“Today, true luxury lies in comfort and in a home’s ability to respond to the owner’s individual needs.” – Clement Cheng
For Clement Cheng, founder of Clement C Studio, good interior design begins not with a signature look, but with a close understanding of how people live. From thoughtful lighting routes for late-night trips to the bathroom to the gentle practicality of curved forms in family homes, his approach is defined by an attention to the small details that make a space feel instinctively right.
What was the first space that deeply moved you and sparked your interest in design?
One of the first spaces that left a lasting impression on me was Casa Batlló by Antoni Gaudí, which I visited on a family trip when I was young. I was completely amazed by how design could transform one’s experience of a space so profoundly.
It made me realise that interiors are not simply about how a place looks. Every component — from its forms and materials to its layout and details — can come together to respond to the users’ needs, habits and personalities.
What do you notice first when you walk into a room?
I usually notice the overall tidiness and sense of order in a space. It could be something as simple as books and decorative objects being properly arranged on a shelf, coffee-table books placed with care, or clothes neatly hung away.
These small signs often suggest that the homeowner has high expectations of their living environment and appreciates the value of considered interior design. They are often the clients I most enjoy working with.
How would you define luxury in a home today?
Luxury is no longer defined solely by expensive finishes or branded materials. Especially in the post-pandemic era, people are spending much more time at home — cooking, hosting friends and enjoying quieter moments with family.
Today, true luxury lies in comfort and in a home’s ability to respond to the owner’s individual needs. It is about creating a space that supports everyday life beautifully, naturally and effortlessly.
What is one thing you always try to understand about a client before designing their home?
I always try to understand a client’s preferences and needs, both aesthetically and functionally. It is equally important to learn about their daily routines: how they begin and end the day, how they move through the home, and how they use each area.
The best interiors are not simply visually appealing. They make daily activities easier and more enjoyable, allowing the space to work intuitively for the people who live there.
Are there any habits or daily rituals that have helped nurture your design instinct over the years?
For every project — whether it is a grand residence or a compact apartment — I try to imagine myself living there. I put myself in the owners’ shoes and think through the smallest moments of their day.
Where should the light switches be positioned? What should the route of a night light be if someone needs to go to the bathroom without waking their partner? These are details that may seem minor at first, but clients notice the difference when they move in and begin to use the home every day.
What is a common mistake Hong Kong homeowners make when planning an interior?
A common issue in Hong Kong homes is insufficient storage. With compact living spaces, storage should be considered from the very beginning of the planning process rather than treated as an afterthought.
Well-designed storage is essential to maintaining a calm, organised home. It allows the interior to feel more spacious while ensuring that everyday belongings can be kept within easy reach.
Which material, object or detail are you particularly drawn to at the moment?
I am particularly drawn to curves and arches. They are timeless elements that many clients appreciate, yet they can bring a more refined and softened character to an interior.
They also have a practical advantage, particularly for families with young children. Rounded edges are generally safer and more child-friendly, making curves a detail that works aesthetically as well as functionally.
Beyond its aesthetic, what do you hope people feel when they experience a Clement C Studio space?
Clement C Studio does not follow one fixed design style. Every project should be different because every client, home and way of living is different.
Beyond the visual impression, we hope clients can feel the difference in the care behind each design decision — from the overall spatial planning to the smallest functional detail. Ultimately, we want every home to feel thoughtful, considered and meticulously tailored to the people who live in it.
Photo courtesy of Clement C Studio
