Interior photos by James McDonald Photography
Portrait photos by Milo Brown Photography
WOW!house 2025: Beyond Expectation
EXPERTS 01.07.25
WOW!house 2025 brings together an extraordinary mix of design voices, each room a masterclass in craft and creativity.
For the Samuel Heath bathroom, Laura Hammett reimagines Art Deco at its centenary with a bold, richly layered sanctuary that feels both glamorous and grounded. Their signature ‘elevated luxury’ approach is evident in every detail, from the geometric marble-clad vanity to the bespoke ‘Vintage Bronze’ tap they’ve co-designed with Samuel Heath.
With contributions from makers like Stuart Fox, Ca’ Pietra and Lapicida, the room champions traditional techniques reimagined for today, underscoring WOW!house’s mission to celebrate innovation through collaboration.
Chad Dorsey conjures the warm intimacy of a private members’ club through a lens of American and British Arts and Crafts design. Inspired by both movements’ reverence for craft, Dorsey’s space invites slow conversation, quiet music, and late-night cocktails. A custom Fromental wallcovering, hand-painted with chrysanthemums and sunflowers, wraps the room in a soft, painterly glow, balanced by tactile elements like a hair-on-hide rug by Kyle Bunting and sculptural furnishings from Julian Chichester and Pinch.
The ceiling, a whimsical tribute to pioneering designer Candace Wheeler, features bramble branches, bees and butterflies, blending fantasy with heritage. Throughout, Dorsey’s signature “relaxed luxury” aesthetic keeps the room grounded yet elevated. It's a layered and soulful retreat, designed to honour history, celebrate craftsmanship, and feel lived-in from the moment you step inside.
Photo by Christy White
Toni Black’s Shepel Home Bar is a seductive retreat designed for connection, culture, and conversation, an intimate speakeasy-style setting that celebrates the art of storytelling. Rooted in tradition but layered with contemporary craft, the space wraps guests in rich textures, soft curves, and a warm, cocoon-like atmosphere.
Collaborating with SHEPEL on bespoke furniture and Arte on a tactile, tapestry-inspired wallcovering, Black masterfully weaves together materiality and meaning. Lighting by Rothschild & Bickers casts a soft, golden glow, while a personal artwork by her daughter, Kaylah Black, adds a deeply emotional touch, linking past and present in a space that feels both personal and timeless.
Alex Dauley’s Date Night room is an immersive, cocoon-like retreat that redefines media spaces with intimacy, soul, and craftsmanship. Designed as a celebration of emotional connection and personal freedom, the space blends deep textures, low lighting, and rich materials like walnut, mohair velvet, and travertine to evoke a mood of quiet luxury. Built for long evenings, layered conversation, and solo reflection, the room invites visitors into a curated ritual of ease, complete with a rum cocktail, soft jazz, and the comforting scent of spice.
With over 100 collaborators involved, from artisans to AV experts, the space carries a unique energy of collective care and community spirit. Bespoke furnishings and thoughtful details, like amber glass accents and a concealed Samsung Frame TV, elevate the everyday into something meaningful.
