As a leading luxury interior designer, I’m often asked who the best interior designers in the world are. In the realm of high-end residential interiors and five-star hotels, certain globally recognized designers have set the benchmark. Their work on luxury interior design projects—from opulent homes to iconic hospitality destinations—offers invaluable lessons in creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. In this article, I share my perspective on these design luminaries, explore what makes them exceptional, and reflect on how their philosophies align or contrast with my own approach at ERTI MAISON.

Globally Recognized Interior Designers Shaping Luxury Spaces

When it comes to top interior designers, a few visionary names consistently stand out for their impact on luxury residential and hospitality design:

• Kelly Wearstler (USA)

• Celebrated for her bold and eclectic interiors, Wearstler has designed “eclectic, craft-forward, and context-driven” homes and hotels since the 1990s . Her fearless use of color, pattern, and texture creates “multi-layered, stimulating sensory experience” that has earned her a spot in the AD100 Hall of Fame . From luxurious residences in Beverly Hills to the vibrant Proper Hotels, her work marries artful whimsy with polished sophistication, making her an internationally acclaimed interior designer.

• Philippe Starck (France)

• A legend of contemporary design, Starck revolutionized luxury hospitality with his imaginative concepts. He “has constantly transformed the hotel industry by creating exquisite living spaces filled with experiences” . From the 1980s onward, Starck’s visionary hotel designs (like New York’s Royalton and Miami’s Delano) broke all the rules, turning hotels into theatrical, immersive spaces. Equally at home in luxury hotel design and high-end homes, Starck’s creations are daring, unexpected and playful yet undeniably luxurious . His ability to evoke emotion and surprise in spaces while maintaining elegance is what makes him one of the world’s top interior designers.

• Kelly Hoppen (UK)

• Synonymous with sophisticated luxury, Kelly Hoppen is known for her timeless, east-meets-west aesthetic. Her signature style of clean lines, neutral palettes, and rich textures has attracted an international clientele and defined modern elegance . Hoppen’s high-end residential interiors exude calm, balance, and warmth. Whether designing luxury apartments or yacht interiors, she emphasizes comfort and functionality behind the glamour. Her approach proves that luxury interiors can be understated and inviting, not just opulent. By blending contemporary simplicity with classic touches, Hoppen creates spaces that feel effortlessly upscale and enduring.

• Jean-Michel Gathy (Belgium/Malaysia)

• A visionary in luxury resort design, Gathy has shaped some of the world’s most iconic five-star retreats. As the go-to designer for ultra-luxury brands like Aman Resorts and Four Seasons, he has “introduced groundbreaking concepts, from private plunge pools and extravagant swimming pools to spa-like bathrooms” in hotel villas . Gathy’s holistic design approach integrates architecture, interiors, and landscape to create harmonious experiences, redefining the modern resort. His resort and hospitality projects are revered for their tranquility, cultural authenticity, and bespoke extravagance. With over three decades in the industry, Gathy “has left an indelible mark on the hospitality industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of design and redefining the hotel experience” .

• Patricia Urquiola (Spain)

• Renowned for innovative use of form and materials, Urquiola brings a fresh, artistic flair to luxury interiors. Her designs—ranging from vibrant boutique hotels to avant-garde furniture—celebrate color, comfort, and functionality. Urquiola’s skill in blending contemporary style with traditional influences results in interiors that feel both unique and timeless . Whether it’s a chic hotel in Milan or a cosmopolitan residence in London, she infuses each project with a playful yet sophisticated character. Urquiola exemplifies how innovation in interior design and respect for craftsmanship can converge to produce spaces that are inviting, livable, and cutting-edge.

Each of these designers has significantly influenced luxury interior and hospitality design worldwide. From luxurious residential interiors to grand hotel lobbies, their portfolios span continents and styles, yet all reflect a commitment to design excellence.

