Age & Beauty: Home alone is a joy when one’s spacious, graceful abode offers personalised attractions

A restful retreat for relaxing after retirement is the dream of many but a realisation for only the fortunate few. Being able to live the later years on your own terms in your own home is a blessing, especially when ensconced in a light, spacious and contemporary apartment that exudes modest opulence while offering tailormade comfort.

Such is the Hong Kong Garden residence of a retiree who lives alone. Despite having to work occasionally, her mantra is to enjoy a life of (almost) leisure to the fullest. Most of her family lives abroad so this 2,000-square- foot apartment conveniently located at Sham Tseng is designed to suit her individual tastes and hobbies. The avid mahjong player loves to invite like-minded friends around for games and parties, which gives people a chance to admire her beautiful home.

Providing relatively quiet living, Hong Kong Garden offers two units per floor and was built almost 40 years ago. This may seem ancient to those city-dwellers obsessed with the newest blocks on the market, but the apartment has been renovated to instil a modern and harmonious flair.

Older properties usually have greater flexibility when it comes to refining infrastructure to boost ventilation and drainage, and designer Ken Leung from Hei Design has smartly taken advantage of this for a freer allocation of the interior space. The remodelled air flow works together with suspended ceilings hiding awkward beams for a smoother, more seamless ambience.

Originally, this was a three-bedroom unit, but with two bedrooms remaining idle after the family moved abroad, the owner sought a revised floorplan to utilise every corner of the home. Now a manifestation of her vision of an enjoyable, indulgent space, it looks elegant to the core.

The serene residence reflects the owner’s heartfelt love of detail, with gorgeous design features and a variety of amenities. Each area has been carefully crafted to cater to moments of enjoyment at home with additions such as a glamorous walk-in closet and a lavish jacuzzi.

Materials including marble, brushed metal, plain and fluted wooden wall panels and tinted glass were intentionally chosen to evoke a sense of detailed design and a deep impression of nature. The colour palette embraces grey, blue and cream with tan accents. Leung cleverly brought the stunning sea view outside into greater focus within, so the lady of the apartment and her guests can enjoy nature during rest, work, dining and entertainment.

The living room is finely styled with a unique floral wallcovering, which also serves as an artistic backdrop for a desk situated among the ample seating. A wall of windows and wide apertures provide a mesmerising ocean view, creating a soothing space for work and relaxation. Delicate figurines adorn the shelves and niches, hinting at the cultured sensibility of the owner. Adjoining the living room is a small dining area. Given its proximity to the entrance, this is a welcoming first sight for visitors. Pendant lights hanging above the round dining table ensure it is sufficiently lit at night, while plenty of sunlight streams in during the day. The tan leather upholstery and curves of the dining chairs nod to the striking accent armchair in the living room. Leading off from the dining nook is a well-equipped kitchen.

Aside from installing a long, mirrored walk-in closet in the master en suite, the design team oversaw the demolishing of the wall between this bathroom and the smaller of the two other bedrooms. This served to trim the unused bedroom and enlarge the master bathroom for placement of the jacuzzi tub as well as a walk-in shower. The principles of feng shui were also considered – the new floor plan removes the energy-blocking, ill- fortuned proposition of the en-suite door facing the bed.

The homeowner can now conveniently step into her spacious dressing room after bathing or applying makeup. The bigger bedroom previously used by the family has been transformed into a dual-purpose guest bedroom and entertainment room. Ahead of a mahjong party, the bed retracts into the wall to release space for up to two gaming tables – these are stored in a huge cabinet after use. A pair of sliding doors at the entrance makes the room larger and more easily accessible to guests during mahjong time.

The concealable bed and a large full-length fitted wardrobe embedded in the wall between the guest and master bedrooms allow for occasional stayovers by friends and relatives. The bedroom floors are wooden and the décor minimal; these rooms offer the essentials of comfort without any visible clutter for peaceful days and restful nights.

Fitting the picture of an abode designed for the simultaneous enjoyment of solitude and nature, this is an ideal home for one to spend quality time in their later years. When life is no longer so busy, indulging in favourite activities becomes the daily routine.

