particular attention.

(Click here for information on the full programme.)

This combination of product, expertise and networking reflects the changing role of design trade events. Rather than functioning solely as traditional buying platforms, leading interiors events are increasingly expected to provide cultural and educational content alongside commercial opportunities.

The international character of Focus/26 is another important element. With brands from different design traditions represented alongside established British names and smaller specialist ateliers, the event offers a snapshot of the increasingly global interiors marketplace.

The event provides a valuable opportunity to encounter new materials, techniques and aesthetics without having to travel overseas.

 Focus/26 brings together international product launches, specialist makers, established showrooms, emerging brands and industry debate, and offers a useful indication of where interior design is heading as the autumn/winter season gets under way.

New Opening: British Brand ILIV Opens New Showroom at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London

UK premium interiors fabric brand ILIV has opened a new showroom in London at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, marking a significant step in its expansion within one of the country’s most influential design destinations.

Situated on the fifth floor, the showroom forms part of the recently launched Design Emporium Collective — a curated, multi-brand concept space bringing together a diverse selection of homeware and interiors brands.

The new space will serve as ILIV’s dedicated London hub for its residential collections, positioning the company at the heart of the capital’s design community. The showroom is also expected to strengthen relationships with interior designers and retail partners while supporting the brand’s growing network.

Visitors to the showroom can explore a carefully curated edit of ILIV’s pattern books, full-length fabric displays and a selection of take-away samples. The space showcases the brand’s latest collections, alongside a wide range of plain and textured fabrics, all presented within a design-led environment intended to inspire.

Designers and visitors are invited to explore the new showroom by taking the express lift to the fifth floor of the Design Centre East.

Jason Kenworthy, CEO of ILIV, described the opening as a key milestone for the business. 

“Opening a showroom at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is an exciting milestone for ILIV. The Design Emporium Collective provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase our collections in a creative environment while strengthening our relationships with the interior design community,” he said.

ILIV specialises in textiles for both residential and commercial spaces, supported by a global team committed to innovation and quality. The brand focuses closely on detail to help interior design professionals create and transform spaces.

ILIV is part of the SMD Group, founded in 1987 in Lancashire, a region renowned for its rich textile heritage. Since its beginnings as a family-owned business, the SMD Group has evolved into a leading force within the interior textiles market.

Known for its eclectic style, ILIV draws inspiration from archive documents through to contemporary geometric designs, reflecting a versatility that complements both modern and traditional interiors.

Interior Design Event: WOW!house Returns to Chelsea Harbour - an Immersive Showcase Bringing Design Concepts to Life

Homeowners often struggle to visualise new design ideas, even when presented with detailed mood boards or high-quality renderings. While these tools are helpful, nothing compares to experiencing a design concept in a real-life setting.

That’s exactly what WOW!house offers. Running this month through to 3 July 2025 at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London, the event presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore fully-realised interiors brought to life by some of the world’s leading interior designers.

WOW!house features 22 meticulously designed rooms and outdoor spaces, each created in collaboration with globally recognised design brands and suppliers. These full-scale environments—constructed within the Design Avenue—offer visitors a rare chance to walk through, feel, and truly experience design concepts as they would appear in a real home.

Starting at the newly reimagined classical façade, visitors enter a 600-square-metre show-house that offers an immersive exploration of luxury interior design at its finest. 

For those seeking to understand how creative concepts evolve into fully realised spaces, WOW!house serves as the ultimate source of inspiration.

 The Façade, by Darren Price of ADAM Architecture, introduces a refined classical character to this year’s WOW!house. It is accompanied by a beautifully planted Entrance Garden and a lush Garden Terrace, created by garden designer Alexander Hoyle.  The  façade design takes its cues from the elegance of a Georgian townhouse, featuring handmade cornices and heritage-style lighting. However, this is no period pastiche. Instead, it offers a contemporary reinterpretation of classical architecture—“a demonstration that the timeless language of classicism remains as relevant and inspiring today as it was 250 years ago.”

