The Art of Curating Interiors
Le Interior: Amy, you often talk about curating as opposed to simply decorating a space. In essence, what does that mean for you?
Amy Lau: I think it’s supposed to be an extension of its owner-a living collection of one’s experiences, tastes, and passions. I curate to find perfectly complementary pieces, which creates, I think, for an environment where everything plays a role within the larger narrative-meaningful elements breathe life into it.
Rather than the pure design command of rule, I try to create spaces that feel natural yet thoughtful. It’s not about just putting “beautiful stuff” in there-rather, it’s about connecting and layering art, texture, color, and form to evoke the very essence of a room.
Nature as the Ultimate Muse
Le Interiore: Your Arizona roots have influenced your approach to design. Could you elaborate?
Amy Lau: Being borne and raised amid the raw beauty of the high desert instilled in me an affinity for earthy textures, rich colors, and organic forms. The subtle shifts in the landscape-from delicate poink at a desert sunset to the fine patterns of cacti-have greatly influenced my approach to esthetic perception.
I often get color palettes from that of nature. For instance, it’s the weight of butterfly wings shining through, or playing light on waves, which might create an entire conceptualization for an interior space. Travelling enhances that-a scuba dive around the coral reefs or an adventure through ancient architecture, between the many methods I acquire new perspective.
Past Meets Present
Le Interiore: You pull together a great blending of the antique, the vintage, and the modern. What’s your secret to putting it all together into one cohesive atmosphere?
Amy Lau: For me, good design has nothing to do with any one age or trend. It’s about mingling influences in such a way that they become timeless. I tend to include a certain vintage or antique piece with my modern furniture to ensure depth and character. Balance is the key: that each element complements rather than competes for attention.
Another way to “bring” to a space is commissioning custom-made pieces through emerging artists. I enjoy working with artisans who are able to create highly personalized installations that may someday be heirlooms. Really, the interiors are meant to become so beyond the trends of the moment and so much more related to the celebration of art and craftsmanship.
The Future of Interior Design
Le Interiore: You have transformed incredible places, from Manhattan apartments to sprawling estates. Where do you think interior design will lead in the future?
Amy Lau: The world of design changes with technology. For example, we let clients be inside their future homes by virtual reality even before the construction starts. They can try out different materials, colors, and layouts in real time, making design itself much more interactive and precise.
This is also an important front in the subject of sustainability. More people are asking for wonderful materials made with a healthy consciousness of the ecosystem. I love works with reclaimed woods, organic fabrics, and crafts of their own hand that support ethical production. The challenge-and the opportunity-is to create spaces that are just as eco-conscious as they are pretty.
The Designing Spirit
Le Interiore: What turns a home into a truly luxurious estate?
Amy Lau: Authenticity rather than ostentation. Luxury is not about opulence – but about authenticity. The homes should feel like sanctuaries because they are so personal and connected with their dwellers. I always get my clients to think of their own inspirations and surround themselves with things that give them joy or meaning, whether that’s a cherished art collection, handcrafted textiles, or furniture with a story.
On the other hand, every other aspect has to function very well. Each space is designed to be an easy and seamless support to everyday life. Just because a space is great, it’s important that the forms of the interior make living even more enjoyable and effortless.
Advice for Young Designers
Le Interiore: What advice would you give young designers seeking to make a mark?
Amy Lau: Passion is everything. The industry is very competitive, so talent or skill must be accompanied by perseverance. The designer should develop a distinct point of view; understanding trends, analyzing them, then reconstituting their meaning in an authentic way.
Never forget to keep the eyes open to learning. It’s key to the process. After so many years working in this industry, I still learn something new every day.
The Most Special Projects
Le Interiore: You certainly have some exciting projects! Can you share any particular memorable ones?
Amy Lau: One of my favorites was the design of a house for a very famous choreographer. He required a living room that could become a dance floor capable of holding 250 guests. Not exactly a daily request! I conjured up an atmosphere akin to Van Gogh’s Starry Night—vivid, immersive, kinetic. Dark blues, with touches of shimmer, underpinned by a custom-made wool-and-silk rug. And we topped it all off with an amazing bronze sculpture that really gives depth and intrigue to the whole room.
Then there was The New Nouveau, my exhibition during the 2017 Salon Art + Design. It was a tribute to the past with an everlasting hint of Art Nouveau, wherein decorative ceramics, metals, and textiles complement the contemporary. To show how history and its aesthetic can embrace modern-day designers was, for me, a fantasy coming true.
On the Drawing Board
Le Interiore: So what do you have up your sleeve?
Amy Lau: Always! Currently, I’m designing a 20,000-square-meter residence in Dallas, a chic family home on Long Island, and an elegant retreat in the Hamptons. There are also two international projects underway—a forthcoming reveal in the Bahamas and another soon to come in Mexico.
On a personal note, I am planning a summer filled with travel, art, and exploration. Museums, yoga retreats, and cultural immersions keep me creating.
Amy Lau’s design philosophy embodies storytelling through interiors. By curating spaces with intent, respecting nature, and creating a dynamic dialogue of past and present, she continues to create a fresh definition of modern luxury. Whether she is designing a Manhattan penthouse or a seaside retreat, one factor that remains constant within her work is an ability to tell stories, evolving interiors into almost theatrical experiences.