Text: Zaira Abbas

Photos: Hei Design

Sunny Disposition: This Cyberport-based flat is a modern interpretation of waterfront living

Summer colours, for the most part, fall under the category of stark whites and ocean blues – and at Residence Bel-Air the vibe is decidedly Mediterranean. Within one of the enclave’s luxury apartments, in particular, simple clean lines, painted cream floors, white shiplap walls and blue and grey upholstery evoke the mood of a wistful seafarer returning to the comforts of a safe harbour.

This spacious 1,700-sq.-ft-plus home, full of natural light and modern design sensibility, would certainly seem like paradise to its owners as they come home to breathe in the calm air after a day in the city. Through a predominantly soft, tranquil colour scheme – with occasional vivid contrasts – the décor takes inspiration from the waves of the sea and their dynamics. Areas purposefully left blank amid free-flowing curved designs across the ceiling and the furniture join the natural sea view in bringing motion into the living space.

The home’s location in Bel-Air served as the starting point for the team at Grande Studio when they were charged to recreate the interiors. Cyberport is a creative digital technology community with a touch of breeze from the old Hong Kong port. The dramatic seaside soul of the area and the city’s signature past are welcomed within, seen in traditional Hong Kong architectural details, a general cosiness and a wraparound outdoor deck boasting sweeping sea vistas.

Upon entering, the immediate impression is one of laid-back simplicity. This radiates through the laminated flooring which is stripped back, a widened foyer, ceilings raised higher than normal, pairs of palazzo-worthy double doors that have been installed, and walls painted in shades of cream and off-white. Accent walls are features of the kitchen, two bathrooms and entrance hall. Within the long living room that extends to the terrace, a piano is recessed between two feature walls that shelter cupboards. Amid a medley of marble, wood and metal, a sleek circular dining table also occupies this part of the room, illuminated by functional lighting and a striking modern chandelier of irregular globes.

The designers have merged modernism with regal classicism for an apartment well suited to hosting chic soirées and house parties – with the interconnecting floorplan and no-fuss regular windows assisting in this regard. Modern pieces also adorn the space: in the centre of the living room is a coffee table of Italian marble, a transparent vase, and just the right hint of greenery via a small decorative plant.

Moving on to the multi-functional bedrooms, it is apparent that they have been carefully designed to suit the needs of their owners. Wood veneer, wooden patterns and curved aesthetics like the open sliding door and minimalist approach to lines and colours reflect a calm yet luxurious ambience.

A TV and sofa combination creates a second living room for family gatherings, with the marble surrounds of the TV wall also nodding to the appeal of waterfront living. A work-from-home corner with a desk is another considerate touch here, catering to what we call the new normal, while the couch can turn into a bed when guests come over. In all, it becomes a practical multipurpose space for anyone who wants to lounge around this part of the home.

(Text: Joseff Musa Photos: Grande Interior Design)

Read the full article in the April 2023 issue (pg: 106). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.

ONE STANLEY: LUXURY LIVING REDEFINED at the SOUTHSIDE SEAS

ONE STANLEY Design Concept Video by Robert A.M. Stern Architects

Imagine coming home to an exclusive paradise of a breather every day. With One Stanley now opening its doors for success-driven individuals and families alike, that vision is now possible. The entire private residential masterpiece combines the themes of a luxury star-graded destination and the luxury modern home one always dreamed of. Prestigiously located and built near the vibrant seascape in the Southside of Hong Kong, this new complex creates a sense of grandeur and a modern interpretation of luxurious waterfront living.

It is widely recognised that Hong Kong, with its extensive infrastructure and first-rate connections, is an A-League metropolis of the world. Because of the consistent, strong demand, its properties have always deservedly commanded a premium, while the Southside, in particular, has long been a traditional upscale inhabited by the rich and famous.

Here, the seashore ambience manifestly spreads out to the properties’ architectural design and amenities – aiming to bring the luxury lifestyle and atmosphere closer to home. Future owners and residents, amongst them, who want to stay active and healthy through a multitude of recreational options, will find a lot to be pleased about at this seaside architectural odyssey as it allows them to lounge at the relaxing pool areas, go for a swim after a long day or sailing yacht along the coastline.

