Hong Kong history, one tile square at a time

Interior designer Alice Keswick, after spending 14 years in Asia, returned to London in 2020 with her two daughters, settling into a five-bedroom, four-bathroom Georgian town house in Notting Hill. Her design philosophy, honed through experiences in Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City, blends colourful interpretations of traditional English country homes with glamorous Asian accents. Keswick's professional journey began with a fashion job at Evisu in Hong Kong in 2006, following her graduation from Central Saint Martins. What was intended as a brief stay extended into a 14-year adventure, during which she launched her own fashion label and transitioned into interior design in Vietnam. The decision to relocate back to Britain was primarily driven by a desire to be closer to family, a sentiment that resonated deeply after years of living abroad. Since establishing her interior design studio in 2017, Keswick has applied her distinctive style to several high-profile homes, including Taikoo House on Peak Road in Hong Kong. Her background in fashion, particularly her deep understanding of textiles, underpins her approach to interiors. She notes the common progression from fashion to interiors, viewing fashion as an initial aesthetic and colour expression that evolves into a focus on home design as individuals enter a 'nesting mode' while raising a family. This transition is evident in her own home, where she has meticulously layered dramatic patterns, chinoiserie, and a vibrant colour palette, incorporating treasured personal belongings to create a maximalist aesthetic. Her Notting Hill residence serves as a testament to her unique style, seamlessly integrating elements that evoke Indochina and vintage Hong Kong. The interior features bamboo furniture, traditional birdcages, and a kitchen island painted in a distinct 'Star Ferry green,' all contributing to an atmosphere reminiscent of her time in Asia. These specific design choices reflect a deliberate effort to infuse her personal history and cultural experiences into her living space, creating a home that is both a vibrant expression of her design philosophy and a comfortable environment for her family. The house, spread across five levels, showcases her ability to combine diverse cultural influences within a classic Georgian architectural framework. Keswick’s design approach is characterized by a maximalist philosophy, where spaces are richly textured and layered with a variety of patterns, colours, and objects. This method allows her to create interiors that are visually engaging and deeply personal. The integration of traditional English elements, such as floral curtains, with Asian-inspired pieces like bamboo furniture, highlights her skill in harmonizing contrasting styles. The overall effect is a home that is eclectic, luxurious, and tells a story of her global journey and design evolution, offering a dynamic and colourful living experience within a historic London setting. #InteriorDesign #MaximalistStyle #LondonHomes #AsianInfluences #VintageHongKong #EnglishTraditional #AliceKeswick #HomeDecor #CulturalFusion