Sanctuary Synergy- A residential retreat on the south side of Hong Kong Island

To establish your home as a sanctuary, somewhere far from the bustle of the city in the heart of nature, is an unattainable dream for all but a lucky few. Arguably, anyone fortunate enough to reside in one residence on the Southside of Hong Kong Island could tick off that particular aspiration.

Ideally suited to the needs of a young family of four or so, it is a home in perfect harmony with the green hills and mountains that surround it. Conceived and designed by Andy Wan, the founder of Pure AW’s Designers, an award-winning Wan Chai based design consultancy, his work focused on a fundamental reimagining of an existing structure and its tactical reengineering to meet the needs and values of its new owners.

The reinvented residence now majors on clear open spaces, as well as wide apertures that provide a sense of immense roominess, an attribute accentuated by the ample natural light that permeates throughout. Overall, the interior has been sensitively configured to resemble the external natural landscape, complete with colours and textures that synergistically deliver a blend of the indoors and the outdoors. Throughout, such timeless materials as stone, timber and plaster adorn the walls and ceilings, while the oak flooring is redolent of eternal freshness. This is further counterpointed by the walnut furniture, a soft contrast with the light grey, white and sandy tone of much of the interior space.

The inner recesses of this spacious home, meanwhile, are a creative blend of western and eastern aesthetics, albeit with oriental furnishings, a modern layout and smart integrated systems. An additional 1,956 square feet of space, part of a low-rise unit, beautifully expands the ground floor, with the extra space providing a surfeit of room for family gatherings or hosting guests both formally and informally. Accommodating the family’s love of socialising and congregating, this communal space boasts a paired living and dining function, while breathtaking views of the external garden areas are available throughout.

The garden is notable for the highly aesthetic nature of its immaculately conceived landscaping, which comprises lush green lawns, artfully coiffured hedges and an array of exotic arboreal items, all framed by the verdant surrounding slopes. Within this green oasis is a purpose-built space for leisurely reclining, a swing and a capacious table set for impromptu or, when required, formal dining.

In addition to this, a variety of differently proportioned planters, a testament to the residents’ love of horticulture, have been distributed throughout the ground. On a more practical note, meanwhile, considerable care has clearly gone into ensuring the durability of the alfresco assets of the property, as well as ensuring they all have suitable insect-resistant properties.

Moving back within the property, the creative preferences of the owners are writ large courtesy of the generously proportioned, vividly coloured artworks that adorn many of the walls, together with the substantial sculptures and occasional pieces that brighten every nook. The creativity of a different kind is also catered to via the giant piano that dominates the foyer space.

Separating this lobby area from the inner living and dining spaces is a gently unobtrusive stepped arrangement, giving arrivals the time to take in the large, circular Chinese prosperity motifs that bedeck many of the connecting doors. This classic feel is sustained via the array of vintage Greco-Buddhist sculptures dispersed throughout the communal spaces.

One of the major specifications in the agreed design brief was the requirement to maximise storage space without obstructing the views or taking up too much wall acreage. In order to deliver on this, many of the existing inner walls were demolished to create a space that was both more connected and more open. One constraint was that many of the existing beams were set relatively low and could not be removed without risking structural instability, a consideration that saw the whole of the new look conceived to incorporate and forefront these original fixtures.

This finalised, reimagined layout comprises a master suite with a walk-in closet, two rooms for children, a guest bathroom and a detached, semi-private study room in one of the more remote wings of the house. In addition, the spacious living room adjoins the capacious dining area and offers views out across the wellmaintained garden area, The kitchen, maid and utility areas, meanwhile, are all discretely tucked into one bespoke distinct functional space.

Unlike the standard practice in many other contemporary homes, the kitchen space is notably enclosed, while featuring a centrally accessible island, ample preparation space and considerable storage resources. By contrast, the principal dining area is far more open, and extendable, if required, into the adjoining garden space. In addition to the requisite dining table and accompanying chairs, a wine cabinet, display racks and a sliding façade have all also been engagingly integrated.

All in all, this is one home that undeniably offers all the various necessities required for a truly satisfying and contemporary lifestyle, including a smart security system and a level of functionality that never conflicts with the overall aesthetic. It’s an intelligently arranged space and a testament both to the ingenuity of the designer and the thoughtfulness of the initial brief.

(Text: Zaira Abbas Photos: Pure AW’s Designs)

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

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)

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.

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.

