By Willy Wilson | June 17, 2010

Bill Keith’s colourful ethnic paradise

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Renowned personality: Fashion designer Bill Keith

You might guess that the personal style of fashion designer Bill Keith would be in sync with his signature ethnic-inspired and psychedelic collections. But Keith, it turns out, has a composed side that is reflected in his home.

His 3,000sq ft semi-detached home oozes the serenity of a monastery despite the riot of colours – thanks to the splendid Buddhist art pieces in his home. To emphasise the Buddhist setting, scents of incense waft through the home, accompanied by Buddhist chanting on the player.

What is exceptional about Keith’s 5-bedroom home is the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Two wooden-framed sliding doors – one faces the main gate, the other next to the kitchen – guide guests from the spacious living room to the L-shaped garden. Such an arrangement, according to Keith, brings a sense of balance that he had been yearning for years.

The 52-year-old fashion designer talked to StarProperty.my about being an interior designer, having a truly Malaysian home, and ageing gracefully.

You are reputed as one of the veteran fashion designers in this country. But not many people know that you are also an interior designer. Quite frankly, I have always been doing interior design work since I started my fashion business 20 years ago. People know me as a fashion designer because of the media exposure given to my fashion work. But I’d like to think of myself as a lifestyle coordinator, for I always believe that what you wear should also be reflected in your home.

Do you have a background in interior design? How did you get into interior business?
I earned a degree in urban planning, child psychology and fashion design respectively – none of which are exactly related to interior design. I suppose I always had a flair for design. Being an interior designer, however, came rather unexpectedly.

Tropical and colourful: Keith included Indian, Chinese and Malay elements in his home

In my early days as a fashion designer, I would go to my clients’ homes to send the dresses that they had ordered. I would casually offer some advice on their interior arrangement and colours. Next thing I knew, some of them hired me as an interior designer and it just got rolling ever since.

Tell us about your own home. How big is it and what are the main areas?
It is a 3,000sq ft semi-detached home with five rooms, three of which function as bedrooms, while the other two have been converted into a prayer room and a study.

There is a strong presence of Buddhist art in your home. How would you personally describe the design concept of your home?
The design concept of my home embodies the essence of Malaysia. I’ve included Indian, Chinese and Malay elements, which are evident in the selection of furniture and furnishing. I suppose you can call it a tropical home.

There is a hint of Indo-Chine influence because of the obvious presence of Buddhist art pieces. These pieces represent the way of life that I personally embrace.

There are a lot of bright colours too – the maroon curtains, yellow walls, green cushions, etc.

Well, who says you can’t be tropical and colourful? Our culture in Malaysia is very colourful and I’m not afraid to show that.

The indoor and outdoor spaces seem to be very integrated. Is it intentional?
Yes it is. Having been in a creative industry for almost three decades, I have friends from all over the world that constantly visit me. I would insist that they stay at my place. Dare I say that I love to entertain my guests [laughs].

Therefore, having such an integrated indoor and outdoor space is crucial. For one thing, I need a big space that could cater for my parties. For another, I want my guests to really embrace the tropical living when they are in Malaysia.

Keith's design tip: "Make up your mind, study the design concept and shop for the furniture!"

Are there any similarities in your design aesthetic for fashion and interior?
Yes there is. All my designs reflect the true spirit of Malaysia. My fashion work has always been inspired by our ethnic culture, and so has my interior work. But because I’m drawn to Buddha statues, I suppose my interior work has more Buddhist influence to it. Share some interior design tips with our readers.

Decide on what concept you want and stick with it! The most common problem is that people want too many things in their home that they get confused. Knowing what you want can be tricky, as the design pages in magazines may overwhelm you. But once you make up your mind, study that concept and understand the meaning. With this in mind, you can go to furniture shops and focus only on the pieces that would be suitable for your home.

Can you have more than one concept for a house?
Yes, you can. I believe that you can have up to three concepts if you want to go fusion. But do understand those concepts well.

You are known for your long locks. Now that you have a short hairdo, how do you see yourself now?
Well, I made a vow a long time ago that when I turn 50, there has to be a change in my life. So I got my hair cut when I reached 50. Now at 52, I’ve never felt better about myself. I like what I have become. I suppose I have been living according to Buddha teachings all my life. But it wasn’t until a few years ago when I seriously learned about this religion and discovered that there’s a term to my way of living.

Perhaps a mid-life crisis?
Age doesn’t matter, really, but that doesn’t mean I’m not counting [laughs]!