Category: Living

Bespoke Perfumes to make your day scentsantional

Aromas have an unusually powerful role when it comes to unlocking our memories. As a result, it is more than possible to deliberately deploy them as a means of commemorating particularly significant life events and underlining their importance. Just ask anyone who has bought and worn a unique, personally selected scent at a specific point in their life and they will inevitably assure you that such a favoured fragrance always comes with a distinct whiff of nostalgia.

A Scent, indeed, has the power to transport us and recapture the emotional significance of time gone by. For particularly momentous occasions, it is often important to opt for a scent with direct emotional appeal, a scent that forever afterward can transport you back to that special day, allowing you to relive that formative experience many times over the course of a lifetime.

In the case of Hong Kong’s most evocative perfume brands, they have a long and noble heritage, while the artistry behind their formulation has never stopped evolving. From choosing just the right scent profile for a special event to committing to a signature everyday fragrance, there are, however, a number of guiding principles it more than pays to be aware of.

Exquisite options
Overall, it’s best not to be too preoccupied with passing fads or limited seasonality when selecting a scent. Instead, it’s always best to opt for something that truly reflects just who you are. This could be something you already see as your signature, a wholly new scent or indeed, a combination of the two when in doubt.

In the latter instance, the beauty of layering aromas is that it tailors a signature scent, inevitably adding a twist of something new. John Paulo, the founder of Artisenses, has long been a master of this particular process. When it opened its doors in 2014, his company was Asia’s first professional provider of customised, innovative scent solutions.

His team prides itself on delivering memorable guest experiences, frequently creating bespoke luxury scents for events such as weddings, where the bride and groom, as well as the guests, all get to create their own fragrances. The company’s Scent Bar is geared to letting clients create scents specific to any event’s theme, while also facilitating any required collaboration with many well-known perfume brands.

Rebel smell
Evoking a designated mood is, of course, always something of a priority. From its name and apparent positioning alone, is clear that, in this regard, Esscentric – Perfume for Rebels, courtesy of Jodie Chan, is very much targeting a somewhat bolder client base. Generally, people use perfumes to silently announce their personalities, with stronger scents betokening certain maturity and sensuality, making them ideal for celebrations of a more romantic one. This is very much the case with Chan’s perfume line, which is specifically dedicated to people who work hard all day and play hard all night.

Expanding on her perfume-for-partygoers- approach, Chan says: “Esscentric’s perfume oils will keep you fresh, alert and irresistible. They are intimate and subtle. You can stay balanced when everyone in the world is going crazy.

“Basically, I make perfume for rebels, those who won’t stand for the synthetic products available on the general market, those who want something different and original and who embrace their age, while seldom revealing the exact number.”

Packaged in a customised leather holster with a detachable chain, these perfumes double as fashion statements. In order that they can be always to hand, they can be chained to belt loops or even worn around the neck.


The right mix
Of course, in particular, everyone desires a product that works with their unique body chemistry, something that never smells the same on two different people (largely because the pH level of each individual’s skin has an impact on how a perfume will be experienced). This is why the best body areas to spray fragrances on are pulse points, such as the neck or wrist, both of which tend to give off considerable heat. There is also a reason why certain perfumes are formulated specifically for men or women – the different chromosomes of the two sexes.

Weather is also something to consider, especially in Hong Kong where the humidity can be almost as high as 100%. In such an instance a good bet would be Parisine, a unisex fragrance collection suitable for a variety of wardrobe options, which integrates the aromas of several century-old classic French perfume houses, including such legendary and iconic brands as Nogara and D’ORSAY. At its scent bar, perfumiers are typically on hand to help craft a custom fragrance for daily use and special occasions. Taking into account an individual’s personal style, they aim to recommend the optimal scent, complete with a range of base and boost notes.

Before wearing any new scent to a high profile occasion, try it out for a few days to ensure you have a good connection with it. This gives you the chance to reassess your impression of the fragrance for its longevity.

