Minimalist and Asian-influenced designer Steve Leung tells us about the most stylish bathroom he’s ever visited and much more.
Born in Hong Kong in 1957, Steve Leung is a dedicated contemporary style advocate. Steve Leung Designers Ltd was established in 1997 and works on a wide spectrum of design projects including hotels, restaurants, show flats and clubhouses.
Steve and his company have won more than 80 design and corporate awards in the Asia Pacific region and worldwide. In recent years, Steve has also been invited to act as a judge of several authoritative interior design awards including the Asia Pacific Interior Design Awards 2009, iF Design Award China 2010 and red dot award: product design 2012. He spoke with Kate Seamark about his life and career.
What tips can you give our readers about designing their dream bathroom?
It depends on the overall style of the unit. However, one must be aware of their functionality while also ensuring they are relaxing.
Who are your favourite bathroomware designers and why?
Antonio Citterio, Philippe Starck and Patricia Urquiola are the names I can think of. I particularly like Patricia’s bathroom products because they are sensational and user-friendly, with beautiful shapes and delicate details.
Are there any materials you particularly like to use in a bathroom?
Marble and mirror are the materials I like to use most in the bathroom. Marble has a natural yet luxurious touch and is easy for maintenance. Otherwise, I think CORIAN is also a very good and flexible material for designers to create different forms.
Find out more about CORIAN here
Are there any design rules you think should be followed in the bathroom?
As the size of bathrooms is very small in Asia, we usually will make use of mirrors to make the room appear spacious and extend the counter top to make it looks good in three dimensions.
What colours do you think work best in the bathroom?
I suggest going for something light and natural, such as beige and white. These combinations can evoke a homely and warm ambiance.
Where is the most stylish bathroom you have ever visited?
The stylish bathroom I like most is the one at my home. It’s an open, white bathroom that has a stunning view. I admire most the interaction between indoor and outdoor space yet it is still full of privacy. Its timber flooring also helps to keep a clean and neutral look.
What upcoming trends do you see in bathroom design?
The bathroom is increasingly being used for aspects other than functionality, and I expect people to start spending more time in this area of the home. It will become well equipped with advanced technological gadgets and designers will increasingly approach this room from a lifestyle perspective. The bathroom will become a much richer environment with greater attention given to the details in order to cater to the needs of all the senses.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Having the opportunity to create my own architectural firm at the age of 30 was an incredible break.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard in London, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sanya and Catch restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel, Guangzhou, in China. I’m also working on Capitol in Singapore, Welfare Road Clubhouse and Lok Wo Sha Clubhouse and Hong Kong.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being able to create something I like. My motto — enjoy life, enjoy design — is the best description of it.
Images:
1. INKSTONE designed by Steve Leung for NEUTRA combines ancient wellness philosophies with the beauty of artistic expression for a sublime bathroom experience.
2. Ink stones have long been a staple in calligraphy, one of the four revered scholarly practices popular throughout Chinese history as art, discipline and craft. Steve Leung’s first vanity collection pays homage to the noble material by adapting the ink stone’s colour, shape and texture.
3. Steve Leung.
4. The extended counter top in the bathroom looks good in three dimensions, while the white oak decorated Agape washbasin and hanging cabinets complement the design perfectly. Thanks to the stylish black Steinberg high-end bathroom equipment, the bathroom gives a feeling of comfort and stylishness.
From Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly magazine Vol. 19 No. 3