Merging functionality with aesthetics
Interior design is far more than an aesthetic pursuit — it’s about blending stories, functionality, and beauty to create meaningful spaces. Follow our interview with Khairul Hiri, a Kuching-based interior designer and founder of HomelivingbyHiri, as he shares how he transforms spaces into homes.
Balancing clients’ vision with practical needs
Designing a space is more than arranging furniture and choosing colours; it’s about weaving together stories, emotions, and functionality to create a world where people live, work, and dream.
Every detail tells a tale, from the texture of a wall to the light that spills through a carefully placed window.
Interior design is a dialogue between art and science, where creativity meets constraints, and bold ideas battle practicality.
But behind every stunning room or transformative space lies the mind of an interior designer — part artist, part problem-solver, and part psychologist.
What drives their choices? What unseen challenges shape their vision? And how do they breathe life into lifeless walls, creating spaces that feel alive and deeply personal?
To answer these questions, I had the privilege of speaking to Khairul Hiri, a talented Sarawakian interior designer from Kuching and the owner of HomelivingbyHiri.
Through his thoughtful designs and creative vision, Khairul has been transforming spaces and redefining what it means to truly feel at home.
Art of overcoming challenges
Interior design is rarely as simple as it looks. Even seemingly straightforward projects, like adding a skylight to a laundry room, Khariul said, can become a complex puzzle in a climate as unique as Kuching’s tropical heat.
He shared how he tackled such a challenge by balancing the client’s vision with practical needs, such as ensuring privacy and managing the effects of the region’s intense weather.
The result? A space that merged functionality with beauty, a true testament to balancing ambition with reality.
“I believe that every design challenge is an opportunity to create something extraordinary.
“Blending a client’s personal style with enduring design principles requires more than skill — it demands intuition and adaptability.
“By listening deeply and proposing thoughtful concepts, I created spaces that embody timeless elegance while incorporating flexible, trendy accents.
“My philosophy? Focus on functionality and personalisation to ensure every space reflects the soul of its owner,” he explained.
Recalling, he said that one of his most memorable projects involved a client who needed extensive storage.
Rather than opting for a conventional solution, he said he transformed the challenge into an opportunity to innovate.
“I merged functionality with aesthetics, creating a built-in cabinet that doubled as a stunning feature wall.
“It was a win-win, blending beauty with practicality,” he said.
When working with clients, Khairul emphasised patience, especially when their tastes evolve mid-project — a common occurrence in the age of Pinterest and TikTok.
While this can be challenging, he embraced these shifts as opportunities to showcase creativity, ensuring the final result aligns with both vision and functionality.
This flexibility has earned him the trust of his clients, many of whom return to him for multiple projects.
His ability to adapt while maintaining focus on the client’s needs has become a hallmark of his work.
Every designer undoubtedly has their sources of inspiration, and for Khairul, these are as diverse as they are surprising.
“Travel, social media, and the innovative designs of Sarah Baeumler fuel my creativity.
“One of my favourite destinations for inspiration is Bali, a place where culture and innovation blend seamlessly.
“Bali is rich with tradition and modernity. Its architecture, design elements, and atmosphere encourage bold, forward-thinking ideas,” he said.
But inspiration doesn’t always come from grand adventures.
Khairul noted that even mundane settings, like airport lounges, can spark ideas.
“The world itself is a limitless source of inspiration. You just have to keep your eyes open,” he added.
Power of lighting, colour
According to Khairul, lighting is one of the most transformative yet underestimated elements of design.
“Its ability to shape mood and atmosphere is unparalleled. Even the most stunning furniture can lose its impact with poor lighting,” he stressed.
He believed that pairing thoughtful lighting with the right colours can completely change a space.
For example, he often used light and colour to make small rooms feel more spacious and inviting.
“Colour and lighting are my secret weapons for transforming small spaces into expansive, welcoming retreats,” he noted.
At the same time, he also paid close attention to overlooked spaces, such as bedrooms.
The bedroom, he said, was where emotion and comfort converge.
“By selecting the perfect furnitures, colours and textures, I can create sanctuaries for rest and rejuvenation,” he said.
Sometimes, it’s the simplest touches that make the biggest difference.
Khairul pointed out that incorporating a single bold element, like an oversized vase, can elevate an entire room.
According to him, bold choices can bring unexpected aesthetic value, proving that even straightforward spaces can be transformed.
This interior designer of Malay descent is also passionate about eco-conscious design, a philosophy he integrated into his projects without compromising on aesthetics.
From using sustainably sourced materials to maximising natural light and incorporating living plant walls, he found ways to create stylish, environmentally friendly spaces.
“These choices not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the beauty and longevity of a home,” he explained.
When asked about current design trends, Khairul expressed his hope for the revival of mid-century modern design.
He said that its clean lines and timeless appeal are unmatched.
On the other hand, he’s ready to see wainscoting walls and wallpaper fall out of favour, describing them as impractical and outdated.
Khairul’s passion for design extends beyond residential projects. When asked which historical space he would like to redesign, he chose the Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites.
“With its perfect location and untapped potential, I envision a fresh, modern approach that would honour its legacy while embracing contemporary aesthetics,” he stated.
This vision reflected his belief that every space, no matter how grand or small, has the potential to be transformed into something extraordinary.
For Khairul, interior design is about more than creating visually pleasing spaces; it’s about crafting stories.
Every project, he explained, is a unique narrative, and every choice is a brushstroke in the larger masterpiece of human experience.
His designs are alive with purpose and personality, reflecting the lives and dreams of those who inhabit them.
“As the Malay saying goes, ‘Rumahku, syurgaku’ — home is where the heart is,” he stressed.
Through passion, innovation, and resilience, Khairul has built a reputation as one of Sarawak’s most talented interior designers.
Whether it’s a stunning feature wall, a thoughtfully designed laundry room, or a cosy bedroom sanctuary, his work proves that great design is about more than aesthetics — it’s about creating spaces that feel like home.
For a closer look at his designs, visit @homelivingbyhiri on Instagram or contact him at 012-8776467.
