International Interior Designer JJ Acuna Explains the Finer Subtleties of Easy Living
As the founder and creative director of JJ Acuna/Bespoke Studio in Hong Kong, James JJ Acuna makes a living by designing aesthetically and visually pleasing spaces. In this interview, he shares with us his ideas and thoughts for living a fulfilling, stress-free life. He has created a stellar reputation by designing and furnishing popular restaurants like Elephant Ground, Little Bao, Tate, among several other noteworthy projects. But even through his hectic schedule, he’s always able to maintain a balanced lifestyle that allows him to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
How do you deal with the stresses of everyday life and stay productive?
I put in at least an hour to an hour and a half of exercise, whether it is the gym or yoga at home. Before I start the day, I devote 11 minutes of meditation and breathing exercises. I also have a special incense from Kyoto that I love. The whole idea of starting the day with meditation is to make sure that we remain focused. And at the end of the day, the exercise will help clear the stress from the body so we don’t stay stressed from work.
Do you have any tips for people who want to make their place a more calming space?
Basically there are a lot of things that people should do for calming spaces. To think about more natural materials is one of the ways to achieve that. In my own living space, I have a lot of chairs with timber finishes or even natural cotton finishings, and also a lot of plants. I also use a lot of candles, so the environment of work becomes a space where I can have peace of mind, and the ability to relax.
How about the use of different color tones?
I think color is very subjective thing. I personally like everything a bit muted. And because I have lots of plants in the space, I pick colors that work well with plants, like reds and pinks, and mustard. In terms of color, just go for anything that makes you happy. Try to play around with neutral and beige and earth tones, because it will last longer. But it is really subjective. Some people just like wearing black, you know, and they like their interiors all black and white. And that is fine.
Can you tell us about your urban transplant story?
I was born in Manila, and grew up in Texas, and then I moved to Hong Kong in 2005. My citizenship is Philippines, but culturally how I act, my attitude and thinking is very American. All my references and influences, how I think are formed by the places that I consider home. I love Hong Kong and I think Hong Kong needs as many creative people as possible. Hong Kong has always been an international city and I think it will continue to be and that’s why I am very comfortable being an outsider, living on the inside.
What are the cities that you would love to visit?
I just posted today on instagram about Paris, I really love Paris. I love Los Angeles because I love food. I love Rome, mainly because I love architecture. I love Madrid, because I love Spanish culture. In the Asia Pacific, I love Tokyo and Kyoto, and also Melbourne. I feel there are still so many cities in the world that I need to visit.
Can you share with us any unforgettable travel experiences?
There are so many cool things in many different cities and I love discovering new food or places to eat, or seeing architecture and inspiring art work. But every time I see the ocean, I find it really fascinating. I had special moments where I just stopped and looked at the sea when I was in Sydney, Bondi, or when I was in Los Angeles or Barcelona. Those are truly unforgettable experiences. It is a real surprise every time. Every color of the water, and every color of the sky is different. It is always something new, it is never the same.
What are some of your essentials and outfit preferences for traveling?
I always bring a journal, because I am always ready to write some thoughts or ideas down. And a really good passport holder, just for carrying tickets and everything, and I love my AirPods, love my noise-cancelling headphones, of course my phone, and my tablets for work and drawing. In terms of clothing, just easy slacks, t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, but I don’t like it too boring either. I like a bit of personality, because you never know when you make a real great impression either to immigration or someone you meet at a party.
Do you have any travel grooming routine?
In my kit, I carry one cologne, one gel, a comb, really good lotion. If I need some real grooming, I tend to find the local barber that everybody goes to, and I get a haircut. I wait actually until I go to a new city to get a haircut, and it is a great way to meet friends, and to see new things. I keep things simple because usually the hotel already has everything.
How do you deal with jet lag?
Weirdly enough, I never have a problem with jet lag or sleeping. My cure for jet lag is to have the sun hit my skin as long as possible throughout the day and drinking bottles and bottles and bottles of water. It’s essential to stay hydrated. I also exercise after I arrive in a new city.
Lastly, what is your usual outfit for work?
For me, it is no use dressing too trendy or too ridiculous because your day may take you from material-selection meetings to official client-meetings to developer meetings to site meetings. How to have an outfit that takes you from boardroom to construction site while still looking professional, that needs an individual point of view with a specific sense of style, that is the trick. I tend to wear things that are monotone, it just makes things so much easier. Color-blocking! I do have colorful things, but I only wear that for fun, just on Saturday night.
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