The Entrance Hall, designed by Victoria Davar of Maison Artefact, evokes the grandeur of a French château. To create a sense of scale and drama, Davar raised the ceiling height to five metres and introduced a floating staircase by Excel Stairs, suggesting the presence of an upper floor and rooms beyond.  At the heart of the space are striking sculptural pieces by room sponsor Cox London—the renowned furniture, lighting, and art studio. Taking centre stage is the show-stopping Oak Leaf chandelier, a dramatic focal point that sets the tone for the elegance to follow.

The Fromental Drawing Room, designed by Texas-based Chad Dorsey, exudes the atmosphere of an exclusive private club. A bespoke Strike fireplace, sumptuous furnishings, and a raised ceiling adorned with statement chandeliers set a tone of understated luxury. The space is wrapped in Kiku—a series of exquisite hand-painted panels by room sponsor Fromental—bringing artistry and depth to every surface. Natural motifs are thoughtfully echoed in both the chandeliers and the decorative ceiling wallcovering, creating a harmonious and immersive environment.

The Media Room, designed by Alex Dauley, offers an intimate, cocooning retreat in rich tones of amber, walnut, and antique brass. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined—both sophisticated and sensuous.   Created in collaboration with sponsor Nucleus, renowned for crafting immersive environments, the space is a sanctuary of texture and contrast. Thoughtfully layered materials highlight the harmony between craftsmanship and comfort, while discreetly integrated surround sound speakers ensure a seamless and enveloping audio experience.

Designer Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, in collaboration with STARK, presents the Curator’s Room—integrating two connecting rooms - that celebrates collectible furniture, fine art, and exceptional artisanal craftsmanship. With a strong focus on female creative talent across generations, the room highlights influential women in art and design from the past, present, and future.  Visually striking and richly tactile, the space is both a tribute and a showcase, honouring the enduring impact of women’s contributions to the creative world.

The Primary Bedroom, designed by Tomef Design, transports visitors into the master suite of a luxurious Venetian hotel, where layers of detail, colour, pattern, and texture come together in perfect harmony.  The palette is rich and inviting, with deep burgundy and ruby tones accented by gold, amber, brown, black, and varied shades of green—evoking a sense of tradition and timeless elegance.  Tommaso Franchi, founder of Tomef Design, has partnered with three of Italy’s most revered heritage brands: renowned fabric house Fortuny, handcrafted rattan specialists Bonacina, and master glassmakers Barovier & Toso. Together, they have created a space that beautifully celebrates the artistry and legacy of Italian craftsmanship.

The adjoining Primary Bathroom by 1508 London is a contemporary sanctuary dedicated to ancient cleansing rituals, sponsored by House of Rohl.

Next door, the Morning Room features soaring ceilings and walls dressed in cotton poplin, hand screen-printed with a trompe-l'œil design inspired by 20th-century garden room treillage.  Interior designer and antique dealer Daniel Slowik has curated an elegant collection of paintings, furniture, and objets d’art sourced from exhibitors at The Treasure House Fair—the prestigious summer art fair founded by Thomas Woodham-Smith and Harry Van der Hoorn, which also sponsors the room.

The Courtyard Room, designed by Emma Sims-Hilditch, is a charming blend of classic elegance and playful practicality. Conceived as a refined back-of-house space, it seamlessly combines form and function with thoughtful features such as a boot room and a dedicated dog room.  Antiques, fine art, decorative wall finishes, and carefully considered architectural details lend the room a sense of history and permanence—creating the impression of a newly built space that feels as though it has always belonged.

The Living Room, designed by interior designer Kelly Hoppen, is a masterclass in tactile sophistication—moody, unexpected, and richly layered. Created in collaboration with lighting specialists and room sponsor Visual Comfort & Co., the space strikes a delicate balance between beauty and function.  Hoppen’s earthy palette of deep browns, terracottas, and soft neutrals evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. Natural materials—such as wood, honed stone, rose quartz, suede, and linen—enhance the room’s grounded elegance. “The room blends asymmetry, history, and personal storytelling,” said Hoppen, bringing a deeply personal narrative to a serene and thoughtfully composed space.

