Award-winning interior designer Kelly Hoppen shares how to infuse timeless elegance into our tropical homes

With more than 40 years of experience under her belt, South African-born British interior designer Kelly Hoppen has lent her magic touch to countless spaces, including British Airways’ First Class cabins and the 1,500 suites aboard award-winning luxury cruise ship Celebrity Edge. Describing her personal style as “timeless, luxurious and beautiful”, Hoppen’s recent endeavour was unveiled in January 2024 and involves a lavish ski chalet nestled in the valley of Champagny-En-Vanoise, situated just a 20-minute drive from the renowned ski town of Courchevel in the French Alps. Revamping the interior of a rustic wooden house that outwardly resembles the traditional ski chalets in the region, she applied her distinctive blend of contemporary and East Meets West aesthetics. Options speaks to Hoppen to seek advice on interior design for the region.

1. What are your overall impressions of Singapore from a design perspective?

I absolutely love Singapore! What struck me when I was there is its diverse architecture and styles, which I love. It’s rich in culture, blending tradition and modern minimalism with cutting-edge architecture, clean lines, muted colour palettes, and lots of greenery, creating a fusion of nature with modernity. This design style aligns with my signature philosophy, which focuses on merging East and West aesthetics.

2. In your opinion, what defines a “home”?

To me, a home is a place where personality, warmth, and functionality intertwine. It’s essential to create a space that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle by incorporating sentimental items like family heirlooms, cherished artwork, or photographs. Comfort is key, achieved through soft textures, lighting, a mix of vintage and modern furniture, and art.

3. As an avid traveller, how do you gather inspiration from your journeys and incorporate it into your designs? What are some places that have influenced your work?

Travelling exposes me to diverse cultures, architectural styles, and landscapes, offering textures, colours, and patterns to draw from. It fuels my creativity, enriching the narrative and depth of my designs. Places across the East, the US, and Europe, including Bhutan, have inspired designs that blend historical richness with modern dynamism. The French mountains also inspire me with their natural beauty and rustic charm.

In the French Alps, Hoppen reimagined the interior (below) of this ski chalet, juxtaposing its traditional exterior (top) with modern elements.

4. Your signature style is often described as “East meets West”. How do you ensure this aesthetic remains relevant and modern?

I balance sleek, luxurious Western elements with the texture and richness of the East, keeping it fresh by layering unique details and experimenting with colours while avoiding stereotypes. When it comes to East Meets West aesthetics, common clichés often feature an abundance of Buddha statues and excessive use of Oriental objects and furniture in interiors. However, for me, this style is more about blending modern interiors with exceptional architecture, punctuated by subtle Eastern influences. Whether it’s a carefully chosen chair, a discreet detail in joinery, or even the presence of a delicate plant, the essence of the East is incorporated with restraint, adding a whisper of cultural depth to the space.

Hoppen suggests adding elements from the East in subtle nuances to avoid clichés.

5. How do you navigate the evolving landscape of interior design?

Functionality now takes precedence, especially with the increasing reliance on technology for remote work. I adapt to modern needs while maintaining a timeless aesthetic with a neutral palette.

6. What practical and sustainable tips do you offer for homeowners in tropical climates?

Integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, maximise natural ventilation, use lightweight, heat-reflective materials, and invest in cooling solutions and energy-efficient appliances. Design your home with an open floor plan that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces. This can be achieved by using large sliding glass doors, folding walls, or movable partitions. For example, a living room could open up to a patio or courtyard, creating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor areas. You could create outdoor living areas such as covered patios, decks, or verandas that serve as extensions of indoor spaces. These areas can be shaded with pergolas, awnings, or retractable canopies to provide relief from the sun while still allowing airflow.

7. What interior design trends do you foresee for 2024 and 2025?

Moveable walls, marble with powerful markings, and vintage lighting are rising trends. Lighting and architectural overlaps with new texture combinations are also prominent.

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