This October, Home Journal turned 35. The magazine marked the occasion with an industry event and a three-day exhibition, At Home in Hong Kong, on 22, 23 and 24 October 2015.

The monthly, bilingual print magazine is one of Hong Kong’s oldest interiors publications, as well as being a leader in the market today. “The media landscape is changing so quickly, so for a brand to sustain its relevance and influence for 35 years is a milestone,” says Kissa Castañeda, Editor of Home Journal. “Designers we feature today fondly tell me that Home Journal was their source of inspiration back when they were still studying – this sort of engagement is something that doesn’t happen overnight. The magazine has a relationship with readers and designers that has been nurtured for over three decades, and it plays a big part in Hong Kong’s design scene.”

B&B Italia’s Up chair was on show at the pop-up exhibition

The publication emphasised its role as an influencer in the industry with its pop-up exhibition, which was held at Liang Yi Museum in Sheung Wan. The exhibition featured a gallery showcasing the homes of Hongkongers like Arnault Castel, who founded design store Kapok, and Vicky Lau, Tate Dining Room & Bar’s award-winning chef, and a video installation exploring design in the past, present and future.

The video installation saw 35 international designers, including Paola Navone, Ilse Crawford, Andre Fu and Douglas Young of Goods of Desire, offer their perspectives on where the home will go in the future.

The video installation showed on a giant screen at Liang Yi Museum, and it presented the views of designers like Paola Navone

Castañeda also has strong opinions about where the home – and design as a whole – will go in future. “As we become more mobile, the role of the home as an anchor will grow. Of course developments in technology and the importance of sustainability will play a big part, but most of all a home will remain a refuge – a place to rest, reconnect, renew.

“I think design is the next big wave after food,” she says. “More and more people are realising how important design is in solving problems, providing information, and as a tool of communication. I think design will become more entrenched in people’s lives, as it should be.”

Also part of Home Journal’s pop-up event was a design talk co-hosted by NarrativeHK, and screenings of the film “Designers Inbetween”. The documentary by Jonathan Ramalho and Oliver Lehtonen looks at life as an entrepreneur in Hong Kong, and the perks and pitfalls of manufacturing in China. Admission to the pop-up at Liang Yi Museum was free and open to the public on 23 and 24 October, giving the community a chance to engage with and learn about design.

Tiles, textiles and more at Home Journal’s exhibition

“In order to build a strong creative community, we need to foster a collaborative and supportive environment, and we view Home Journal as a catalyst here,” says Castañeda. “Together with architects, designers and other industry professionals, we will build and define our local identity – like culture, this is something that evolves every day.”

Home Journal
homejournal.hk

Liang Yi Museum
liangyimuseum.com