Green revolution: young huh's korean masterpiece dominates wow!house 2026
London’s Chelsea Harbour Design Centre is ablaze with color and innovation as Wow!house 2026 unveils its latest crop of breathtaking spaces, spearheaded by Young Huh’s strikingly modern Korean salon, presented by Benjamin Moore.
A bold palette: green takes center stage
This year’s showcase is undeniably dominated by verdant hues – olive, chartreuse, and emerald – a clear trend championed by designers from across the globe. Francis Sultana, known for her audacious approach, layered George Condo and Steven Shearer artworks with a muted emerald parquet floor and bespoke furniture, cementing her commitment to contemporary reinvention. Albion Nord’s drawing room, with its ‘Georgian’ skew, offered a softer contrast, utilizing 82 feet of block-printed fabric to envelop the walls, creating an unexpectedly mossy feel alongside a vibrant peacock-colored alcove.
Huh’s minhwa inspiration: a technicolor journey
However, Young Huh’s salon stands apart, drawing direct inspiration from the rich traditions of Korean folk art – Minhwa. The designer’s approach, informed by the boldness and clarity of modernism, as evidenced by the works of Piet Mondrian, Donald Judd, and Dan Flavin, is vividly expressed through a technicolor spectrum of Benjamin Moore paint. Tetris-like alcoves frame scenic Minhwa panels, while a custom banquette by Robert Langford echoes the colorful stripes of traditional Korean saekdong textiles. A Dancheong-inspired ceiling adds another layer of cultural depth.
Beyond the surface: technology and heritage
But the show isn't solely about aesthetics. Russell Sage Studio’s “momentarium” lounge explores immersive sensory experiences, integrating surround sound, lighting, and audio systems—a testament to the growing priority of technology in design. Max Rollitt cleverly utilized sophisticated lighting and mirrors to evoke 18th-century atmosphere in the dining room, while Salvesen Graham concealed speakers within decoy book spines. Details like Rigby & Rigby’s Ofuru soaking tub, handcrafted with Nuno fabrics and Powerplant digital screens, demonstrate a desire to blend tradition and innovation seamlessly.
A curator's eye: notable standouts
Beyond Huh’s salon, highlights included Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay’s bedroom suite, featuring pine-colored doors, and Samantha Bartlett’s kitchen, boasting a minty hood and range. Studio Duggan’s salon offered a custom green-and-lilac carpet that mirrored the space’s chartreuse lampshades, while Studio Mark Andrew’s “withdrawing room” showcased olive green bookshelves amidst layers of chintz. The event benefits United In Design (UID), driving equity within the industry – a vital shift in an increasingly commercial landscape.
Final note: a bold statement
Wow!house 2026 isn't merely a display of design; it’s a conversation—a testament to the power of cultural fusion, technological integration, and a fearless embrace of color.