The Library offers an experience that celebrates both the power of silence and the expression of sound. This extraordinary circular space is the creation of Clémence Pirajean Lees and James Michael Lees, founders of the creative direction and design studio Pirajean Lees, in collaboration with the Italian fabric house Dedar, the room’s sponsor.  The room is wrapped in Dedar’s sumptuous wool satin, while the rug—crafted by Jennifer Manners—transforms A440Hz, the musical tuning standard, into a visible and striking pattern, blending artistry with sound.

In contrast, the Dining Room is a vibrant feast of colour inspired by Australia. Designed by Australian-born, London-based designer Peter Mikic and sponsored by Benjamin Moore, a leading manufacturer celebrated for its premium-quality paints, the space bursts with energy and character.  Dominating the room is an abstract artwork by Billy Metcalf, paired with a bespoke round dining table by British furniture brand Kaizen, adorned with semi-precious stones—adding a touch of luxurious craftsmanship to the bold, colourful setting.

The final space at WOW!house is the Garden Terrace, designed by Randle Siddeley and sponsored by McKinnon and Harris. Enclosed by an ornate trellis, meticulously handcrafted for the space by The Garden Trellis Company, the terrace features a striking stone fireplace framed by a lush green wall that serves as a focal point. Surrounding this, intimate seating areas are embraced by vibrant greenery, creating a serene oasis.

One of the best ways to experience WOW!house and deepen one's understanding of the creativity behind the rooms is by joining a complimentary guided tour that goes with the entry ticket. Visitors gain exclusive insights into how world-class designers transformed their concepts into spectacular, fully realised spaces. 

also troughout the month, there is a talks programme featuring many of the WOW!house designers who provide deeper insight into the creative intentions behind the rooms and the collaborative processes that brought the schemes to life.  

For the programme of WOW!Talks, click HERE.

As a dedicated centre for luxury interiors, the Design Centre is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style—modern, elegant, and designed to maximise natural light. Its main building is arranged around a central atrium, creating an inviting and uplifting environment for all who visit.

Originally part of a wider regeneration project transforming Chelsea Harbour from a commercial dock into a vibrant district, the Design Centre has become an international destination for sourcing the finest interior products and exploring the latest design trends. It is widely recognised as one of the country's if not the world’s foremost design destinations.

All images by Lucia Carpio.

Interior Design Event: WOW!house 2024 opens at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour London

From June 4 to July 4, 2024, the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour, London—a dedicated hub for upmarket interior design inspiration and home to high-end showrooms and design studios— plays host to the annual WOW!house event. This premier showcase of interior design creativity promises to "wow" both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Visitors to Design Centre are greeted with a display of spring flowers.

This marks the third annual WOW!house event, a project conceived during the first COVID lockdown in the UK. According to Clare German, CEO of the Design Centre, she has been humbled by the achievements over the past three years. "WOW!house has united our global design community, sparking conversations, building relationships, sharing knowledge, championing creativity, and supporting the charitable causes at its heart. None of this could have happened without the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, from the steering committee and my team here at the Design Centre to the generous sponsors and exceptional designers and suppliers behind the rooms; the talent and creativity of the 'WOWzers' never cease to amaze us." The project's success was recognized with the Spotlight Award at this year's House & Garden awards.

Tissus D'Helene Drawing Room by Guy Goodfellow 

The highlight of the event is a unique "showhouse" spanning 500 square meters, specially constructed within the Centre's Design Avenue. This WOW!house features 19 full-size rooms and outdoor spaces, each uniquely designed by world-class interior designers in collaboration with globally recognized brands and top-tier suppliers. The designers drew inspiration from all corners of the world, incorporating a myriad of influences to create a harmonious and cohesive showcase. Each designer had free rein to work their magic, paying meticulous attention to every detail, from flooring and wall coverings to fabric textures, colours, furniture, lighting, and accessories. Even the soundscape and scents of each room have been carefully curated to provide a comprehensive sensory experience for visitors.