It’s also crucial that any smell you’re wearing makes you feel confident and at ease. While many tend to gauge a new fragrance through the reactions of others, this, however, may not be the most reliable of indicators, given the likelihood that most commentators will favour politeness over the possibility of giving offence. Ultimately, you have to stay true to yourself and rely on your common sense when it comes to personal scents.

 

Text: Joseff Musa

TAI TAM LUXURY HOME-A BLEND OF ORIENT AND OCCIDENT

Nestled between the green mountains of Tai Tam at Hong Kong Parkview is an apartment modelling a beautiful blend of the Orient and the Occident. Offering blissful views of the verdant landscape, the home embodies the spirit of nature with its regal materials and soothing palettes of ocean and sea.


In a resourceful multipurpose manner, the whole space has been designed to offer comforts of a home as well as the attractions of a clubhouse. Sprawling across a generous 4,616sq. ft, this is a happy dwelling of a family of four, a couple and their two daughters. Interior designer Danny Chiu changed the initial layout of the apartment to suit the needs of its sociable owners, who are accustomed to hosting parties and events. To echo the spectacular outside views, the new design brings natural elements like mountains, water, waves and marbles into the interior.


The previous floor plan was quite symmetrical with mirroring twin units, distributed in eight rooms on the left and right. Chiu intelligently remodelled the apartment to remove obstructions and make areas more spacious, allowing free movement and increased functionality. It took almost two years to realise the vision of the designer so the family could have their ideal home.


The entrance opens into a hall-like living room that has an adjoining dining area with wide windows, allowing the domed hills to peek inside. The hall has a wooden Yamagata false ceiling rising up to 17m, starting with a bar table and spanning across the entire dining area and living room. The ebbs and flows of the tray ceiling, which is equipped with a smart home lighting system, are designed to mimic ocean waves.

Opposite the windows is an indented feature wall dressed in a textured wallpaper of panoramic mountains reminiscent of a traditional Chinese landscape artwork. The blue hue of the wallpaper is a thematic reflection of the dining area, where a table for 10 stands in handy distance of the bar table and decorative cabinet behind it. Meanwhile, the kitchen boasts wide Italian cabinets from Arclinea that are sleek and minimal in design to highlight the marble patterned walls.

Moving towards the more convivial space of the living room, it is thanks to the modular furniture here, courtesy of Theodore Alexander, that the family can enjoy the flexibility of adjusting the layout and appearance of the space to fit different occasions and number of guests. At the far end, a smart Planika fireplace with a marble TV feature wall is cleverly proportioned to serve as a partition that seperates the cosy sitting area behind.

Here, designed to accommodate the homeowners’ cherished hobbies, is an area for calligraphy and tea-tasting. The carpet reflects the living room’s flooring of marble pattern – a recurring theme throughout the unit. Axolight chandeliers, on the other hand, cast 3D mountain-contour patterns overhead, together the elements perfectly echo the tranquil theme of the home.


Heralding a breezy encounter, the large terrace affords a breath of fresh air of Tai Tam and the panoramic views beyond. Here, they can enjoy breakfast in at daybreak, sip tea in the twilight, or host barbecue parties on warm sunny days with a scenic backdrop – the hangout spot. The apartment also houses a massage room, a theatre room and a wine cellar replete with the owners’ favourite collections.

Within the more private quarters of the house, the master bedroom is nothing less than a royal suite. Earthy tones and wooden floors offer a calm, warming and tender ambience for the sweet comfort of its dwellers. To the side, a raised platform with modified curved columns provides a relaxing little corner for reading or simply enjoying the the hillside views beyond the wide plane of window to the side of the bed.
Within the master en suite sits an I-spa jacuzzi and sauna that proffers a five-star experience at home, while the large carpeted dressing room complete with a vanity area ensures privacy and comfort while getting ready.


The bedrooms for the two daughters are equally appealing, each with her own personal touch to match their contrasting tastes and preferences. One daughter enjoys the shades of blue which is aptly, so cool shades that decorate the textured walls and carpet to reflect the ocean. The highlight of this room is a curved platform near the window that is raised and shaped to create the effect of a bubble.
Since the floor is lit with LED lighting strips, the platform gives an illusion of floating. The bathroom also matches the theme, with blue diamond-shaped tiles and tinted glass.


