Simone Haag on Milan Design Week, the Aussie Backyard, and Spaces with Soul

Australian interior designer Simone Haag, recently honored as a Kave Partner, continues to make waves in the design world. At Milan Design Week 2025, she was the sole Australian participant in L'Appartamento by Artemest, where she transformed "The Foyer" in the historic Palazzo Donizetti. Haag described the experience as "transformative," emphasizing that a home is defined by emotion, curation, and connection rather than just walls.(view.com.au)

Haag's design philosophy centers on materials that age gracefully, objects imbued with memory, and furniture that balances functionality with sculptural appeal. She believes in adapting her approach to each space's unique narrative, considering factors like light, landscape, and the people who will inhabit it. Her goal is to create spaces that feel both considered and effortless.(view.com.au)

In Australia, Haag observes a renaissance in backyard design, moving beyond traditional elements like the hills hoist and BBQ. She notes a trend toward outdoor spaces that are as curated and intentional as indoor areas, incorporating soft furnishings, sculptures, mood lighting, and collectible items. Haag emphasizes creating outdoor areas that allow for "ritual and pause," such as morning coffee spots that catch the sun or garden benches framed by art.(view.com.au)

When it comes to her own home, Haag strives for a space that feels "lived-in, loved, and layered." She views her home not as a showpiece but as a living reflection of her values, aiming to evoke a sense of soul through the echoes of past dinners, background music, and the warmth of a light left on.(view.com.au)