Zoffany in Entrance Hall space.

Greeting visitors in the entrance hall space is a dramatic display of interior brand Zoffany’s craft and provenance, woven into a narrative inspired by a 1963 epic historical drama film The Leopard directed by Luchino Visconti, which won the Palme d'Or at the 1963 Cannes Film Festival. Displaying his keen eye for innovation and a deep appreciation for tradition, designer Benedict Foley’s work offers a fresh perspective on heritage design that sharply examines sustainability through the lens of luxury.  Benedict says, “This room places Zoffany’s product front and centre, highlighting its contributions to UK manufacturing while celebrating the craftsmanship of the fabric mills. With a focus on material integrity and historical research, my work draws inspiration from various visual arts references, weaving them together with a touch of humour. My work is detailed and source based but ultimately it’s about the viewer’s enjoyment!”

Also added to greet customers at the entrance to WOW!house is Jennifer Manners' "Secret Garden" rug, which was inspired by "the surrealism of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where overscaled bees, bugs and butterflies flit between exotic flowers, all set on a background of a meandering Greek key motif."  The rug features a kaleidoscope of colours, patterns and textures and a sense of fairytale, with a sense of fun. Manners adds. “I wanted to create a super-sized visual sensory experience that both surprises and delights, much like Alice’s discovery of the garden in Lewis Carroll’s book.”

WATTS 1874 Legend Room by Alidad

The Rug Company Dining Room by Ken Fulk

Zimmer+Rohde Bedroom Suite by Tolu Adeko

Jamb London Primary Bedroom by Charlotte Freemantle and Will Fisher

Martin Moore Kitchen with Studio Vero

Summit Terrace by Fernando Wong

Ticketed visitors will have the opportunity throughout the month to immerse themselves in the storytelling of each room, drawing inspiration from the wealth of ideas and details for their future interior projects. 

Additionally, there will be daily guided tours of WOW!house, free weekly Design Discovery Tours of the wider showrooms, and a talks programme featuring many of the WOW!house room designers.

To take a peak at each of the 19 "rooms" and read about the stories behind the spaces, click HERE. 

The Design Centre's 130+ showrooms also welcome ticketed visitors, offering a treasure trove of creativity and expertise. covering a vast array of products including fabrics, wall coverings, furniture, lighting, accessories, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.

The Design Centre's 130+ showrooms welcome ticketed visitors, offering a treasure trove of creativity, inspiration, and expertise. 

These showrooms cover a vast array of products, including fabrics, wall coverings, rugs and floor treatments, furniture, lighting, accessories, kitchens, bathrooms, and more. 

As a dedicated space for luxury interiors and design, the Design Centre is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, featuring modern and elegant structures with a focus on natural light. The main building is designed around a central atrium that allows natural light to permeate the space, creating an inviting and inspiring environment for visitors.

Built as part of a broader regeneration project for the Chelsea Harbour area, which was previously a commercial dock, the Centre is now a premier destination for sourcing the latest and highest quality products and gaining insight into emerging design trends. It is internationally recognized as one of the leading design destinations in the world.

To find more about WOW!House 2024 and its programmes, click HERE.

All Photos by Lucia Carpio

Interior Design: WOW!house 2024 set to take place June 1 to July 4, at Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London

Mark your calendars for WOW!house 2024, the premier interior design event returning to Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London, running from Monday, June 4th, to Thursday, July 4th. 

As excitement mounts for this annual extravaganza, organizers pledge to elevate the standard for inspiration. Visitors will be wowed by 19 distinct full-scale rooms and outdoor spaces emerge along the Design Avenue, spanning an expansive 500 square meters within the Centre. Each of these spaces, crafted by esteemed interior designers in collaboration with globally renowned design brands and suppliers, promises unparalleled creativity, say organisers.

Claire German, CEO of Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, expresses the mission of WOW!house 2024 succinctly, stating, “Our aim is to ignite a sense of wonder; to captivate and motivate by showcasing the extraordinary accomplishments achievable when our talented industry unites in such a bold and extraordinary manner.”

