For this year’s WOW!House, celebrated Interior Designer Nicola Harding transformed the Drummonds Powder Room into an enchanting jewel box - an intimate escape designed to revive, delight and inspire. Rich with colour, pattern and tactile detail, the space reflects Nicola’s signature layering of craftsmanship, texture and atmosphere.
We were proud to support her vision with our handcrafted Picture Rail System, complete with Clipper Task Lights, thoughtfully used to highlight the artwork and enhance the immersive mood of the room. We caught up with Nicola to discuss her inspirations, her approach to creating spaces with soul, and the role of lighting in elevating even the smallest of spaces.
What was your first reaction when you were asked to take part in WOW!house 2025?
Tremendous excitement. Very honored and privileged to be part of such a brilliant initiative that brings our industry together.
Why did you want to be involved with WOW!house 2025?
It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen relationships with passionate people doing brilliant things. It’s the chance to work closely with Drummonds, who I began working with over 10 years ago and the WOW!House partners we’re proud to support - including United in Design who we’ve supported in the past.
What is your design concept?
The concept for our powder room is to provide a place that revives and inspires. Since you will most likely be alone in this room, it is somewhere to have a moment to indulge and be delighted. It’s a jewel box that draws on art deco and historic styles but still feels fresh and relevant today.
What is your design philosophy, and what is your practice known for?
Craft first. Creating an intoxicating sense of atmosphere which is informed by craftsmanship, the layering of colour and the interplay between different pieces.
Who are your most high-profile clients and what are your most prestigious projects (that you can share with the wider world)?
We work with both residential and commercial clients. On the residential side, clients include leading figures in politics, music and the film industry. Our commercial clients include Beaverbrook Townhouse and The Rose at Deal, among others.
How would you describe your room?
It’s a small space and because you’re not spending lots of time there, you can be more dramatic. We really enjoyed the opportunity to let our imagination run away. It’s easy for a powder room to end up feeling functional, but we wanted it to be an escape.
The design for the powder room gave us the chance to bring colourful, textural, geometric impact into the space. Using an abundance of different textures: glazed ceramic tiles, upholstery weight durries, woven textiles on the cupboard doors and on loose rugs. Backed fabric on the walls, and a tented ceiling. It has an abundance of details to soothe and simultaneously excite the senses.
What was your starting point or inspiration?
We went to jewel-like colours and it sprung from there. The colours we landed on led to the idea of this being a jewel-box.
Who do you imagine living in the space that you are designing?
A passionate collector who is besotted by colour.
What sort of ambience are you trying to create?
Intoxicating.
Craft Starts with Conversation
Whether you’re planning a bespoke piece or selecting from our made-to-order collection, we’d be happy to discuss your project.
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