What Makes These Designers Exceptional

Beyond their famous projects and celebrity clients, what truly sets these designers apart is their professional mastery and vision:

• Distinct Design Philosophy:

• Every top designer operates from a clear design philosophy. Be it Wearstler’s eclectic maximalism, Hoppen’s serene minimalism, or Starck’s whimsical modernism, each has a strong point of view that guides their work. This consistency of vision helps them create memorable, signature spaces rather than follow generic trends.

• Commitment to Craftsmanship:

• Luxury design is in the details. These leaders insist on the highest quality materials and bespoke craftsmanship in every element. Many collaborate with artisans to create custom furniture, lighting, and finishes, ensuring each project is one-of-a-kind. Firms like the late David Collins Studio, for example, became “celebrated for opulent and meticulously crafted interiors” with a focus on bespoke design . This dedication to fine craftsmanship elevates their interiors into works of art.

• Innovation and Fearlessness:

• The best designers are innovators and trend-setters. They are unafraid to push boundaries—introducing new concepts or reimagining traditional ones. We see this in Starck’s pioneering boutique hotels, Gathy’s new standards for resort amenities, and Urquiola’s experimental forms. Rather than copying others, these designers often lead the way, whether by adopting new technology, sustainable practices, or novel spatial layouts. Their forward-thinking approach keeps their work fresh and relevant decade after decade.

• Client-Centered Luxury:

• Importantly, top interior designers balance creativity with the lifestyle needs of their clients. They design for people, not just for magazines. Spaces by these maestros are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and comfortable for their occupants. This user-centric mindset is a professional hallmark that ensures a hotel or home doesn’t just look high-end—it lives well for those using it.

In essence, exceptional interior designers marry visionary creativity with rigorous execution. They have the artistic sensibility to imagine transformative spaces and the professional acumen to realize those visions through quality workmanship and strategic planning. This rare combination of artistry and practicality is what makes them leaders in the field of luxury interior design.

Amin Yussoff’s Design Philosophy: Craftsmanship and Innovation in Luxury

As an interior designer, I draw inspiration from these global icons, yet I have developed my own design philosophy over years of practice. At ERTI MAISON, we believe that true luxury is not about excess or trend for trend’s sake—it’s about meaning, quality, and longevity in design. My perspective can be distilled into a few core principles:

• Design with Purpose and Legacy:

Every space I design must serve a meaningful purpose for the client and stand the test of time. I often say that true luxury isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how intelligently you design . This means our focus is on creating interiors that are deeply personal, culturally relevant, and adaptable to the client’s evolving life. Just as great designers like Gathy integrate a sense of place and heritage into resorts, I aim to infuse each home with a story and identity. Designing for legacy is key—I want my clients’ homes to retain their beauty and value for generations, not just look fashionable for a year or two.

• Uncompromising Craftsmanship:

I share the conviction that craftsmanship is the soul of luxury interior design. In my work, I collaborate with skilled artisans and select materials with extreme care. From custom-carved wood panels to handwoven textiles, every detail is considered. This echoes the approach of many top designers who treat interiors like curated galleries of fine craft. I insist on quality in construction and finishes because a flawlessly crafted interior not only looks exquisite but also performs better and lasts longer. In practice, this might mean using time-honored techniques for millwork, sourcing authentic marble slabs, or commissioning bespoke furniture. The result is an environment where one can feel the difference—rooms that emanate refinement through every surface and joinery.

• Holistic Vision and Personalization:

I believe in designing holistically—considering interior architecture, lighting, landscape, and decor as parts of a unified vision. This is similar to Gathy’s approach of seamless integration, and it’s something I champion in every project. Additionally, an interior should be a reflection of its owner. I spend time understanding my clients’ lifestyles, values, and dreams. This personal connection informs a design that is luxurious and livable. No two projects are alike, because true luxury is highly personal. For some, it may be a tranquil, resort-like retreat; for others, an art-filled contemporary showplace. My role is to translate those unique aspirations into tangible design.