WOW!house 2024 will feature 19 rooms, including a collaboration between
The Rug Company and Ken Fulk who is acclaimed for his intricate interiors and conceptual spectacles that exude a remarkable flair for theatricality. With his inaugural collection for The Rug Company, Fulk (pictured above) pays homage to life's rituals. Each rug within the collection intricately captures the essence of art, music, nature, and introspection, transforming these inspirations into evocative motifs that adorn the fabric of his designs.
Photo by The Rug Company website.

Noteworthy among the highlights of WOW!house 2024 is the entrance foyer envisioned by Benedict Foley, incorporating fabrics and wallpaper from Zoffany, symbolizing a shared dedication to British craftsmanship and production. Drawing inspiration from Luchino Visconti's 1963 masterpiece "The Leopard," Foley evokes the ambiance of a 19th-century Risorgimento Sicilian palazzo, infused with the allure of Claudia Cardinale and Alain Delon. Additionally, Foley commissions a bespoke loop pile carpet from one of the few remaining highly skilled weavers in the UK, utilising British wool. Embracing the ethos of the Arts & Crafts movement, all elements of the room will find new life in an upcoming exhibition at Voysey House, Sanderson Design Group’s new UK headquarters, focusing on material integrity, historical inquiry, and a touch of whimsy. Foley asserts that good design should be referential, not reverential.

In another captivating collaboration, The Rug Company joins forces with designer Ken Fulk, renowned for his enchanting creations and a clientele that includes luminaries like Pharrell Williams, Gigi Hadid, and Dolce & Gabbana. The Dining Room, a product of their collaboration, draws inspiration from Fulk's design with The Rug Company, "A Life Reflected," inspired by the storytelling traditions of Delft and Azulejo tilework dating back to the 14th century. Set within a reinterpretation of William Morris' Green Dining Room at the V&A, the scene is set for a midsummer Sunday supper, celebrating individuality and the preservation of decorative arts traditions worldwide. Fulk describes the ambiance as that of a well-traveled Countess, regaling her younger artist admirers with tales of global adventures and unconventional romances, imbuing the space with an air of mystery and allure.

There will be a Jamb Primary Bedroom by Charlotte Fremantle and Will Fisher. Drawing inspiration from an exquisite Chippendale model, the focal point of this bedroom is a splendid four-poster bed adorned in 18th-century paisley fabric and delicate pleated linen skirts. The walls are enveloped in silk, gently tinted to a dusky rose hue.

Meanwhile, the House of Rohl Primary Bathroom, curated by Michaelis Boyd, promises a realm of enchantment and marvel. A hand-painted mural unfolds across four progressively intimate zones, where whimsical touches harmonize with the exquisite craftsmanship of House of Rohl’s fixtures, crafted in French brass and custom RAL colors, alongside a luxurious Victoria & Albert Taizu tub. The ambiance seamlessly intertwines elements of nature and culture with a refined sense of sophistication.

Step into the Colefax and Fowler Morning Room, where designer Lucy Hammond Giles, crowned House & Garden’s Interior Designer of the Year 2023, crafts an inviting sunlit haven. Adorned with walls cloaked in cheerful yellow Larsen linen and complemented by bespoke yellow curtains boasting couture intricacies, this space epitomizes the quintessential style of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, the UK's oldest interior decorating establishment.

Meanwhile, in the McKinnon and Harris Courtyard, designer Katharine Pooley transports visitors to a quintessentially British setting, reminiscent of a serene English garden in full summer bloom. At its heart stands a charming trellised tennis pavilion, offering a picturesque backdrop inspired by Wimbledon, perfectly accentuating the graceful contours of McKinnon and Harris' outdoor furniture collection.

