Blog
An Interview with Henri Fitzwilliam-Lay: Looking Back at WOW!House 2026
23 July 2026
What was the inspiration behind your WOW!House room this year?
At HFL, we love blending eras and influences, and this project showcases that approach. Our starting point was our sponsor, Misia, whose strong Art Deco identity established the direction for the room. We set out to reinterpret French Art Deco through a contemporary lens.
The concept took shape after we discovered Riviera du Levant, with its rich, textural weave which we have used as our curtain fabric. From there, we layered in references from Africa, Japan, and Brazilian design to create a room that feels universal and inclusive. A common thread runs through the scheme: bold geometry, repeating patterns, and organic textures.
Because Art Deco may sometimes read as cool or distant, we added layers of texture to bring warmth and calm, making the room more inviting. We also introduced brutalist elements to give the space a modern edge. Brutalism's honesty of materials—raw textures such as béton brut or concrete—sets up a compelling contrast with Art Deco's slick, glossy finishes while mirroring some of its angular forms. In this way, the room subtly traces the evolution from one movement to the next.
The result was a bedroom that felt both visually striking and deeply inviting—qualities that naturally complement Vispring's philosophy of creating beautiful spaces centred around restorative sleep.
What do you consider when sourcing a bed for a client's home?
A bed needs to sit comfortably within the wider scheme, both in terms of scale and aesthetics, but comfort and suitability for the client are always paramount. We consider how the bed will be used, the client's preferences, and the practical requirements of the space. Ultimately, a bedroom should feel deeply personal and a bed is central role to that.
Their approach reflects a belief we share at Vispring: that a bed should never simply complete a room aesthetically, but should also support the individual needs and comfort of the person sleeping in it.
Do your clients' priorities around sleep and wellbeing influence your design choices?
Absolutely. Bedrooms are some of the most personal spaces in a home, so understanding our clients' lifestyles, habits and individual preferences is an important part of the design process. Some clients have strong opinions on the composition or maker of their bed, while others are more concerned with practical considerations such as storage or ease of use. Our role is to balance these requirements with creating a room that is well designed and reflective of their personality.
As conversations around sleep and wellbeing continue to evolve, it's encouraging to see designers placing equal emphasis on personal comfort, thoughtful functionality and timeless design.
What are your top tips for creating a luxurious bedroom at home?
Luxury is often less about excess and more about comfort and thoughtfulness. Good bedrooms evoke a feeling of ease, layered with interesting objects beyond the bed itself, such as a dressing table or favourite artwork. A beautiful headboard and throw also go a long way in to improving the luxurious quality of a bed.
It's a philosophy that resonates with Vispring's own approach to handcrafted luxury. A truly exceptional bedroom is one that feels personal, calming and effortlessly comfortable—where every element has been carefully considered, beginning with the bed itself.
As we reflect on another inspiring year at WOW!House, we're proud to have partnered with designers who share our commitment to craftsmanship, thoughtful design and creating spaces that enhance everyday living. We look forward to continuing these conversations and celebrating the role that exceptional sleep plays in beautiful interiors.