The other daughter’s bedroom, on the other hand, is a stark contrast to the first. Monochromatic greys and whites largely make up the interiors of this space, featuring ample indentations on the wall behind the headboard that form soft, gradual reflections on the fabric segments of the décor when lit – an effect that instils a sense of calmness and zen.

The bathroom – shared between the two sisters – features a wide Coelux LED skylight in that replicates the warmth of natural light. In its entirety, the home manifests the beauty of its surroundings through the natural elements within, while boasting subtle touches of luxury that exudes comfort and sereneity enjoyed in a tasteful, convival design.

 

Text: Zaira Abbas Photos: Danny Chiu Interior Designs LTD

Bespoke Chandeliers To Light Up Your Space

The classic opulent statement lighting for any space, the most elegant of embellishments for the ceiling, and certainly the focal point of any room they are in, chandeliers are synonymous with luxury décor. Once seen only in grand palaces, mansions, manor houses and ballrooms, this shimmering symbol of grandeur and status has successfully made its way into modern interiors.

Although conventional chandeliers bring to mind large, heavy installations with multiple intricate shards of glass and crystals cradling light bulbs, there are plenty of lighter options these days, if you’ll pardon the pun. Ornate modern chandeliers do not have to dominate every room they are hung in; they can fit beautifully into the average-sized home and perfectly match the minimalist themes of modern interiors. To everyone’s delight, they are available in a variety of designs, materials, sizes and price ranges.

Indeed, compared to floor lights and wide-based lamps, chandeliers work as space savers – hanging (fairly) discreetly from the ceiling. Nor will they damage your décor with unsightly holes required to mount wall lights. They are also functional as they provide ambient light, so your whole space is evenly lit with greater coverage.

Chandeliers are surprisingly versatile, too, serving as statement pieces and focal points in living rooms, dining rooms, foyers and even bedrooms. It’s no news that light can have a significant effect on your mood, so choose modestly sized chandeliers that brighten the space and fall in proportion with ceiling height; you don’t want your light to feel too warm or too close. Round, farmhouse, sputnik and rustic-style chandeliers are among the types best suited for home interiors since they add elegance without being overpowering.

Although there are endless ready-crafted designs to choose from, a custom-made chandelier allows you to reflect your unique ideas of stylish décor. A number of interior and lighting brands in Hong Kong offer bespoke services for light fixtures including chandeliers, so there is nothing to stop you from getting creative with your prestige illuminations.

 

Zodiac Designs

With a century worth of combined experience in the lighting industry, Zodiac Lighting’s professional in-house research and development team goes above and beyond in their bespoke luminaires. They are also the city’s key distributor of leading international lighting brands and innovative designs, having had glamerous installations featured at locations such as Hong Kong Regala Skycity Hotel. Here, the Fish Tornado hangs as a magnificent display of amber and translucent glass tubes in a spiral arrangement – a testament to the team’s brilliant designs and bespoke services.

The Plisse Cloud by Czech designer Lasvit is an elegantl chandelier that gorgeously resembles a cloud floating through the sky – its airy form gives the illusion of movement. White polished stainless steel captures the effect of blurred glass, emitting a soft, diffused light that adds to the ambiance of smaller spaces in the home, like the bedroom, lounge or dining room.

A classic piece in the brand’s decorative collection is the Linea Chandelier Round by sculptural lighting expert Brand van Egmond. This cool modification of a sputnik chandelier complements minimalist interiors. Its burnished brass finish gives it a robust style and a futuristic look that elevates kitchens spaces, reading nooks, bars and even foyers. Essentially a rectangular variation of a multi-tiered chandelier, an array of suspended glass hangs in what seems like a gentle spiral motion, making this an iconic installment to any venue that as it takes pride of place on higher ceilings and in spacious halls.