The Southside of Hong Kong offers incomparable tranquillity and peacefulness with enchanting views of the infinite blue and colourful sunsets providing a private source of entertainment.

HIGH LIFE AT EASE

Taking care of people’s needs is always a breeze at One Stanley. Built on one of Hong Kong’s most picturesque coastlines, it gives quick access to major prestigious international schools such as The International Montessori School and Canadian International School of Hong Kong and a wide array of entertainment and lifestyle options via its neighbouring exclusive and members-only clubhouses like The Aberdeen Marina Club and The Hong Kong Golf Club.

Truly, more than simply a place to live in, One Stanley is designed to make life more enjoyable and at ease as it provides occupants of single-detached houses with their own lifts, gardens and roofs, with some units also including private swimming pools to ensure unparalleled solitude and luxury.

The sea breeze, lush gardens of greeneries and open areas give its residents the space to appreciate and experience this modern architecture and simply enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors and nature.

BY A CREATIVE MIND AND A THOUGHTFUL HEART
In a manner appropriate to this prestigious address, the esteemed firm Robert A. M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), founded by Robert A.M. Stern (Robert Stern), has been known for its signature use of limestone to craft timeless architecture, with more than 50 years to its refined portfolio of projects. Robert Stern, who served as the Dean of the Yale School of Architecture from 1998 to 2016, his individual honours include the AIA’s Topaz Medallion, the Vincent Scully Price, the Athena Award from the Congress for the New Urbanism, and the Richard H. Driehaus Prize. With the vision to be one of the places that’s been around and stay around forever, notwithstanding the ultra-sleek and modern concepts, One Stanley is praised for the way it conjures up famous Mediterranean coastal villages like Santorini, Porto Cervo, and the French Riviera.

The residences at One Stanley share the same sturdy character and historical quality as some of the world’s most iconic structures, developed by K&K Property Holdings Ltd whose major expertise lies in developing diversified residential and commercial projects and managing five-star hotels.

Truly, One Stanley is a unique collection of luxury homes of fascinating pedigree both of grace and grandeur, standing proudly above Stanley Bay.

ONE STANLEY provides 11 blocks of 4 Storey low-density residences containing up to 3,300 square feet in saleable area; and 32 blocks of luxury detached houses ranging from 2,700 to 7,000 square feet in saleable area, its completed units will be up for sale in Q2, 2023. Please visit www.onestanley.com.hk for more information.

About K&K Property Holdings Ltd.:

Established in 2013, K&K Property Holdings Ltd. is a Hong Kong property developer experienced in developing diversified residential and commercial projects and managing five-star hotels. The Group’s diverse portfolio encompasses projects across the world. In terms of luxury residential projects, Hampstead, a low-density detached house project situated in a traditional luxury premise in Tai Po, New Territories East; and 18 ROSEWOOD, a low-density villa-style upscale project in Tuen Mun, have all been sold out.

The ongoing sales of SkyeHi, a trendy urban residential project in Tuen Mun, and Victoria Skye, a large-scale landmark residential project in Kai Tak, have been excellent. There are only a small number of units remaining for sale in Victoria Skye, most of which are special units. On top of residential projects, the Group’s latest commercial project, 21 Ashley in Tsim Sha Tsui – designed with a medical and healthcare focus and equipped with professional facilities – is now available for pre-letting.

K&K Property Holdings Ltd. has always focused on building quality developments with unique designs. Apart from the aforementioned projects, the Group’s developments include a residential and commercial project at Oak Street/Ivy Street, developed in collaboration with the Urban Renewal Authority; 18 Junction Road, a residential project in Kowloon; as well as a number of commercial projects in London, UK, and Moiwa Ski Resort in Hokkaido, Japan.

Zen Bathroom Spaces That Are Truly A Work Of Art by Limbonsai and Colourliving

Keeping up with their mission to build one-of-a-kind bathroom spaces that would leave anyone mesmerized, William Lim’s Limbonsai is collaborating with the Hong Kong-based lifestyle shop Colourliving to design picturesque bathrooms and powder rooms.

The partnership aims to create spaces that are the epitome of both luxury and beauty as a group of expert designers will put together an irresistible place for each of their clients.

As bathrooms are a space for self-care, the service will ensure that there is also room for self-expression by allowing clients to work alongside the team to personalise the look.

