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Ivan Teo founded Haire Living in 2005 and the interior design firm has since earned a reputation for quality interiors and bespoke furnishing, especially in the residential market. But the capabilities of the designer extend beyond the creative line — apart from having 14 years of experience in the design industry, he is also a restauranteur and hotel owner. We chat with him about what constitutes effective design today.
(See some of Haire Living's designs for homes here.)
1) How should homeowners embrace luxury living in a modern context?
Modern luxury at home isn’t so much about specific materials or colours for a particular look, but more about the thoughtfulness and finest details behind a bespoke design that’s unique to an individual. A home design that is complete — covering everything from space planning to furniture selection to handpicking accessories — would exude luxury.
2) What is your approach for creating well-designed spaces?
My design philosophy starts with a good spatial foundation to build on the look. Space planning is critical, not just in the floor plan, but also the visual hierarchy and composition of space. It is also about longevity of the interior design — not just designing for now, but for the long-term. We pre-empt the home looking dated, based on the requirements and lifestyle habits of the homeowners, to ensure it looks good and is functional in the years to come. Finally, customisation and bespoke loose furniture pieces are a big part. Whether it is a sofa, coffee table or lamp, special details such as trimming makes a piece exclusive and you can’t find it elsewhere. We never duplicate designs, as well.
3) What’s trending in the world of interior design right now?
As the world gets more complex and fast-paced, and living spaces get smaller, people are more inclined towards simple and functional designs. The preference for a high-tech lifestyle, and eco-friendly designs are also stronger than ever. Therefore, we incorporate the likes of lighting effects and touch-to-open drawers in our bespoke designs. A balance of futurism and back-to-nature elements in design will definitely be sought after.
4) What materials do you like to work with?
I like to incorporate wood, metal and glass — these three basic elements never go out of style, and aren’t too ambitious to work with. When applied correctly, with good detailing, objects made of these can turn out really beautiful. For example, having metallic trimmings on a cabinet can really elevate a simple design. The trick when building a furniture piece is to not just stick to one material, but to use multiple materials and finishing, and incorporate subtle detailing to increase the luxe factor.
Find out more about Haire Living at 29 Mayo Street, 6441-3345, www.haireliving.com.