Ive seen many designers in Hong Kong and mainland China. Perhaps influenced by market demands or client expectations, they often try too hard with their designs, too eager to make a statement.
With over four decades in the design world, Steve Leungs name has become synonymous with excellence in Asia design circles. His understanding of design has evolved beyond pure aesthetics into a life philosophy. Recently, he collaborated with Hong Kong brand Tai Ping Carpets on “The Earth Collection,” turning his gaze back to soil and natural landscapes, seeking the ideal balance between artistry and practicality.
What does design mean to you after all these years? Ive been in design for over forty years now, from a young designer to where I am today. Throughout my journey, Ive seen many designers in Hong Kong and mainland China. Perhaps influenced by market demands or client expectations, they often try too hard with their designs, too eager to make a statement. We always say, people who are graceful dont constantly flaunt their knowledge. They can be quite understated, but that takes time to develop.
What makes good interior design? Interior design should have warmth. It shouldnt feel cold, and it shouldnt be overly complicated. It should know when to stop. Understanding when to stop, though, is really the hardest thing to master. Whether were talking about interior design or product design, theres no absolute right or wrong. Look at design competitions today. The winning works are often beautiful and elaborate, packed with elements. Theyre eye-catching, everyone thinks theyre stunning, but is that the only way? I dont think so. Then on the other extreme, you have designs that are too similar, like some contemporary work thats just tone-on-tone pairings. Is the world really just black and white? There should be a middle ground, and that middle ground can shift and present different effects depending on the situation.
You recently collaborated with Tai Ping Carpets on the “Da Di Collection”. What did you want to convey through this project? I think human imagination has its limits. I believe the hardest thing to capture is natures topography, those natural landscapes. Of course, ultimately it has to be expressed through human interpretation, but our original inspiration came directly from the earth, from the soil itself. I see this as an experiment for myself.The inspiration comes from the ground, the surface of the earth. What nature gives us is this feeling that it changes with different seasons, and these changes are so natural, so unforced. Thats the message I wanted to convey. I dont want this carpet to end up being purely an art piece. I don want to create something so expensive that people couldnt afford it, or something too precious to actually place in their living room. At the end of the day, Im a designer and architect, not an artist. So we decided to create six carpets, each with two versions: a high-end bespoke version and a more affordable one.
How do you see the development of Hong Kongs design scene? Ive always cared deeply about Hong Kongs design and industry. They say Hong Kong lacks manufacturing, that brands representing Hong Kong are few and far between. But through the Hong Kong Design Centre, Ive gradually encountered more Hong Kong brands. There are people specialising in neon light tubes, which are part of our cultural heritage, and others researching fashion and materials. As for Tai Ping Carpets, with its 70-year history, its a Hong Kong brand that has successfully become an international brand, that in itself represents a kind of legacy. We need to support each other more and bring Hong Kongs design and brands to the world.