With a wide range of options to choose from, each client will be sat down for a step-by-step consultation so that they can also take part in the creative process by picking the colour, materials, furniture, and styles they love.

Among the eight colours that can be chosen, there are roman gold, rose gold, matte black, and chrome.

The service also combines the undeniable charm of nature and advanced technology in their Bonsai-inspired faucets. The Bonsai series add an artistic twist to taps with little sculptures being attached to the top of the tap.

The pieces are not just artwork that would most definitely exude serenity but are also functional as they come with two inbuilt knobs that help to control the water flow and temperature.

Papillionaire’s Row – Tseung Kwan O’s Papillions’ development combines absolute luxury with homeliness

To live in a home of undeniable beauty and unquestionable comfort is the aspiration of many and one that does necessarily entail occupying an immense palace, complete with a grand hall and sundry ornate trappings. In fact, it is the intelligent use of a space customised to the precise needs of residents that is now most prized among many home-hunters, with small, wellthought-out details and an active embodiment of the owner’s personal aesthete seen as something of a bonus.

Arguably, just such a dwelling is the Tseung Kwan O home of a family of five in the leafy Papillions development. For the lucky couple and their three children – two sons and a daughter – it is indeed something of a dream home, one where they have been able to specify many of their individual needs and particular preferences.

Extending across some 2,186 square feet, this two-storey dwelling embodies a modest European style, albeit with several notably luxurious touches. Designed three years ago by Connie Cham of Hei Design, an award-winning Kowloon Bay-based interior design specialist, the home is, in many ways, redolent of contemporary design at its very best. Throughout, such fine and naturally textured materials as wood and marble have been deployed to deliver a gentle blend of modern elements and functional design.

The spacious living/dining area, for instance, looks out over the stunning surrounding natural landscape via a series of wide, wall-length apertures, making the home bright and brimming with natural light. It’s also a space with direct access to a wide balcony, the ideal spot for enjoying the morning breeze and relishing the lush mountain views. The apt use of such reflective colours as white, blue and gold only adds to the lustre, bestowing a regal theme to the interior. In addition, a complimentary combination of blue and green seems to bring the natural exterior surroundings into the very heart of the home.

For its part, the living room sees a number of key features artfully highlighted, most notably a marble staircase with an extended base, the risers of which furl into different contours for each step. As part of the restructuring, it was repositioned to face the dining area instead of the living room, allowing it to define the two areas. Its original column has been artfully hidden by a double-sided divider, accented by faux leather upholstered ribbed panels with brushed steel inlays.

In a move that makes the entrance yet more spacious and grand, the design team resized the maid’s room and installed a glass sliding door in place of a wall, with the kitchen door now both facilitating airflow and creating a more open space. The height of the unit has also been adjusted via the incorporation of dropped ceilings into the living area and the master bedroom space.

Another focal point in the ground floor hall is a feature wall in the dining area, one layered with wall coverings and delicate metal inlays that extend through the ceiling to the feature wall of the adjacent living area. This space also boasts a moulding panel with a jib door and recessed LED strips, which provide a luminous backdrop to the dining table, creating a cool ambiance for family meals. In a touch to relish, the bespoke furniture and lighting match the whole theme, adding to the undoubted elegance of the interior.

Moving to the upper floor, this is divided into three expansive bedrooms, making it an exclusive enclave for family members. Understandably, the master bedroom is the most spacious and features a commodious closet with a desk, allowing it to double up as both a study and storage area. A feature wall, dressed in blue and gold upholstery similar to that found in the dining area, meanwhile, serves as a fetching headboard for the kingsized bed.

The room also makes good use of the same layered effect evident in the living area, with its dropped ceiling rimmed with gold acting almost as a skylight. With access to a small balcony and wide windows throughout, the room is often heady with the surrounding scents of nature. In a nice touch, the ensuite bathroom has been designed with simultaneous dual use very much in mind.