Among the myriad of inspirational designs, there will be the Watts 1874 Legend Room envisioned by the esteemed Alidad, celebrated globally for his discerning eye for antiques and textiles. Additionally, be sure to explore the Dedar Salon crafted by Fosbury Architecture, renowned for their curation of the Italian Pavilion at the 2023 Venice Biennale of Architecture (Biennale Architettura 2023), brought to life by the collaborative efforts of Giacomo Ardesio, Alessandro Bonizzoni, Nicola Campri, Veronica Caprino, and Claudia Mainardi.   Also the Tissus d’Hélène Drawing Room by Guy Goodfellow, an enchanting realm where past and present converge seamlessly, infused with a delightful sense of whimsy and unexpected delights.

For more information on WOW!house and tickets, visit dcch.co.uk/wowhouse.

Interior Designs : London Design Week Chelsea Harbour 11 - 15 March 2024

London Design Week 2024 has kicked off at the Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour, London where a packed programme of events, including talks and workshops are scheduled for designers and design enthusiasts. 

Organisers said the programme of 100+ events has been curated to engage, inform and spark the imagination. 

There are also scores of free events  for visitors to enjoy in and around the showrooms at the Design Centre, from meet the designer sessions to workshops, new collection launches, alongside daily discovery tours around the exhibiting stands.

The Conversations in Design talks series offers access to the industry’s global A-listers including Sophie Ashby and Bunny Williams, as well as Grow Your Business sessions. 

Announcing a new collaboration is celebrated British designer and hotelier Kit Kemp who is launching her new collection with GP & J Baker.

"I am really looking forward to meeting my all-time design hero Bunny Williams, who is partnering with Paolo Moschino representing her furniture range in the UK. Bunny is a US design icon with a wealth of stories and knowledge of design, both inside and outside."

Meanwhile designer Suzy Hoodless is taking part in a Conversations in Design talk, Grow Your Business: Making Your Mark.

"I'm a huge fan of The Rug Company. The new showroom opening in the Design Centre is set to be an exciting launch, along with a new Paul Smith collection described as ‘classic with a twist’ with a contemporary take on the original designs," said Suzy.

Victoria Gray of Olvine is taking part in a panel discussion, The Secret of True Comfort, hosted by The English Home.

"I'm a huge fan of Tissus d'Hélène: Madeaux's new design, 'Hotchpotch' is great, and the new Nicole Fabre fabric collection is exciting, too. I can also never resist Samuel & Sons' showroom – it's a treasure trove," said Victoria.

Over at the Design Avenue is where visitors can see the show's pop-up House Guests, including Birdie Fortescue,  DKT Artworks, Eva Sonaike, Henry Blake, Holmes Bespoke, Madeaux and Patience & Gough. 

For full details of London Design Week and its full programme, click HERE.

Interior design: Shepel' opens new showroom in London's Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour

Shepel’ from Ukraine has been welcoming potential clients to view their luxury furniture designs and top rate workmanship, at their new showroom in London's Design Centre in Chelsea Harbour, opened in time to benefit from the Focus/23 event held from September 18th to 22nd.

Offering a one-stop-shop service, co-owner Alex Shepel, who co-founded the company with his wife Helen eight years ago, said the company provides complete packages that range from designing spaces to suit the needs of customers through to the designs of individual furniture, manufacturing the custom-made furniture to fill the spaces, a wide selection of materials and fabrics, and furnishing accessories to complete the look.  Both husband and wife were trained in interior design and work with a team of experiences craftsmen and makers.

One of their key brands is Atelier Helen for kitchens, featuring traditional craftsmanship that combines the latest technologies and trends for high-end luxury interiors to meet the discerning tastes of an international clientele.

The company also prides itself on their ability to provide design and a wide range of meticulously-made furniture for all rooms in a property. 

Despite the ongoing conflict in their native war-torn country, Shepel said the company and its workers have continued to soldier on and have all capabilities, including support services for shipping and importation, to fulfil their orders, from start to finish.  In addition the London, the company is represented in Bucharest, Romania as well as in Germany for clients there as well as Austria and Switzerland.  Clients span all over Europe, as well as the US and the Middle East.

All photos by Lucia Carpio.