We go behind some of the most talked-about properties in Singapore and in the region, where our leading homegrown designers take us into their most private spaces
Isabelle Miaja
The woman behind the French decadence-meets-cosmopolitan Singapore design vernacular at the luxurious Sofitel So Singapore, the managing director of Miaja Design Group has a portfolio that includes a string of other posh hotels in Asia and the Middle East, all similarly outstanding for their elegance and surprise factor. Home for the past 12 years has been a comfortable house nestled within lush greenery in a neighbourhood with a strong local culture. It’s also where her love for art and travel are proudly put on show.
What is your idea of stylish living?
Stylish living comprises all of the newest creations and technologies available in the market at that moment, and what is considered to be “in”. My idea of a stylish interior is one that takes into consideration individuality. Stylishness can be interpreted in many ways and tailored to what best reflects the idea of style held by an individual or company.
How does your home reflect your personal style?
My home is my oyster. It completely reflects what my heart goes for. My “coup de coeur” are everywhere and as I travel a lot, it is quite eclectic and art-centred. I have a taste for sculptures and my favourite theme is animals.
What attracted you to your home in the first place?
I was attracted by its surroundings. It has a very local feel with nearby shophouses that still look the way they did when they were first built and a village-like atmosphere where relationships can be formed. I also love the greenery surrounding the house; it’s like living in the country.
What was your vision and inspiration when it came to designing your home interior?
It is a vision that is built over time. As the years go by, my style has evolved into something more quirky as I push boundaries with my art. However, I am very attached to my possessions, and I do not get rid of anything I own. This means, I now have to be very careful about what I add to my collections. I do not like the cluttered look. What I like most is moving things around. Give them new lighting and new focus and discover the pieces again by moving them to another room and placing them at a different angle.
What changes do you have in mind as part of the continuous evolution of the space?
The design evolved together with my career and colours have changed. I am thinking on another scale at the moment. I am less afraid to try things out, which translates into skin on the walls and splashes of strong orange red in the dining room. I also have another vision in mind, of large flowers in sepia, which will transform the room and give it new life. I also would like to try Swarovski wallpaper in my bathroom, which would twinkle at night with the reflection of light. My next project is my garden, which I intend to fill with sculptures, to bring art and new energy to the garden.
Which area of the home makes you proudest or is most stylish?
The living room. Cosy and yet sophisticated, it holds my favourite art pieces and the space is large and surrounded by the greenery outside. It is a gathering place for my family and my best times here are when my friends and family sit around and chat over tea and dessert.
Is your approach to designing your own personal space the same as your approach to designing a client’s space? Is it true that designers are at their most expressive when designing their own home or workspace?
I personally feel that I am able to be most creative for others because each project gives me the opportunity to tailor it to its requirements. It is like acting, you end up with your own interpretation creating something different and that completely expresses the project’s individuality. As I practise individuality for myself, so do I for my projects. Each is its own entity. Part of our idea on sustainability is the idea of “experience” and “belonging” and of course that concept being at the heart of our creativity we start studying what the message will be and what we want it to emanate as an atmosphere. Our motto is “The essence of style is to live the art of being unique”.
What are your top tips for designing a stylish home?
If you are designing your own stylish home, take your family into consideration and your life’s habits. We often put this aside to follow “in” trends which may not necessarily reflect our personality and likes. A stylish home for me is a good blend of natural flow and personal expression. When I walk into someone’s home, I prefer to “feel” the person or family’s soul rather than feel like I am moving through a nicely arranged collection of furniture and artefacts. Of course, working with someone who knows how to draw who you are, and who can translate that stylishly without the desire to “take over” will gracefully paint a close picture of the individual or family.
What’s the next big trend in home design that you are really excited about?
Technological advancements, be they in lighting or music, if well mastered, can transform a home into an amazing stage. I follow luxury technology fairs in the US closely. At the moment my new love is Nano technology. It’s amazing to work with!