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 worldly sensibility comes together within this Hong Kong Garden apartment

Nestled on the upper floors of the Hong Kong Garden high rise on Seymour Road in Mid-levels, this 2800 sq ft family dwelling is home to a couple and their two young children. A space to entertain, relax, play and still enjoy the luxury of privacy, the unit was completely refurbished to create a London-inspired ambience with touches of international glamour – the vision of Thomas Griem, founder of TG Studio London.

Opening - living room wide — (Photos by Philip Vile)

Stepping into the hallway from the entrance, the feature wall opposite combines modernity with sophistication. Constructed out of timber sections and painted in dove blue, this feature not only sets the tone for the rest of the interior design, but also cleverly conceals the private quarters from the rest of the house behind a hidden door. The flooring, crafted from oak and finished in natural oil, also presents a recurring theme of wooden elements throughout the unit, as seen on the recessed shelving, door frames and concealed storage compartments.

Room to Grow

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-LivingRoom — (Photos by Philip Vile)

It’s in the main area where the home’s eclectic sensibility stands out most. Its large open plan gives way for modern touches and dynamic details to accentuate the space. The living and dining room, a mix of bohemian and modern aesthetics, welcomes guests into this convivial space. The walls are papered in elegant swatches that separates the different zones, while the unusually high ceilings add a deeper dimension to the space, which also afforded a generously proportioned matte bronze-finished joinery TV cabinet to stand – flamed with black granite to create a plinth to hold a fireplace below.

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-diningbar — (Photos by Philip Vile)

“Every room received careful attention to detail with the perfect finishes, fittings and furniture selections to highlight each space. Fabrics, decorations and art pieces were curated to create a holistic interior that pleases with a sophisticated aesthetic”, says Griem. The Ember rug by Rodaete, for example, extends across the living space, adding gravitas to the space while complementing the chic Leonard sofa from Italian brand Minotti and bespoke coffee table by US-based Chai Ming Studios. While lighting from Deltalight and Kelly Wearstler adds warmth.

Creative Curves

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-writing-desk — (Photos by Philip Vile)

Behind the sofa, the curved bay windows also allowed the designer to get creative with making the most of the space with a desk that curves along the bend of the windows. Underneath, leather doors imbedded into the arrabascato window sill, cleverly hides away storage compartments at the owner’s discretion.

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-diningroom — (Photos by Philip Vile)

The dining room is situated parallel to the living room and partitioned with oak and stained glass that was manufactured locally. The space is tied together by a round Concorde dining table from Poliform and Casino chairs by Amy Somerville. Adding elegance is the patterned wallpaper and a Victorian-style ceiling lamp, as well as a curved pouf that fits snugly into the tailor-made banquette that is covered in a stunning upholstery fabric from Chase Erwin.

A miniature whisky bar to the side adds a subtle sophistication for when it’s time for a relaxing night cap to conclude the day. Each detail, whether the fabric, materials or design, exhibits the precision and careful consideration Griem had put into perfecting the space.

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-kitchen — (Photos by Philip Vile)

In contrast, the kitchen, directly connected to the dining room, features a minimalist Japanese aesthetic. Clean lines with muted colour tones allow for the space to evoke a calm and bright interior here, fitted with the latest appliances from Germany. The floor, laid out with a light grey veined pattern, harmonises with the warmth of the oak doors.

Things of Stone and Wood

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-mastersuite — (Photos by Philip Vile)

The master suite is decked out with a walk-in closet and private bathroom fitted with rare taps from Boffi, veined marbling stone walls and a beautiful Hinoki wood Furo bathtub that is fronted by a large window that affords idyllic views of mid-levels, The Peak, and Central’s bustling streets. “The client’s brief was to find a stone that he had not seen before. We mixed top-notch Italian marble with local grey stone, to quietly support the colour and feel”, says Griem.

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-master-bedroom — (Photos by Philip Vile)

This feature of oak and lacquer finish resonates here, especially on the concealed desk in the master bedroom. The pull-out desk opposite the window doubles as a writing and vanity table. Within its confines, a hair dryer is built in along with a make-up drawer and storage for jewellery and accessories. “Storage is very important to our client.” says Griem “We thought of creating a really practical space with the warmth and luxurious feel of the timber veneer that covers every surface”.

home-tour-wordly-sensibility-bohemian-hongkong-garden-apartment-gafencu-master-dressing — (Photos by Philip Vile)

But what really gives this intimate space its grounding feature is the exquisite detailing. The window sill is wrapped in leather from Alma and works as a surface to place jewellery and other accessories, but also contains hidden storage units. The handles for the wardrobes are the Quadrale from Serie Rare in cast bronze. Behind the bed is a feature wall made out of solid oak panels, cut into a three-dimensional pattern, while hanging lights by Holly Hunt and bedside tables from Chi Wing Lo flank the bed sides – making for a stunning effect.