Your Casa

Apart from selling a wide selection of luxury furniture, lighting and statement pieces, décor expert Casa Modernism has a team of in-house designers to create bespoke lights, from wall-mounted and floor lights to ceiling and pendant lights crafted from hand-blown glass that often translates the themes of nature into the form of magnificent chandeliers. For instance, the Rain Chandelier is a beautiful, delicately hand-forged statement piece. Inspired by the motion of raindrops, the structure features frosted glass with splashes of rosy pink at the tips while mounted on a bronze frame. Though its impressive decorative embellishment goes further than its soft aesthetics as it is innovatively designed to change in colour according to  the temperature of the room.

The Waterfall Chandelier is another stunning design that would undoubtedly be an artistic centerpiece for any ciruclar room grand entrance. It takes the form of a column while mimicking the shape of a water fountain as it cascades down from the ceiling – a magnificent shower of mesmerising light falling down to Earth. Its brilliance is made even more spectacular at night with chromatic hues of blue and gold glass crystals illuminating in the form of droplets under the shine of the light.

On the other hand, the Electrifier Chandelier, a collection of thin spiralled crystals that group together to a torus core frame. A focal point of any room or hall, this sculptural masterpiece is a manifestation of the magnificence of a thunderstorm brewing in the sky, embellished with elegant lines and meticulous detailing. Similarly, the long, multicoloured crystals of the Sparking Stars Chandelier recalls a playful confetti of shooting stars.

Baseline Brilliance

Baseline Lighting Design Studio, on the other hand, has been known to offer its expertise in bespoke lighting creations to luxury brands and hotels across the city. One of their finest works, a representation of intertwined rings, hangs in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Golden Mile. It is a 15-meter long chandelier crafted from aluminium tubes, then painted black and gold with dynamic and controllable pixel LEDs.

Another noteworthy creation is the decorative chandelier that hangs at The Peninsula Cafe and Boutique, designed to lay low to mirror the tables, it offers a regal glow in such a grand space. Meanwhile, regulars at now closed Jamie’s Italian would remember the jazzy, rustic diner and its statement chandeliers that hung overhead in sections. An integral part of the décor and experience, they gave the space a luxurious feel that elevated the interiors of the modern eatery.

 

Text: Zaira Abbas. Photos: Zodiac Designs, Casa Modernism, Baseline Lighting Studio

7 Home Décor Ideas to Follow this Autumn

The -ber months are knocking at the door harbinger the beautiful transition of nature seasonal changes. While evergreens transform from fresh greens to rustic oranges and deep reds, the cooler weather calls for more comfortable spaces to lounge in, prompting our inner creative sides to elevate our abodes to reflect the beautiful autumn landscapes. Here are 5 home décor ideas to spruce up your spaces with a warmer and enchanting ambiance. 

1. Light up your home with candles

Candles are a fantastic decorative element, they can complement your existing décor when placed in front or on side of paintings, vases, lamps or sculptures creating magical shadows and silhouettes. Dress up your home by adding a variety of candles on shelves and mantle pieces. You can place them on tall candle stands of different heights or in glass lanterns to give a more vintage vibe. Scented candles with flavours of maple leaves, clove, cinnamon, apple or lavender are perfect to make your home even smell like autumn. 

2. Celebrate the changing colors


Adding more warm colors to your space will instantly create an autumnal theme. Fluff up some orange, red and dark brown pillows for your bedroom and cushions for your living room. Choose blankets and throws of similar colors to drape over your sofas, couches or carpets. These will serve as accessories to your existing furniture without you having to make big changes and replacing your current possessions.

3. Follow up the fall foliage


When you think of autumn you can’t help but think of leaves, either fallen or dancing in the breeze. To give the home a touch of fall ambiance, place decorative plants around the room, leaves in bowls or perennial planter boxes in corners on the wall or sitting atop window sills. Common Ivy, Hydrangea, cactus, maple and oxalis and excellent choices are great choices for indoor plants that will last longer through the autumn season. 

4. Hang in some vines, wreaths and fairy lights.

If you find plants to be high maintenance, you can use artificial vines and wreathes made up of flowers, leaves, pines and pumpkins to decorate your walls, doors and curtains. You can use them in combination with fairy lights that can light them up giving a festive feel and warmth.  Bookshelves look more appealing with fairy lights and vines, making your reading corner into a dreamy cozy space to find comfort in.

