This can also be said of her own ethos, which embodies the tenacity and rigour of someone who has had to fight hard to forge her own path. Indeed, Haag did not start out in the creative world. Her past life includes being a flight attendant on a private jet, a snowboarding instructor in France and handling events in a London hotel. But her love for the creative world had her returning to Australia and needling her way into the industry with an entry-level job at a reputed interior design firm before she went solo.
Very quickly, her singular, magpie eye brought her clients who appreciate her ability to marry subtle luxury without being staid. Haag has her hands full, with current residential projects in New Zealand and Sydney. One project is highly personal. She is building a holiday home called The Mountain House, located in Tolmie (a few hours north of Melbourne). Haag and her husband – both avid skiers – fell in love with the scenic place.
“It’s remote, peaceful and steeped in natural beauty. There’s a rawness to the landscape that called for a home that could feel both grounded and soulful, and I’ve been slowly collecting pieces for it over the years with that vision in mind,” shared Haag, who is partnering with Healy Ryan for the architecture and CJH Studio for the carpentry.
The Mountain House, which Haag is styling as a cosy abode is actually for rent, will be available for rent. She elaborated: “While it will be available to rent as a luxury accommodation, the intention isn’t for it to feel styled in a conventional sense. The pieces will be emotive – tribal, vintage, textural – drawn from markets, travels and makers I’ve long admired.”
It will be a project that truly embodies the Simone Haag spirit. “It won’t be something precious but layered; a space to retreat, reflect and connect to something deeper,” she described. “Watch this space – it’s still evolving but I can already sense it will be a very special place.”