With the bedroom of one son set on the ground floor, this allows it to be reallocated to guests should the need arise. The other two children occupy rooms on the first floor, with each of their spaces uniquely themed in line with their personal preferences. The daughter’s room also grants access to the attic, enhancing both the room’s functionality and storage capacity. Throughout, the layout of both floors intentionally optimises the views across the outdoor greenery. This ensures that, despite the undeniably luxurious nature of its interior, the home remains perfectly in simpatico with nature, one of the key requirements in the initial design brief.

(Text: Zaira Abbas; Photos: hei design)

Welcoming Wellness

Varaschin Wellness therapy is a collection designed to redefine the experience of relaxation with a holistic sensory engagement. It is designed by the architect Alberto Apostoli, one of the most recognized designers in the field of wellness at an international level.

The collectionhas four main furnishing items equipped with state of the art technology to engage the body and mind through Light, colour, sound, fragrance and a warm, gentle touch. With an aim to create a bond between people and nature, the design and ergonomics of this collection are inspired by landscapes and based on the elements of TAO.

The single bed, double bed, sun lounger and the stone (a rock shaped by time) the collection exudes simplicity, comfort, warmth and a sense of wellbeing. The single bed is designed following an innovative modular system with freely integrated volumes, allowing the person to adjust them according to their own comfort. Its padded sleep top is covered in Wellness fabric with a luminous ring on the lateral side making it the perfect spa bed with chromotherapy and the supporting stone to be in Zen mode.

Similar features are available with the Double bed with more space to be enjoyed to relax in the company of someone else. With the same luminous ring on the side and the iconic stone that can be combined at will. The sunlounger is an aesthetic treat and an ergonomic wonder designed for absolute comfort and a cradle like warmth. Its round metal support holds its curvy chaise lounge delicately giving the impression of a floating body following a natural wave.

www.zzuecreation.com

Showroom: Shop 2612-17, 26/F., Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong.

New Experience Store: Shop 705-6, 7/F., Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong.

Explore this truly peak penthouse reinvented by the Grande Interior Studio

Arguably, the only thing more coveted than a peaceful, secure home is a peaceful, secure, luxury home with every creature comfort you can think of. Somewhere like one particular Tai Po penthouse mansion perhaps, a remarkable residence tucked away in the supremely spacious Kau To Shan area. Distinctly European style in design and décor, the house is eminently elegant, sophisticated and cosy, attributes that are immediately evident to anyone who steps inside.

Extending across some 2,356 sq. ft., the home has been thoughtfully designed by the hugely experienced team at Tsuen Wan-based Grande Interior Studio. Occupying two floors and featuring a connected garden and several balconies, the home is constantly bathed in lighting, which not only keeps it appealingly bright but also enhances the sea blue colour palette that runs throughout.

A roomy living area is the first thing you encounter upon entering, which is adjoined by a dining area blessed with gorgeous views of the well-appointed garden. The full-length see-through doors to the garden give the willful illusion that it forms part of the living area, with the touch of external green, a fine counterpoint to the internal shades of blue.

With the living area’s double-height faux ceiling connected to the second floor, the space appears even more commodious than you might expect from its already generous dimensions. Making adept use of this high-ceiling space, the design team incorporated a tremendously glamorous pendant, something that could not feature in most homes on account of space limitations. Another unique detail in this particular area is the floating faux ceiling, which has been fetchingly outlined with a light trough to create the feel of an infinitely extending space.

In order to avoid the dominant blue tone from becoming offputtingly pervasive, an effectively added selection of silvers and bronze have been distributed across the carefully curated furniture items arranged throughout the interior space. Along the TV wall, for instance, a textured grey wallpaper replete with copper details extends to the upper floor, uniting both areas while also underlining the overall luxury feel of this bespoke space.

The new layout design incorporates faux ceilings of contrasting heights between the living and dining areas, dividing them in terms of functionality, but allowing them to be easily united if required. The elegant colour scheme here is a fetching blend of white, Morandi greyblue, and textured grey, a palette extended into the dining room’s lofty feature display cabinets.

Decorated in an artisan home decor style, with coordinated and matching artworks, this majors on the provision of considerable storage space. Clearly looking to maximise this, the design team has prioritised opening up the space as much as possible, including adding an open bar corner for greeting and mingling with guests. The regal feel, meanwhile, is maintained through an array of sensitively positioned and proportioned marble surfaces and metallic pendants.

