We sit down for a chat with interior designer and stylist AVIVA DUNCAN in her apartment in Stanley. Originally from Melbourne, Aviva came to Hong Kong after a stint in Tokyo.
Where have you lived in your years here, and where is your most recent home in Hong Kong?
My first home in Hong Kong was on Po Shan Road in Mid-Levels. I never thought of moving to Stanley until my kids convinced me, but I love it! I’ve never enjoyed Hong Kong more than since I moved here.
What do you like most about living in Stanley?
For me, it’s all about the view, which is gorgeous! Every window is filled either with ocean or greenery. Stanley is a super-friendly neighbourhood and has a lovely international feel to it, too.
As an interior designer, you have presumably made some changes to the home since moving in; what sorts of things?
The apartment was in extremely good condition, so, unlike my previous apartments, I didn’t have to do very much at all. The landlord was kind enough to allow me to specify the paint code for the walls. I also installed blinds and designed furnishings to fit the room. I had a lot of big floor space to lay down some large rugs, too, and plenty of walls to hang large art pieces.
How would you describe your interior design style? Anything in particular you love or dislike in design, or current trends you’re enjoying?
I attended SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) where I did a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and it was drummed into all of us that design, unlike decoration, is a problem-solving tool. I approach interior design as a tool for better living; I try not to be influenced by fashion or trends but rather by the needs and appetites of each individual client. Therefore, no two projects of mine look the same; instead, they reflect whatever are the parameters of the client’s brief.
Tell us about a couple of items of yours in the home that have an interesting background or story behind them?
My home features a lot of art that I’ve collected over the years. It’s mostly all young Australian artists who are still practicing, including Josh Yeldham, Lara Merret, Carlo Golin and Camie Lyons. Art in my view is the opposite of fashion; if you buy what you love, it never goes out of style.
Is there a spot in the home that you enjoy the most?
I love sitting in the Eames Chaise in my living room. I forgot about it for years and recently moved it to a new position with an overhead lamp. Sitting there with my feet up on the ottoman, it’s the perfect place to chill.
Give us a quick insight into some recent interior design projects you’ve worked on.
I recently worked on the styling of the flagship stores for a prominent jewellery retailer; I styled their stores both here and in Shanghai. I’m currently working on the reconcepting of some hospitality venues and doing some residential projects for a bunch of lovely clients.
Tell us about the carpets you design.
I approach design like it’s a bit of storytelling, and I think that a carpet is a really nice base for that story. So, every time I design a carpet, I think of it as its own little island in the home. It’s very important and is often overlooked, because it gives you a lot of bang for your buck – especially in a rented apartment, where it’s a way of doing something decorative and adding some personality.
Every carpet I design for clients is bespoke. I might show them something I’ve done, and then we’ll work together to customise the size, pattern, colour, trim and so on. The drawing goes to the amazing, sustainable factory in Guangdong where my carpets are manufactured, and they scale it and send it back for approval. So, no two are ever the same.
My favourite material to work in is wool – in fact, the carpets are all 100 percent wool. That’s because my designs like clean colours, and wool holds colour much better than, say, silk or bamboo, because it reflects less light.
What are a few things you like to do in Hong Kong when you’re not working?
I love to go to Carlyle & Co., the club at the Rosewood Hong Kong; it’s so welcoming and the Ilse Crawford interior is timeless and beautiful. I also enjoy seeing movies in a proper cinema, cruising around IFC and Pacific Place, hanging out at the football club pool, or checking out all of Hong Kong’s great art events, like Art Central, Art Basel and the Affordable Art Fair.
What are some stores or boutiques in Hong Kong where you like to shop for anything home-related?
I like TREE in Horizon Plaza. It has some lovely wooden tables, and I love the recent upgrade in the accessory range; there are some really nice glass and ceramic pieces for styling up a room. I shop for fabrics at Victoria Cheung Interiors – she carries my favourite fabric brand Lorenzo Castillo, among other lovely ranges. I’ve been a long-time fan of Lane Crawford and love the way the Pacific Place store is styled with so many fun ideas, including carrying some of my go-to brands like La DoubleJ, Astier de Villatte and, for very special purchases, Baccarat.
As for fashion, FREY tailors beautiful clothes to suit everyone.
Last but not least, what are some of your favourite cafés and restaurants?
My favourite restaurants are Grand Majestic for spicy deliciousness, La Petite Maison for the gorgeous wall art and great service, and dim sum at Fook Lam Moon – the classic and always the best. I also like going to Thai restaurant Samsen with my kids, and I recently had some incredible duck at Madame Fù, so I will be taking all visitors there from now on. Coffee at Fuel is the best and if they have any sandwiches left, they’re always delish for on the run!
I’m also lucky enough to have a group of friends who entertain at home. We all enjoy each other’s dinner parties. As we always joke, we operate to high production standards. I’m a keen cook and entertainer and I throw many home dinners for friends and family.
My go-to suppliers are My Meat Man for all my meat, fantastic fast delivery and consistently high quality, Great Food Hall for all my fruit and vegetables (which are always, as the name suggests, great!), and my very favourite neighbourhood store for all things Italian, Mercado. I literally waited and counted the days until the Stanley store opened. They have cured meats, the freshest cheeses and aged Parmigiano, plus proper old-school jars of passata and durum wheat pasta. For bakery items, Proof is easily the best in Hong Kong; I usually go in and purchase whatever they have left on the shelves and it never fails to be incredible!
This article on an interior designer living in Stanley first appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