(Text: Roberliza Eugenio; Photos: Philip Vile, courtesy of TG Studio London)

Spacious Elegance: Sophisticated style highlights this Ho Man Tin home

Living in grand style and luxury in Hong Kong’s Ultima 2 residence by Sun Hung Kai Properties, situated within the Ho Man Tin district, is most ideal and desirable for a number of compelling reasons

For a very long time, the area enjoys the prestige of being a typically quiet and idyllic upmarket residential district that is barely 10 minutes by car or train to Central business district. For fine dining, shopping, leisure and entertainment, Ho Man Tin’s location offers unparalleled convenience. Its residents can simply hop onto a car and in five minutes or so get to nearby Tsim Sha Tsui, which hosts an array of Michelin-starred restaurants and a good number of luxury hotels and shopping malls that feature a wide and varied selection of the most famous and prestigious international product brands.

Since space is an ultra expensive and rare commodity in Hong Kong all the time, having a spacious home in Ho Man Tin is a valued badge of prestige for the well-heeled who can afford to own an apartment in the district. The featured apartment at the Ultima residential complex treats its resident and family members to an extravagant 2,596sq.ft. interior space, highlighted by an impressively spacious living and adjoining dining areas, complemented by an equally spacious 1,691sq.ft. terrace. Ultima was developed by Sun Hung Kai Properties, Hong Kong’s premier developer of the most luxurious and prestigious residential complexes.

The resident often invites friends for intimate gatherings, and this served as a chief consideration to set up a spacious and most glamourous home in a choice location within spitting distance of Hong Kong’s principal urban districts. Spending quality time with the children in a most comfortable and cozy environment is equally of a very high premium to the homeowner. All these directives were fully heeded by Hong Kong-based firm Pure AW’s Designers, which was awarded the commission to revamp this spacious luxury abode.

From the very start, the homeowner specified as top priority the creation of “a comfortable and sustainable design” for family members, “while meeting their different requirements, including their preferred color themes and usage of different areas.” The master’s bedroom is cozy and cool comparable to accommodation in an upmarket hotel as it meets the requirements and stringent standards of luxury. The resident gets the desired warmth and coziness in the bedroom as wood veneer, employed on the wall of the walk-in closet, matches the Chinese-styled antique furniture.

In the living and dining areas, use of resin materials as featured wall provides a grand and clean atmosphere in both areas as the imaginative design enables the kitchen and washroom doors to be kept cleverly hidden. A close look at the unparalleled feature walls enables the viewer to recognise a unique pattern that is tailor-made for the upmarket residence.

“Ultima offers one of the very best locations across Hong Kong to set up a luxurious residence”

How best to achieve the design requirements posed considerable challenges to the interior designer, but they were by no means insurmountable as the latter was given lots of leeway. The most challenging part in the design mandate was how to move the luxurious kitchen cabinet from one side to another while keeping intact the original structure and materials, and ensuring various electrical appliances were unaffected. Maintaining the original condition of the kitchen cabinet required meticulous care. Among the homeowner’s other major design requirements were the addition of an oblique panel with specific elements at the foyer for a more welcoming entrance.

The location of the living and dining rooms was also interchanged, but the pantry cabinet’s location in the original layout of the kitchen was kept intact. The two bedrooms on the 31st floor were also partitioned by wardrobes instead of a traditional partition wall.

Achieving a harmonious and seamless fusion of the outdoor and indoor areas required a healthy dose of creativity and imagination. Some plants and outdoor furniture were set up on the terrace to match with the overall interior design. By interchanging the location of the dining and living areas, the homeowner’s family and friends get to enjoy their meals while savouring panoramic views of Ho Man Tin and nearby districts after the dining area was set up close to the terrace.

Spaciously grandiose and warmly welcoming, this Ultima residence in Ho Man Tin boasts a wholly welcoming appeal. Pair that with its convenient up-market address, and what you get is the epitome of a modern luxury Hong Kong home.

Ultima 2 by Sun Hung Kai Properties

Photos: Pure AW’s Designer Ltd

Text: Jun Concepcion

Ten Napkin folding designs for special occasions

Table napkins are essential in any dining setting as they keep food stains off the clothes and face of the diners. Artfully-folded napkins go a long way to set the tone in any party whether it is a family dinner, a children’s birthday party or a festive occasion. What stands out first and foremost when guests sit at the dining table is a meticulously-presented serviette folding. Here are some simple and easy napkin folding styles that can impress party guests.

