Mingjun Liao on How Interior Design Shapes the Salon Experience

I’m an interior designer, passionate about the warmth and influence that space can bring. My journey into design began with observing how people interact with their surroundings. Realizing that my work could help others feel relaxed, secure, or understood gave me a true sense of purpose—and that continues to motivate me.

This award is both an encouragement and a source of confidence for future challenges. Knowing that the concept behind my work is recognized internationally strengthens my resolve to create spaces with warmth and depth.

The award has brought greater visibility, allowing us to connect with diverse projects and collaborators. It’s not just about exposure—it’s also about reinforcing our confidence in the value of what we do.

For me, experimentation isn’t about bold shapes—it’s about using materials, lighting, and color in new ways to shape emotion. In Hair Reverie, we experimented with minimal forms and soft, diffused lighting to create an atmosphere where clients could feel both relaxed and trusting.

One moment that inspired me was watching a hairstylist gently wash a client’s hair. It was quiet, trusting—almost ritualistic. That softness stayed with me, and I wanted to translate that feeling into a spatial experience. Hair Reverie became a place where people could truly let go and feel cared for.

I hope more people understand that design isn’t set in stone from the start. It’s a process of continuous dialogue, adjustment, and response. A good space isn’t just visually appealing—it considers human experience in every detail.

I start by understanding what truly matters to the client, then reinterpret it through my design language. It’s not about forcing a concept but about using expertise as a bridge to reveal new possibilities.

The challenge in Hair Reverie was creating depth and richness with a limited palette of materials and colors. We used lighting, subtle elevation shifts, and contrasting textures to keep the space calm yet layered.

When I hit a creative block, I step away—go for a walk and observe the light and sounds in my daily surroundings. Sometimes, the atmosphere of a quiet street corner is all it takes to spark an idea.

I value “rhythm” and “a sense of calm” in design because I believe space can help slow down emotions. This likely comes from my own sensitivity to sensory cues—I want people to feel cared for through the spaces I create.

Keep observing life and stay curious about human nature. Skills can be trained, but sensitivity develops over time. Every project is a new lesson—embrace it.

I would choose Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. His poetic approach to nature, light, and spatial flow resonates deeply with my vision of atmospheric design.

I wish people would ask, “What makes this space feel worth staying in?” because that means the design truly resonates—it moves beyond the surface and into emotion.