ERTI Maison’s Approach vs. Global Design Trends

Given these principles, there are clear alignments—and some contrasts—between the work of renowned designers and our approach at ERTI Maison.

The Approach Done at ERTI MAISON:

Firstly, we share a commitment to excellence and creativity. Like the global design icons mentioned, ERTI Maison values timeless elegance, superior craftsmanship, and innovative thinking. For instance, when I see Kelly Hoppen maintain a serene timelessness in her interiors, it resonates with our philosophy of designing spaces that remain elegant and relevant over time. Similarly, Jean-Michel Gathy’s way of harmonizing with nature and local culture in a resort project aligns with our belief in imbuing interiors with meaning and context. We too strive to create an emotional connection and sense of place in every project, be it a penthouse in the city or a seaside villa.

However, ERTI Maison’s approach deliberately diverges from certain prevailing trends in luxury design. In an age where some designers or firms might chase the latest fads or aim for immediate Instagram-able impact, we take a more measured path. As noted earlier, “unlike traditional firms that prioritize trends over functionality, ERTI focuses on meaningful, strategic, and barakah-driven design—ensuring every space is not only stunning but also optimized for long-term value, comfort, and purpose”.

In practical terms, this means we prioritize the client’s lifestyle and long-term satisfaction above all. A flashy lobby or a dramatic feature wall is never created at the expense of practical liveability or durability. Our definition of luxury aligns more with intelligent design and enduring beauty than with opulence for opulence’s sake.

Another point of alignment is the emphasis on bespoke solutions. We, like the world’s top designers, believe true luxury is highly customized. ERTI Maison often designs custom furniture and lighting tailored to a project, echoing the bespoke approach seen in studios like Peter Marino’s or David Collins’. This ensures our work has a unique fingerprint. Where we might contrast with some designers is in the cultural and ethical layer we integrate. Being based in Malaysia and working in a multicultural context, I infuse a sense of “barakah” (blessing and positive value) into our designs. This means we consider not just aesthetics and function, but also how a space can uplift the spirit and wellbeing of its occupants. It’s a subtle element—seen in soothing spatial layouts, use of natural materials, or creation of prayer and contemplation nooks—that adds a deeper dimension to our luxury interiors. Most global designers focus on luxury and comfort, which we do as well, but ERTI Maison additionally strives for an environment that feels meaningful and life-enriching.

In terms of innovation, we are very much in step with international leaders. I admire how rapidly many top firms adopt new technologies or sustainable design practices, and at ERTI we do the same. Whether it’s using VR for design visualization or implementing green materials, we see ourselves as part of the global movement pushing interior design forward. The key difference is that we vet innovations through the lens of our core values—ensuring they contribute to our hallmark of intelligent, purposeful luxury. For example, a cutting-edge home automation system might be integrated, but only if it genuinely enhances convenience and remains user-friendly for the homeowner long-term.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of luxury interior design, the top interior designers distinguish themselves by their unwavering commitment to vision, quality, and innovation. From the vibrant hotels of Philippe Starck to the serene homes of Kelly Hoppen, these design legends have expanded the possibilities of what high-end interiors can achieve. As a fellow designer, I am both inspired by their work and guided by my own ethos. My approach with ERTI Maison honors many of the same principles—creativity, craftsmanship, and client-centric design—while also carving out a unique philosophy centered on meaningfulness and longevity.

Ultimately, great interior design is a dialogue between past, present, and future: it respects timeless principles, responds to contemporary lifestyles, and anticipates the needs of tomorrow. The world’s best designers exemplify this balance. In my practice, I strive to do the same, creating luxurious interiors that not only dazzle the eyes but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. In celebrating these masters of design, I continually reflect on how their brilliance can inform and elevate my own work—ensuring that every ERTI Maison project stands proudly on par with the finest high-end residential interiors and hospitality spaces worldwide.