Cover The Sentosa Cove residential project by Isabelle Miaja marries tranquil background with bold art and design elements
The Sentosa Cove residential project by Isabelle Miaja marries tranquil background with bold art and design elements
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Renowned for her bold fusion of art and design in luxury hospitality spaces, Isabelle Miaja remains deeply connected to her first love—residential design
With over three decades of experience in the United States, Europe and Asia, Isabelle Miaja has left an indelible mark on the world of interior design. The French-born, Singapore-based designer has worked on numerous projects around the world. “Perhaps close to a thousand,” she muses, reminiscing to her days as a 22-year-old interior designer fresh graduate in mid-'80s California, where she freelanced for some of Beverly Hills’ most renowned dames of design, designing opulent abodes of Hollywood’s who’s who.
Although these days she is mostly known as an award-winning hospitality designer under her practice, Miaja Design Group, and for her fearless approach to blending art and design, she remains devoted to her first love—residential design. She continues to design unique living spaces for discerning international clientele as her practice and approach evolve. We hear more from the designer.
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Above Isabelle Miaja, founder of Miaja Design Group, has an illustrious career spanning three decades
Isabelle Miaja, founder of Miaja Design Group, has an illustrious career spanning three decades
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You’ve had a long and illustrious career, beginning in residential design. How did your journey into hospitality design unfold?
My career began in Los Angeles, where I trained as an interior designer and worked on residential projects for about ten years. During that time, I collaborated with iconic designers like Barbara Lockhart and Daphne Thrasher, designing homes for the elite of Beverly Hills. My transition into hospitality came when I was given the opportunity to work on projects for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei, including the Hotel Bel-Air. It was an exciting time, as hotels were beginning to adopt the warmth and luxury of residential design. The design developed with Intradesign at that time for the Four Seasons in West Hollywood was one of the first to bring this home-like comfort into the hospitality world.
Above A stately living room with a copper feature wall in a Beverly Hills mansion by Isabelle Miaja
A stately living room with a copper feature wall in a Beverly Hills mansion by Isabelle Miaja
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Above A richly detailed dining room in the Beverly Hills mansion
Above A dramatically lit painting anchors the Beverly Hills mansion’s living room interior
A richly detailed dining room in the Beverly Hills mansion
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How would you describe your approach to design and how has it evolved over time?
My signature style is characterised by a bold use of colour and a deep connection to art. I’m not afraid to take risks, which allows me to create spaces that evoke emotion and tell a story. My love for art has always played a central role in my designs, both in residential and hospitality projects. Over the years, I’ve refined my approach, learning how to blend form and function while still pushing creative boundaries. For instance, I’m currently working on a residence in Sentosa where bold statements within a very calming background are shaping the overall design.
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Above A striking dining and living space with skyline view at the Vue Residences
Above The opulent yet tranquil bedroom at the Vue Residences
A striking dining and living space with skyline view at the Vue Residences
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Can you share more about your recent residential projects?
The Sentosa house renovation is particularly exciting because it allows me to really express who I am as a designer. It’s a full renovation, and the clients have been incredibly open to new ideas. We’re incorporating bold pieces like a red lacquer console with marble feet—something that’s quite a departure from their initial preferences. Watching the transformation has been rewarding, and it’s projects like this that keep me passionate about residential design.
The stately dining room of the Sentosa Cove house project
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Has your approach to residential design changed as homeowners’ preferences evolve?
Definitely. When I first started, everything was more segmented—design, architecture, and art were separate disciplines. Now, these elements are intertwined, and homeowners are more open to experimentation. There’s a greater appreciation for unique, custom-made pieces and an increased focus on blending art with interiors. The internet has expanded access to different styles and influences, though many of my clients still rely on me to guide them through the creative process.
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Isabelle Miaja at home in her beautifully appointed garden
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Can you talk about the projects that represent you at your best in your career?
I think the old adage that says the latest one is who I am is true. But I have to say that some of them have been breaking points from the old to the new. For instance, the house on the Boulevard was a total departure. Nothing I suggested was too out there or crazy, and every single piece in their home is done by a famous designer or artist. It was my third time designing for this client, and the project was a total departure from anything we’d done before. They were willing to embrace bold, artistic choices, and the result was a home filled with pieces by renowned Italian artists. I sometimes refer to it as the “Italian Art House” because the art collection became such an integral part of the design. Every piece tells a story, and the house feels like a gallery that’s still warm and inviting.
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Isabelle Miaja’s living room is an opulent tapestry of textures and shapes
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How does art influence your design choices?
Art is always a starting point for me. I believe that art brings soul into a space, so I carefully curate pieces for each room, ensuring they resonate with the design concept. In the Boulevard house, for example, the Italian art collection was central to the entire aesthetic. I like to challenge my clients to step outside their comfort zones when it comes to art, and seeing them grow to appreciate and embrace new ideas is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.
Above The lobby area of a work-in-progress residential project in Budapest
The lobby area of a work-in-progress residential project in Budapest
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What inspires you at the moment?
I’m constantly inspired by new materials and techniques. Right now, I’m working with straw marquetry, which I’ll be incorporating into a feature wall for one of my residential projects. I also love lacquer—it’s timeless and elegant, especially when used in contemporary forms. Exploring these materials keeps me excited about design, and I always look for ways to introduce something new and unexpected to each project.
What is an ideal client for you?
One that already knows what my designs are about. I give a lot—I’m very passionate about what I do. If a client comes to me, it’s because they already love what I do. There’s a huge trust given to me, and it’s beautiful to take them on a journey, challenging their expectations. Residential design is very personal and requires heart, sweat, and soul.
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of Isabelle Miaja