5. Adding warmth to outdoor spaces

Photo courtesy of Zzue Creation

Just because it’s cooler out, doesn’t mean you have to keep from the outside. Give your outdoor spaces some love by furnishing it will autumn tones and rustic textures to add some warmth and cosiness to your balcony, terraces and patio. Woven textures like rattan are a good choice, such as Barlow Tyrie’s “Cocoon” seating system, from its 2022 outdoor collection.  Its strong aluminum frame and soft plush cushions come in a set of 2 deep seated armchairs and a 3-seater sofa, available at Zzue Creation, provides the perfectly comfortable gathering spot on a breezy autumn evening.

6. Pump it up with Pumpkins

Pumpkins often go hand-in-hand with the autumn season. And with Halloween just around the corner, what better way to enrich your living space with the many  colours and variety this auburn squash can offer. Real or faux, pumpkins can be used as dining table centerpieces, and decorative ornaments on kitchen. Pumpkin scents also adds a romantic touch to the space thanks to its sweet and spice scent. Scented candles from Diptyque and Maison Francis Kurkdijian perfects these aromas very well.

 

(Text: Zaira Abbas)

Where to buy the best outdoor furniture in Hong Kong

If you’re struggling to find just the right fitting to kit our your balcony, patio, roof or garden this summer, we have just the solution.

Needless to say, furniture shopping can be a chore that causes a fair amount of frustration. Whether you’re seeking something modern or scaling back the extravagance with something more minimalist, we’ve gone through the effort of compiling a list of the best high-end outdoor furniture stores in the city so you can find the right fixture for your alfresco needs.

Zzue Creation

Redefining outdoor living in Hong Kong, Zzue Creation sets the bar for the type of outdoor furniture you can get in the city, providing home owners a solution to all things comfortable, contemporary and convenient. From daybeds and pool loungers to BBQ grills and dining tables to shadings and swings and more, it offers the highest quality products deigned by a breadth of global designers from over 50 renowned brands. 

Better yet, the team at Zzue Creation offers reliable top-notch services, including consultation, one-stop delivery, installation, and maintenance services, putting customers’ minds at ease throughout the process. 

Location: Shop 2612-17, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau
Contact: +852 2580 0633 / info@zzuecreation.com

 

C’est Koo
This store frequently updates their website with a range of new styles and customisable options to furnish a variety of different sized homes. From elegant lounge chairs and day beds to misting fans, led lighting, this store provides a luxurious getaway from your own backyard.
Location: Chai Wan
Contact: +852 3495 5275

Garden Gallery
For a more backyard / garden outdoor solution to the forthcoming summertime fun, this furniture store provides an expansive range of accessories, storage compartments and even an ultra-frame swimming pool.  From sheds to safely store away tools, equipments and bikes to barbeque grills and accessories to foldable chairs and dining tables.
Location: Ap Lei Chau / Shatin / Mong Kok
Contact: +852 6117 2938 (Ap Lei Chau branch)

Harbour Outdoor
Australian outdoor furniture with unique designs and incredibly durable materials, this shop’s tropical weather-inspired outdoor fixtures ideally matches the hot and humid weather of the city while still presenting beautifully modern and elegant upholstery.
Location: Ap Lei Chau
Contact: +852 2765 6188

Irony Home
From heaters and barbeque equipments to gazebos and parasols, this stylish furniture store stocks a range of products sourced from places like Spain, Italy and New Zealand. They even produce grade A teak wood furniture, flooring and even swings, specially treated with a powder coating for durability and longer lasting quality.
Location: Ap Lei Chau
Contact: +852 2845 2567

Sun Garden
This store imports premium quality products from around the world. From outdoor kitchens and barbeque equipment to small-scale utility sheds, this place will surely offer a one-stop solution to all things alfresco.
Location: Ap Lei Chau
Contact: +852 2614 1822

Everything Under The Sun
Providing furniture and accessories designed for homeowners to live a stylish lifestyle. This store selects products made from the trendy materials, evident in their modish furniture. They also stock accessories such as umbrellas, awnings and barbeque equipment for a complete day out in the sun.
Location: Ap Lei Chau
Contact: +852 2554 9088

Roche Bobois’ Autumn-Winter 2022 redefines living with Covid

Pursuing creativity is often a courageous endeavour to achieve something nobody has ever done – to cross boundaries and limitations to create something wholly unique. And for French luxury home interior retailer Roche Bobois, creativity was never an area which it had shied away from. 

