Last week we spoke with celebrity interior designer and television host Jennifer Farrell. Founder of the interior design firm Jennifer Farrell Designs, Jennifer has introduced an ambitious concept for modern luxury living: I.C.E. House, or Interconnected Changeable Environments, a show home in the south of France. Read the article about the new I.C.E. House project here. In this week's article we dive further into the current trends in the industry and we talk about the shift in trade shows to a global design culture.
Jennifer is reshaping the way brands and consumers interact with design through her I.C.E. House project. Set to physically open in 2026, I.C.E. House is a dynamic, experiential showroom showcasing partner brands for two years in an innovative, sustainable living space. The experience, she explains, aligns with a broader industry shift toward immersive, story-driven design.
Jennifer Farrell. Photo: Monica Orozco.
I.C.E. House: not your traditional show home
'Starting in 2025, we'll reveal one room at a time virtually, offering a sneak peek at the project,' Jennifer shares. 'This allows people to engage with the vision of the I.C.E. House before it even opens.' I.C.E. House further elevates show home design by offering a two-year, immersive experience. In contrast to traditional show homes, which are only open for short public viewings, Jennifer's concept features two years of live broadcasts, video series, trade show exhibits, press tours, social media content, print and digital media campaigns, brand events, and a VIP Reveal Party at the conclusion.
Experiences in design: a growing trend in the industry
Jennifer sees I.C.E. House as part of a larger industry trend toward experiential shows and immersive design concepts. 'Even traditional trade shows are moving toward this trend,' she explains. 'The industry is becoming less about static displays and more about creating experiences that allow people to engage personally with design. I.C.E. House is a reflection of that shift.'
Renderings of I.C.E. House.
This experiential approach mirrors what Jennifer observes at major design events like High Point Market. 'There is a movement happening right now, creating a global culture of design,' she says. This leads to questions: 'What does this mean in an experiential way? How do we experience global design in a personal way? Does it cross over into food, wine, experiences, conversations?' Jennifer highlights how manufacturers are responding to this trend with curated, artisan-driven creations. 'At High Point, I saw so many global artisan materials being brought in—gathered and curated products. Nothing felt machine-manufactured. Everything felt influenced, detailed, and had a personal global story. This is really at the forefront of design right now.'
Emerging trends in kitchens and baths
As a leader in the kitchen and bath industry, Jennifer is particularly excited about emerging trends that prioritise aesthetics, integration, and innovation.
'Kitchens are all about seamless integration,' she explains. 'That's where kitchens are going. Cooking devices are becoming the aesthetic star of the show—design-forward elements that feel like pieces of art instead of utilitarian tools. Integration of appliances is part of this movement, and stone surfaces are taking over, from floor to wall.'
Bathrooms, meanwhile, have become canvases for artistic expression, according to Jennifer. 'Wet rooms are evolving into artistic dances of gorgeous tiles and porcelain slabs. You can now have patterns that look like exotic stones you could never have in a shower before. Fantasy stones in porcelain open up endless design possibilities.' The result, she notes, is a sense of "excitement and drama" in bathroom design. 'Bathrooms are all about intricate patterns and dimensional tiles, creating spaces that are as expressive as they are functional.'
Rendering of I.C.E. House.
More information:
Jennifer Farrell Designs
www.jenniferfarrelldesigns.com
US
I.C.E. House
[email protected]
www.icehousebyjenniferfarrell.com