The highlight of the upper floor is the purpose-built family room, an enhancement designed to give the residents an ample communal hub. Equipped with a TV wall, coffee table and expansive sofa, it features a functional wooden floor ably counterpointed by copper-flecked textured metallic grey wallpaper.

Storage, meanwhile, comes courtesy of several discreet European-style cabinets.

Adjacent to this is an open-style study room for the owner, which features a floor-to-ceiling bronze-framed glass sliding door, an addition that both delivers more natural light and adds to the overall sense of space. The room itself sports more neutral decor, with subtle navy blue highlights marking this out as the ideal spot for serious contemplation and reflection.

Further along on the same floor, two of the bedrooms from the home’s previous incarnation have been merged into one decidedly capacious master bedroom. Sensitively decorated in shades of sea blue and white, it is a singularly serene location, a sense heightened by the room’s classic lines, textured wallpaper, deeply cushioned headboards and unobtrusive lighting.

A centrally-set partition wall houses a TV on one side and a dresser on the other, smartly dividing the space into sleeping and grooming areas, with the latter also leading to a spacious walk-in closet. This recessed wardrobe facility features a number of embedded cabinets and an array of mirrors, all of a distinctly contemporary European design. A mini-island centred within the closet and marble highlights throughout provide the perfect finishing touches, maintaining a sense of femininity and luxury.

The remaining two bedrooms are set on top of one another, with one on the ground floor and the other on the first. This allows both to enjoy commanding views of the extensive gardens and easy balcony access. In keeping with the younger demographic of their occupants, each room is sharply themed with playful, bright, colour combinations bestowing upon them an eminently kidfriendly vibe. The exception here is the wall cabinets with their classic white contours and recessed lighting features, unashamedly modernist in style.

Throughout the residence, there is a distinctly regal tone, emphasising that this is indeed a home that, while maybe not quite fit for a king, has more than a hint of nobility about it. Indeed, any family fortunate enough to take up permanent abode here would certainly count their blessings amid its fine furnishings, thoughtfully delivered decor and bright, natural spaces.

(Text: Zaira Abbas; Photos: Grande Interior)

A Wonderous Wedgwood Christmas

Win in the art of gifting with Wedgwood’s Christmas gift collection to give your loved ones presents they can cherish all year long. Their beautifully crafted, hand finished and heritage inspired festive gifts are designed with everyone in mind, whatever their personal taste and style. From gifts that will appeal to tea enthusiasts, home decorators, interior stylists, new parents or those who just love to entertain. Here are some of the notable gifts that will bring joy to any home they are taken to.

The Winter White set brings crisp, calm accents to your colourfully bold mix-and-match Christmas decor, with fine bone china cups illustrated with festive motifs and edged with platinum. The matching saucers are decorated with a striking platinum line and scroll pattern, making these a truly luxurious way to enjoy your post-Christmas-lunch cup of tea and turkey sandwich by the fire.

Being the host for Christmas get togethers is a joy and it is even better if it is done in style. Serve starters and sweets in festive elegance with Wedgwood’s Winter White plate set. Adorned with woodcut-style motifs including mistletoe and a Christmas tree, each piece is made from superior fine bone china.

Keep warm and relax with a cup of wedgwood tea in the company of friends of family this Christmas. With 25 of people’s favourite teas from all corners of the world, Wedgwood’s advent calendar will take you on a tea-drinking journey from the heights of the Himalayas to the great plains of Kenya. Filled with your favourite blends, herbal infusions, and single origin teas, we use only whole leaf teas to ensure the fullest flavour in every cup.

When it comes to decorating your home for festivities Wedgwood’s collection has everything from ornaments to baubles to snow globes. Especially the charm set which is a trio of festive decorations featuring snowflakes and stars to hang and adorn. Crafted from white porcelain and decorated with iconic Wedgwood blue details, they make the perfect gift. Redesigned and refined for 2022, add them to your wish list or give them as a gift to those close to your heart.

A perfect gift for new parents to celebrate new additions to family, Wedgwood Baby’s First Christmas ornament celebrates the first twelve months of little bundle of joys. A polar bear with a scarf available in blue and pink, inscribed with the year 2022 for you to keep and treasure forever. Made from porcelain, it’s finished with a satin ribbon with the message ‘A Magical Wedgwood Christmas’. Packaged in a Wedgwood giftbox, it’ll make the present memorable for years.