For its Autumn-Winter 2022 collection, it redefines living at home, inspired by the way Covid-19 had shifted how people experienced living at home. With different interpretations and new perspectives, Roche Bobois leads into the new season with brand new contemporary designs that transform how we experience our home. 

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Particularly the Polygonia by Giacomo Garziano, an exceptionally designed sideboard made of four units – two opened with butterfly doors and two with flap doors. Its design, an inspiration from the Amazonian butterfly Polygonia Zephus, is a striking sculptural piece made of plain or metallic lacquered polyurethane. A uniquely inspiring and limited 55-piece, it engages the mind with creativity and imagination – perfectly striking to the eye and intriguing to the senses, like art. 

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Meanwhile, the Blogger 3 by Roberto Tapinassi & Maurizio Manzoni is a cain fabric upholstered sofa, complete with foam-filled padded seats and supported on a solid fir wood and pine wood structure. At the heart of its creative process, attention to detail, meticulous finishes and masterful craftsmanship were always the focus. Boasting a clever mix of ’70s and ’00s era, its modern design gives way for its rounded curved lines, soft tufting and sumptuous cream tone to encapsulate a soft, comfortable, timeless and relaxed aesthetic and experience. 

 

For more information, please visit www.roche-bobois.com/en.

A tour a round a sublime 1800 square-feet home in St. Mortiz

Envisioning a home with seamless elegance and then manifesting perfection in every inch of its space is a feat that proves a challenge for many. One such example where the designers have been able to achieve this, is a home nestled in the St. Mortiz complex, named after the Swiss alpine resort town of its namesake.

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Located in the idyllic neighbourhood of Kau To Shan, the unit is an embodiment of minimalist design, making room for inspiration and the refined taste of its owners’ to stand out, while showcasing the panaromic views of the home’s surrounding landscape and natural beauty, courtesy of the unit’s cleverly placed floor-to-ceiling windows.

To realise the client’s dream home, Mary Cheung, art director for Grande Interior Design, has thoughtfully planned this duplex house with comfort and functionality in mind, while the aesthetics follow a soft theme through tastefully muted colours and reflective surfaces. Occupying a generous 1800 sq ft, the space lets in plenty of natural light, making the rooms appear even more spacious. White and beige being the dominant colours in the palette, the frames of windows, ceiling, cabinets, balustrade and mirrors are kept darker to create a contrast and engender a more stylish, sharper look.

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Cavernous Creation
Stepping inside the capacious foyer, one can’t help but notice an artisan brown glass chandelier hanging through a recessed opening in the ceiling. The entrance is highlighted with a glass mirror and metal featured on the pure white wall making it a focal point. One side of the area has a small storage space that blends in with the walls, tastefully done to match the mix of colours. Just next to these slender storage cabinets is a dusky framed glass screen, separating the stairs from the foyer and maintaining privacy.

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Moving further along is a cavernous living room, which incorporates an adjoining dining area and bar at the far end. The edges of the ceiling, cabinets and shelves in between are curved and refined for a smoother impression of the minimalist design. To fit the theme of a flowing style, the carpet, table tops and a feature wall peeking underneath the cabinets, all have a marble pattern. Nothing in the room is too linear and direct, even the sculptures and art pieces are round and curvy. Simplicity and minimalist design is evident in every nook and corner of the house, but the aesthetics and exquisiteness are never compromised.

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Tranquil Ambience
A long ice-white carpet flows through the living room to the dining area so as to unify both spaces into one, looking like a fluid reflection of the white ceiling above. The lush green trees and hills outside feel like an extension of the living room because of their unobstructed views through the amply proportioned windows. The soothing sense of freshness is tangible here, making it a perfect place for a chill afternoon in solitude or to enjoy a hearty meal with friends and family.

