Remembering Amy Lau: The Interior Designer Who Transformed Spaces into Art

A Legacy of Warmth and Artistry

The Arizona-born, Manhattan-based AD100 designer Amy Lau has passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of warm, curated interiors that seamlessly blend art and design. Her work was celebrated for its effortless synergy, showcasing a distinctive style that resonated with many.

Courtesy of Amy Lau

Growing up in Paradise Valley, Lau's affinity for nature blossomed during her childhood, where she spent time outdoors and collected treasures with her artist grandmother. Her artistic eye was influenced by her parents, who were collectors of works by the Taos Society of Artists. After studying art history at the University of Arizona, Lau traveled through Mexico, enriching her understanding of decorative arts before moving to New York City to obtain a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.

In 2001, she founded her own studio, originally named Forms of Design, now known as Amy Lau Design. Lau’s interiors were characterized by her embrace of bold colors, inspired by the saturated hues of the American Southwest. She often disregarded the distinctions between fine art and design, creating spaces that felt like total works of art—or gesamtkunstwerks—where every element played a supporting role.

Her notable clients included Clarissa and Edgar Bronfman Jr., and her designs transformed their homes into sophisticated environments. Lau believed in considering both details and context, which she articulated in her book Expressive Modern, published shortly after receiving an honorary doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design. Each project was tailored around the client’s personal treasures and lifestyle needs, resulting in spaces that felt both historical and contemporary.

Lau was instrumental in co-founding Design Miami in 2005 and was the first designer to exhibit at Salon Art + Design in New York. Her mantra of “curating rather than merely decorating” was evident in her projects, culminating in the opening of her own gallery in September 2024 at the New York Design Center, showcasing her curated selection of contemporary and vintage works.

Despite her sophisticated background, Lau’s designs radiated joyfulness and warmth. She viewed nature as a mentor, shaping her creativity and continuously influencing her work in interior design. Her legacy will be cherished by many who appreciated her artistry and the beauty she brought into the world.