Exploring A Life By Design’s maximalist approach to interior design

Andrea Savage is tapping into the maximalist trend with vibrant, bold interior designs for a range of innovative businesses and culturally engaged clients

Minimalism is dead. Long live maximalism. Or so Andrea Savage would have us believe.

For the past decade, the mantra “less is more” reigned supreme, promising a pared-back antidote to the fastpaced, post-financial crisis world. “Slow life” publications like Kinfolk overflowed with blank spaces, championing clean aesthetics and muted spaces. Meanwhile, Marie Kondo and other decluttering gurus promised that shedding stuff would solve all our problems.

This start-up chic, millennial-targeted minimalism had seemingly whitewashed walls, exposed bricks and beams, and dispensed with every excess or hint of excitement from San Francisco offices to Singaporean shopping centres, and almost every AirBnB listing in between.

It comes, then, as something of a jolt to be confronted with the interiors of Savage’s A Life By Design studio. More is more would be an understatement to describe these odes to opulence where layers of kaleidoscopic patterns and eclectic collections harmonise to create spaces that crackle with personality and life.

We wanted to challenge the expression ‘you cannot have your cake and eat it too.’ Instead of accepting it as a limitation, we wanted to view it as an opportunity, an invitation to cultivate abundance

“I love it when spaces are abundant and majestic,” explains Savage, a former high-fashion model, TV presenter, and award-winning design consultant. “I am a maximalist at heart and embrace it all, all the highs and all the lows.”

As a partner at Design Intervention, her client roster over the years reads like a who’s who of cutting-edge enterprises and culturally attuned individuals, each seeking spaces that celebrate their brand identity or personal ethos. Savage’s designs encourage occupants to revel in richness, with spaces that are not just filled but thoughtfully curated with objects and art that have stories to tell.

“I believe everyone should have access to a life of abundance,” she says. “We wanted to challenge the expression ‘you cannot have your cake and eat it too.’ Instead of accepting it as a limitation, we wanted to view it as an opportunity, an invitation to cultivate abundance and relish its rewards.”

This philosophy is evident in several high-end residential projects, such as private homes in Singapore and a midcentury modern residence in Australia, all showcasing her signature style of vibrant and dynamic interiors. In commercial spaces, Savage has created unique customer experiences. For instance, the Lontessa Retail Boutique in Singapore features an immersive shopping environment that highlights the brand’s identity through thoughtful design choices that resonate with customers.

Since swapping the catwalk for the drafting table more than a decade ago, Savage has received numerous industry accolades. These include the Tatler Design Award and other titles for Design Intervention’s Nassim Road project. Savage, however, cites her inclusion in the Andrew Martin Interior Design Review, a compilation of 100 top designers’ works from around the world, as the ultimate recognition.

“Inclusion in the bible of the design world was the epitome of having made it,” she says. “So much heart and passion was dedicated to getting us to that place and I gave it everything I had. I’m not sure my children have quite forgiven me for that yet!”

Reflecting her commitment to transformative design, Savage launched A Life By Design in 2023, co-founding the firm with her husband Cameron Richards, a tech entrepreneur and data strategist, alongside bestselling author and “empathy advocate” Mimi Nicklin.

Together, they envisioned a firm that merged high design with high technology and empathy, aiming to transform personal and commercial spaces into vibrant, inspiring environments. This vision was grounded in the belief that good design should be accessible to everyone and that spaces can profoundly affect our wellbeing and productivity.

“The essence of our work is about creating impact,” she says. “We integrate luxurious textures, smart technology, and sustainable practices in our projects, making them visually stunning and also optimised for environmental and emotional well-being.”

Over the past year or so, their Singapore-based studio has become a laboratory for innovative design thinking. Already boasting a presence in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Dubai, A Life By Design is now focused on merging product design and lifestyle enhancement with cutting-edge technology across three core sectors: offering high-end residential and commercial architectural services; fostering a B2B marketplace that empowers designers, architects, and developers to excel and innovate; and providing digital branding and market intelligence services to property developers.

At the heart of A Life By Design is a profound integration of advanced technology, which is pivotal in shaping how they conceive, design, and deliver spaces. Embracing tools like artificial intelligence, the firm enhances the creative and operational processes, making design both more innovative and efficient. But this commitment to merging technology with design is not just about staying current; it’s about pushing boundaries and leading innovation in every project they undertake, according to Savage.

