This year marked our first time taking part in the much anticipated Chelsea Design Quarter Springtime Sessions 2026, a wonderful and inspiring three-day programme of talks and events across the King’s Road, Chelsea. It’s a fixture we’ve long been aware of, so it felt like the right moment to get involved, particularly as we’ve recently opened our new Chelsea studio.
We partnered with the brilliant John Cullen Lighting for a collaborative session looking at what actually makes a kitchen stand the test of time. Not in a trend-led sense, but in a more practical, long-term way. We felt it was the perfect partnership, rooted in a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, longevity and the subtle impact of well-considered lighting.
Starting at John Cullen Lighting.
The day began in the beautiful John Cullen Lighting studio, where guests gathered for the panel discussion: “An Insider’s Guide to Creating Timeless Kitchens.” It was led by Carole Annett, Editor of Country and Town House who brought a warm, easy tone that immediately set the atmosphere, engaging, informal, and genuinely interesting.
The panel participants featured Emma Wiseman our senior designer from Mowlem and Co, alongside Luke Thomas, Design Director from John Cullen Lighting and Manuela Hamilford, Founder of Hamilford design. Sitting together in such a stylish, light-filled setting, the conversation flowed naturally. What we loved most was how the discussion evolved. It wasn’t about prescribing a formula for a “perfect” kitchen, instead, it became a conversation about how kitchens really work within a home. From our perspective, it was a chance to talk about craftsmanship, longevity, and the importance of getting the fundamentals right.
Luke brought a completely different (and essential) lens with lighting, highlighting how it quietly shapes how a space feels and functions, while Manuela added a broader interior design perspective, grounding the kitchen within the wider home. And thanks to Carole, it never felt like a formal panel, more like a relaxed, insightful exchange that everyone in the room could connect with.
Then On to Our New Chelsea Studio.
After the panel, we welcomed everyone into our new Kings Road, Chelsea studio for lunch, our first proper opportunity to have the space full and in use in such a sociable way. Moving into the studio also allowed guests to see the kitchen and our designs ethos, as it’s intended: not as a display, but as a working, social space. The island quickly became the natural place to gather, with people eating, talking, and observing the details as they went. It felt like a lovely way to round off the event and hopefully gave people a clearer sense of what we do.
Why It Matters and Looking Ahead.
For us, being part of the Chelsea Design Quarter isn’t just about showcasing what we do, it’s about being part of a wider design community. Collaborating with partners like John Cullen Lighting and sharing ideas with designers like Manuela Hamilford is what pushes the conversation forward. It’s where different disciplines meet, and where better design really begins. The event also raises funds for the charity Furnishing Futures, with every events requiring a donation to attend. As many of you know Furnishing Futures supports survivors of domestic abuse who have been placed into empty social housing. The charity creates professionally designed trauma-informed homes with good quality furniture and appliances donated by industry partners.
If you missed it, don’t worry there’s more to come. We’d love to welcome you to our next event, so do keep an eye out and make sure you’re signed up for updates. And of course, we couldn’t not mention the Chelsea Design Quarter Summer Street Party, it’s always a highlight, and this year is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Come for the design, stay for the atmosphere. We hope to see you there. Team Mowlem x