The discerning layout of both floors distinguishes them in their functionality and visual appeal. While the ground floor is more of an open space, the floor above is more spatially constrained – private and measured – giving each bedroom and the multipurpose bedroom their own ambiance.

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A characteristic feature of the dining area is a sophisticated floral-shaped pendant light hanging above the dining table, creating a dynamic visual effect. The placement is such that it marks the centre of the overall ceiling making it a chief feature of the entire space. The reformed open kitchen island next to the dining area is an ideal place to prepare meals while looking out the window at the natural world beyond.

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The elegant wooden winder stairs from the living room take you to the floor above and lead to a versatile area nestled between the two bedrooms. As the home was renovated for a couple with a grown daughter, the designer turned two small guestrooms into one multipurpose room which now serves both as an area for family gathering and as a guest room when friends come over. It can be closed and opened through a sliding door depending on the occasion – either becoming part of the hallway or a private space to read or meditate.

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Sleep Sanctuary
The master bedroom exudes elegance with its earth tone palette and beige combinations. The décor is classic yet minimalist, giving the room a monochromatic feel with subtle light contrasts The bedroom’s cosy mood invites one to unwind and relax, offering a sanctuary to forget worries and connect with one’s own deeper essence. The storage space in the room is only for the essentials and the dresser table is extending towards the cabinet – giving it all a sense of movement and purpose. The master bedroom also features a balcony for its fortunate dweller to bask in the verdant views beyond, surrounded by fresh air with a soothing cup of hot brew in hand.

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The second bedroom has an independent walk-in closet with a translucent sliding door, allowing the space to be suitable for both study and work. The desk adjoining the wardrobe has a generous view of the green outdoors making it a space that inspires creativity and drives imagination. The glass sphere shaped pendants on the side tables and the stone textured headboard establish this room as the epitome of opulence.

 

(Text: Zaira Abbas; Photos: St. Mortiz)

ONSEN Outdoor Furniture: A matrimony of nature and design

A marriage between nature and architecture come together in ONSEN, a collection of outdoor furniture that spells elegance and contemporary flare.

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Thanks to coveted award-winning designers Francesco Meda and David Quincoces, the creation of this collection of outdoor seating system, crafted from inox stainless steel and natural-toned leather fabrics, is a balanced juxtaposition of hard and soft; light and shadow; empty and full.

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A concept birth from repeated experimentation in the use of exterior materials and artisan tanning. The result? Warm and elegant structures that evoke a sophisticated appeal for the contemporary taste.

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“ONSEN’s success is that it has been the result of a long research process that has taken us into unexplored land and has led to innovations both in construction techniques and in the selection of materials”, Meda sayss.

 

For more information, please visit www.zzuecreation.com.

Playa Living’s water lounge for the ultimate home relaxation

Toss that tacky inflatable pool to the trash! Your luxury home deserves better –  fitting that evokes character, style and elegance. Enter Playa Living, a unique furnishing concept that offers the utmost relaxing experience of the home with beautiful Italian-made furniture.

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The Playa Living water lounge in particular is ideal for any outdoor space that needs the addition of a swimming pool. Though the city isn’t known for its backyard pool parties, this impressive instant pool is the perfect solution to making your rooftop or terrace summer fun a reality.

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Designed with clean, elegant lines, Playa is a model which is capable of adding character to any environment. And more than just the looks, its design features woven fiber along the sides of the pool for a timeless elegance that also offers stability and durability. Padded with the brand’s Playa cushions and Living cushions for added comfort while sitting or sunbathing, this water lounge is the epitome of innovation and modern style in modern home furnishing.

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But it’s innovative design doesn’t end there. Dipping deeper into the experience of the Playa water lounge, this easy-to-install above-ground pool offers a sumptuous spa treatment right in your own home. Featuring a light and bubble system that allows you to control lighting, heat and even a hydromassage function with a press of a button, for the ultimate relaxing spa treatment at home.