“Technology such as AI is integral to what we do. It’s not here to replace designers and architects—it’s here as an enhancer,” she says. “We embrace its capabilities, which are amazing tools. We use it to amplify creativity and efficiency, giving us that competitive edge. But the real key is combining human-centred expertise in design to get the best in innovation and the development of luxury projects.”

As A Life By Design propels forward, it does so in stark contrast to the minimalist wave of the past decade, redefining spaces with a bold assertion that more truly is more. The firm, born from a vision to make great design accessible and integral to daily life, looks set to continue as a loud rebuttal to the minimalist mantra, merging the vibrant chaos of maximalism with the precision of modern technology.

Private residential unit, Singapore

The transformation of a 60-sqm apartment with 4.3m-high ceilings into a harmonious sanctuary of luxury and comfort showcases the power of innovative design solutions. By embracing a layered lighting approach, the space bathes in a warm, inviting glow that accentuates its lofty ceilings without compromising the cosy ambience.

The selection of proportionate furniture alongside the considered placement of soft textiles and mirrors, meanwhile, mitigates the challenges posed by the high ceilings and compact floor plan while creating the illusion of a more expansive, integrated living environment. The seamless extension of the living space into the balcony further enhances the apartment’s openness, offering a cohesive retreat that feels both luxurious and inviting.

“This blend of design elements successfully turns potential obstacles into the apartment’s most captivating features, illustrating that with creativity and thoughtful planning, small spaces can indeed embody grand living,” says Savage, adding that the reconfiguration transforms the available space to showcase functionality.

Short-term accommodation units, Australia

In their latest venture into the short-stay accommodation sector, A Life By Design has reimagined the traditional expectations of these spaces. Starting with the fundamental architectural skeleton, the firm creates environments that do more than merely accommodate—they inspire, according to Savage.

“Our strategy involves intertwining vibrant textures and bespoke details to breathe life and depth into every corner,” she explains.

By reimagining each unit, A Life By Design hopes to elevate temporary stays into memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on those who pass through their doors.

Ringwood Road bungalow, Singapore

The restoration of this 1920s Art Deco bungalow in Singapore tastefully preserved the architectural essence while introducing a modern, multigenerational living space. “One of my most cherished projects, this project exemplifies the power of design in translating a client’s vision into a space that truly reflects their lifestyle,” notes Savage.

Merging Californian ranch style with neoclassical elements, the design utilises a stark white base palette, complemented by an extension that caters to family needs. This transformation showcases a sophisticated array of rich textures and exacting details, with natural materials set against bold black stone, crafting a bespoke ambience of refined living.

Mid-century home, Perth, Australia

Intricately blending Savage’s vision with the client’s love for mid-century design, the private home marries interior and exterior seamlessly. Situated in Perth, the house features materials tailored for both durability and flair to withstand the region’s hot summers while supporting daily family life.

The design prioritises natural lighting, which dictates a vibrant yet refined colour scheme that enhances the client’s eclectic art collection. “This light-filled, playful home remains true to mid-century design principles,” Savage says. The outcome is a playful yet sophisticated space that adheres faithfully to mid-century design tenets, offering a fresh take on classic aesthetics.

Beverly Hills residence, California, USA

This expansive city apartment is a paradigm of luxury and historical charm, designed to elegantly accommodate a large family. The interior features marble flooring and striking backlit onyx, set against white walls with contemporary classical mouldings, creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.

The space is personalised with vintage Turkish doors and exquisite mother-of-pearl inlays, complemented by stucco paint finishes that enrich the narrative. Ethereal bedrooms with soft textures and metallic finishes enhance the luxurious feel. This design not only foregrounds high-end materials but also incorporates unique historical elements, crafting an “elegant and storied domestic environment,” according to Savage.

Private penthouse, Singapore

A maximalist design balances bold expression with architectural elegance. Its interior features a dramatic interplay of vivid colours set against a black-and-white base, creating a visually striking effect. The space highlights black and white marble, complemented by a monochromatic staircase with Art Deco-inspired gilt-and-glass balustrades, which, Savage says, “radiate luxury and playfulness, embodying a sophisticated aesthetic.”

Rooms are decorated with bold-patterned wallpaper displaying intricate Egyptian motifs, adding historical depth. Classic wall mouldings and white surfaces temper the vibrancy while gold accents and mirrored elements infuse opulence.

This article was originally published on asiarealestatesummit.com. Write to our editors at [email protected].