Grande Elegance

Grande Studio is a renowned interior design and construction company in Hong Kong, Providing customized designs from layout replanning to construction, their design approach is of high-end minimalism, aiming to build sanctuaries that realizes their client’s dreams.. Gafencu was in conversation with Matthew Li, The creative director of Grande Interior to get insights on the design scene in Hong Kong.

For more info visit Grande Interior

Local shops bringing festival and merry cheer to the city

While Christmas might seem like the most abiding of holidays, with its traditions so time honoured as to be almost unassailable, the festival has, incrementally, changed over recent years. And in many subtle and not-so-subtle ways. The dawn of online communications has not been great news for disparate families, with brief avatar-ed appearances trumping jet lag, airline cuisine and compulsory Covid testing.

But all is not lost. There is still hope that tradition is returning to at least one aspect of all-things Christmas – gift-giving. While, not so long ago, Amazon and Esty had stealthily become the go-to providers of presents for loved ones both near and far, there’s been a distinct shift of late. Suddenly, it’s once again de rigueur to buy your presents and Christmas trinkets locally and in person. Thankfully, for those in Hong Kong, this is one challenge many of the local shops and assorted other outlets are more than up to meeting.

Flower Power
The Anglo-Chinese Florist started as a small flower boutique in 1946 at a location that couldn’t appear more apt – Lyndhurst Terrance in Central, a thoroughfare better known to many as “Flower Street”. Inevitably, as you near this ever-popular outlet, the fresh aroma of Christmas pine will help you find your way. It offers a huge selection of high-quality Christmas trees, as well as a fine array of wreaths and lights, with prices varying between HK$900-3,600.

Today, as part of its commitment to quality, the florist prides itself on importing only the freshest trees, plants and flowers from Holland, South Africa and New Zealand. In terms of its special Christmas offering, its services range from creating small, bespoke multi-candle centrepieces to decorating 10-feet-tall Christmas trees from scratch.

Festive Eats
Something special for the festive season is also promised by the Hong Kong-based food and beverage firm, The Pirata Group. As to just what makes its festive offer stand out from rivals, is its no reservations policy, meaning you’re always in with more than a chance of finding a table at one of its three outlets – Pici, The Pizza Project or Pane e Latte.

These three restaurants are big on holiday cheer and specialise in curated festive goodies that infuse the brand’s expertly prepared dishes and Italian treats with timeless holiday flavours. Make it a December to remember with one of their special festive goodies, with the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Pizza, a particular favourite.

Bread Ringers
Ali Oli is Hong Kong’s oldest European bakery, and with Christmas fast approaching, its festive menu includes turkeys sourced from Italy and Canada for those wanting to step away from cooking and just relax during the holiday. It also provides such Christmas classics as mince pies, stollen, pecan pie and pumpkin pie.

The 36-year-old bakery offers some of the highest quality European and Western baked products, which perhaps accounts for its enduring reputation for maintaining a hugely extensive and innovative product list.

Cake-out Artist
The perennially pastel-shaded pop-up store of the celebrity-beloved Vive Cake Boutique is opting to showcase its signature black sesame temptation and its complete collection of edible art, to a new range of wholly imaginative festive offerings.

The patisserie’s newest creation, the four-tier Prince Sesame Cake, is a must for lovers of nutty and slightly bitter-sweet sensations. Since 2014, the bakery has been known as the crème de la crème among Hong Kong’s bespoke dessert-makers and, as result, has accrued an enviable celebrity client list.

Claus Encounters
For four days only, The Murray Christmas Market is morphing into pretty much the perfect destination for any last-minute Christmas shopping. This will see the five star hotel transform into a marketplace full of all things Christmassy, with a vast array of festive lifestyle products, including food and wine, jewellery, clothing and more.

As if that wasn’t enough, the celebrity mystery guest Santa will be travelling from The North Pole to Hong Kong for photo opportunities and Claus encounters with young revellers, to complete this wonderful and festive experience.

(Text: Joseff Musa)