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Not to mention, its modular design allows for a versatile and flexible setting, whether you prefer to lay flat or recline while in the company of friends and guests. Its adjustable structure enables customisation to adapt to any setting and become a place of relaxation and convivial setting.

 

For more information, please visit: www.zzuecreation.com.

Creative ways to transform your walls with bespoke wallpapers

Whether you are thinking to give your room a complete makeover or just sprucing it up for a fresher look, wallpapers are a great choice. On top of making your walls look visually appealing, they also protect them and are proven to be more hygienic, eco-friendly and longer lasting than paint. What’s more, wallpaper is easy to clean and even easier to put up.

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(Photo courtesy of Khroma, from the Havana collection)

Available in a variety of distinctive materials, pretty patterns, cool colours and tactile textures, there is certainly a wide range of designs to choose from. Some wallpaper materials are better suited for certain spaces. For instance, PVC and vinyl are more appropriate for areas like the kitchen and bathroom because they are highly resistant to humidity and moisture. Whereas fibreglass wallpapers are good for old, heavily used, cracked walls. They also work better for public places like hospitals and schools. The choice of a wallpaper in the bedroom can also make a huge difference because you want to choose colours or patterns that you find relaxing.

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(Photo courtesy of Tat Ming Wallpapers, from their Marble collection)

 

However, if you want to give your space a unique personal touch, there are companies that offer bespoke services for custom-made wallpapers and coverings. Whether it’s your favourite artwork or a graphic that you want to see on your wall, it can be digitally transformed into a wall mural and can turn your ho-hum wall into a masterpiece. A few artists even collaborate with companies to create hand-painted wallpapers that can take your space aesthetics to the next level.

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(Photo courtesy of Tat Ming Wallpapers, from their Marble collection)

Tat Ming Wallpapers is one such company established in 1981, with grand showrooms in Hong Kong and across Asia. In 2016, the company launched its digital print service that led to its nature-inspired Sea of Clouds, Botanical and Woodland themes. It has a diverse collection of  western, oriental and contemporary themes, colours and materials – mostly sourced from Europe, while also emphasising environmental sustainability and ethical – each category offering vibrant colours, mesmerising illustrations and culturally rich themes.

The marble collection is worth checking out. Its impressive textures and classic designs are art in themselves, designed to embellish any space with a graceful touch and tasteful pattern. Marble wall covers don’t only elevate the aesthetics of the space, they also help create a sense of depth – leading any dweller’s line of sight to trace the ebb and flow of rippling patterns. The marble series is more suitable for formal spaces and rooms that are used to relax and unwind.

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(Photo courtesy of Tat Ming Wallpapers, a collaborative series with artist Wing Choeng Ho)

Tat Ming also collaborates with reputable artists. One such artists is the much-admired Wing Cheong Ho, a Lingnan School of Painting alumni, who in collaboration with Tat Ming, turned his incredible art pieces into digital murals, infusing traditional Chinese styles into modern interior design.

Ho’s skill in Chinese ink painting captures the transition of seasons, the silence of trees and the ferocity of wild creatures in a powerful yet  elegant manner, breathing life into the home with murals of landscapes, botanical motifs, rich hues and robust strokes. This collaborative series of wall murals are the perfect backdrops for adding a sense of culture, art and nature seamlessly in one space. 

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(Photo courtesy of Khroma, from the Havana collection)

For funkier and more chic options, Khroma by Masureel is a brand that has a veritable smorgasbord of wallpaper series and cool themes. Their intricate patterns and choice of retro colours make walls look fresher and more dynamic. The designs are stimulating and each collection has multiple colour options. With the ample variety in the brand’s designs, there is a lot to choose from, making it easier to facilitate design professionals and get customised work for bigger projects.

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(Photo courtesy of Khroma, from the Havana collection)

Among the series, a distinguished collection that caught our eye was “Havana”. Inspired by tropical scenes and invigorating greens, the designs emanate irrepressible energy and cheery vibes. From large, leafy patterns to fine-grained textures, Havana takes you on a magical trip to a Caribbean archipelago.