Top Interior Designers Around the World in One Book
The Andrew Martin Interior Design Review 2016 features some of the best names in interior design; here are my favourites
A few weeks ago, the annual edition of the Interior Design Review arrived in Singapore bookstores. For those who are unfamiliar with this particular publication, it is a compilation of the works of the top 95 designers from around the world. Indeed The Times (UK) has described it as the “Bible” of the interior design industry, and it certainly is a Bible for me. Long before I had ever conceived the notion of beginning my own interior design practice, I would paw through this annual tome and oooh and aaah at the pages within – 4 kg of the most inspiring designs from all over the globe.
As a featured designer, I am fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy a couple of weeks early, which means that I have had some time to review this year’s selections.
Kelly Hoppen’s work (pictured above and below) has been selected once again and it is fascinating to see how she has evolved as a designer.
There is still the same crispness to her work and sense of symmetry that infuses her projects with a wonderful tranquility.
There is still the same crispness to her work and sense of symmetry that infuses her projects with a wonderful tranquility.
But 20 years on, the Queen of Taupe and Master of the Understated, has developed a Midas touch and embraced colour to boot. Her feature, for me, is one of the highlights of this year’s edition.
Another favourite of mine, are the Hirsch Bedner pages (pictured above). There is a such a confident use of colour here that is so refreshing to see.
Not surprisingly, Greg Natale (whose work is pictured above), the darling of Australian design was selected, but personally, I was more excited by the works (pictured below) of his compatriot, Rob Mills.
There is a delicious moodiness in Mills’ work, a perfect blend of tranquility and glamour!
Familiar, world-renowned names like Jan Showers (USA) Suzanne Lovell (USA) and Taylor Howes (UK) are featured.
And I particularly enjoyed the new sultry flavour to Katharine Pooley’s recent works (pictured above and below).
And I particularly enjoyed the new sultry flavour to Katharine Pooley’s recent works (pictured above and below).
One Plus’ Shanghai Boutique
When I first started collecting these books in the late 1990s, the pages were dominated by British, European and American designers. Admittedly, there was a smattering of selected works by a few Japanese designers, but Western design clearly dominated the international stage.
When I first started collecting these books in the late 1990s, the pages were dominated by British, European and American designers. Admittedly, there was a smattering of selected works by a few Japanese designers, but Western design clearly dominated the international stage.
So for me, the most exciting and inspiring works in this year’s edition came from the Asian Designers.
This year’s book is a clear testament to how far Asian design has progressed…
Names like One Plus (whose work is pictured above) and Steve Leung (whose work is pictured below), command as much respect now as their Western counterparts.
Names like One Plus (whose work is pictured above) and Steve Leung (whose work is pictured below), command as much respect now as their Western counterparts.
But this year, they have been joined by host of up-and-coming Asian designers such as Evolution Design (whose work is pictured above and below), whose featured works are teeming with an unmatched vitality.
Asians are no longer emulating their Western counterparts; these projects are fresh, resonating with a vibrant creativity yet reflecting their heritage.
A full 17 percent of featured works have come from the Asian region.
A full 17 percent of featured works have come from the Asian region.
The bulk are from Hong Kong/ China/ Taiwan but we at Design Intervention are delighted to once more represent Singapore Design in these pages.
This year we have been joined by a budding new designer from Indonesia, Prasetio Budhi (whose work is pictured above), thus doubling the representation of the Southeast Asian region.
It may have taken Asian designers 20 years to make such a significant impact on the global design scene but we are now, clearly, a force to be reckoned with. And when I see the quality, creativity and innovation in the designs coming from our region, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Asia dominating these pages within the next 10 years.
It is an exciting time to be a designer in Asia!
It is an exciting time to be a designer in Asia!
The inaugural edition was published 20 years ago. The work of Kelly Hoppen graced the front cover then. That was the first time I had ever heard of the decorating diva. Since then, this annual publication, perhaps more than any other, has chronicled the evolution of design. Each year I wait for the new edition with eager anticipation, and this year was no exception.