10 creative napkin folding designs gafencu magazine rose flower — (Image from Blossom)

The Rose

An artistic twist to elegant napkin folding design is to come up with a rose. It’s simple and easy but it’s also a fashionable adornment to set on the tableware.

Click here for the folding tutorial by Blossom.

Lotus Flower

Almost too beautiful to unfold, the lotus flower is a unique and impressive folding design that will likely impress guests.

Click here for the folding tutorial by One King Lane.

Bow tie

A feminine and very simple way to do this is to use a ring to hold together a neatly folded bow tie.

Click here for the folding tutorial by Apartment Therapy.

Tuxedo

An event for gentlemen calls for a smart and neat dining napkin presentation.

Click here for the folding tutorial by mycrafts.com.

Floating Leaf

Simply elegant and outstanding yet extremely easy to do, the Floating Lead napkin style will go a very long way to make ordinary lines look impressive to guests.

Click here for the folding tutorial by Secret Stash.

Ocean Waves

A dose of creativity that can delight and inspire attendees to a children’s birthday party is the Ocean Waves folding design.

Click here for the folding tutorial.

Christmas Tree

Add the spirit of Christmas to a festive dinner with friends and family by employing a neatly-folded miniature Christmas tree that will certainly be welcomed and delight both adults and children.

Click here for the folding tutorial by Handi Mania.

10 creative napkin folding designs gafencu magazine place card — (Image from Sanctuary Home Decor)

Card Placement Style

Easy and stylishly presentable, this card placement style can pocket a variety of customisable attachments such as, knick knacks, utensils, a menu and name card.

Click here for the folding tutorial by Sanctuary Home Decor.

Fleur De Lis

This simple folding style is held together by a ring and presents an elegant placement on the serving place of each and every guest.

Click here for the folding tutorial by Secret Stash

Rosebud

An easy folding style with a touch of sophistication which can even be customised with floral decorations or a small bottle of wine for each guest.

Click here for the folding tutorial by Kitchen Joy Blog.

Where to find elegant dining napkins and customizable serviettes that can lend attractive styles to the dining table:

Duni

For eco-friendly compostable napkins that can be customized with printed greetings or letterings to present guests with a more personal experience.

Amara

Patterned linens and serviettes with accessories that present an avant-garde style that will add some flare to your dining table.

Lane Crawford

Provides in elegant fashion a variety of single-coloured or exquisitely-patterned napkins.

Indigo-Living

For simple shimmer napkin sets that can highlight the decorative dining wares and artful centerpieces on your dining table.

Home, Sweet Homantin: Bringing perfection to a premium penthouse space…

Ho Man Tin has long been one of Hong Kong’s most understated, luxury residential districts. Of late, its reputation as one of the most salubrious spots in greater Kowloon has only been enhanced by the residential construction phenomenon that is One Homantin.

Drawn by its central location – just three brief MTR stops away from Admiralty – and its proximity to some of HongKong’s finest educational institutions (including the King George V School and the Stamford American School), it has proven a haven for young families. After all, when young residents are not being equipped for all their future life challenges, it’s a setting also offers easy access to many of the city’s fabulous green spaces, including, of course, the ever popular Ho Man Tin Park.

While many have favoured the distinctly upmarket complex’s garden flats or simply been knocked out by the quality of the residents-only facilities on offer at the on-site clubhouse, the true prize has been perched above it all, looking down in unrivalled splendour – the One Homantin Penthouse.

Extending across some 1,489 square feet on the upper storey – the 19^th floor – of One Homantin, it boasts three capacious bedrooms and one extra-capacious master suite. As well as its extensive indoor acreage, it also comes with exclusive access to 1,265 square feet of rooftop space – an ideal setting for a little alfresco foliage, an unoverlooked sun trap or just a place to watch the far-below world gone by.

Despite its obvious and many advantages, this artfully-designed space didn’t wholly match the spec of its most recent purchasers – a family of four, including two teenage children. While already won over by its existing allure, they felt it wasn’t quite as cosy as they might have liked, while also wondering if it couldn’t be just that little more contemporary. At the same time, they were adamant that ease of access to the roof space was a priority – an area they had previously earmarked as perfect for entertaining friends and family alike.

Naturally, given the scope of the challenge and the importance of getting it exactly right, choosing the perfect design team to oversee it all was of paramount importance. This saw them opt for PriimoCasa Interiors, a Hong Kong-based firm, with an award-winning track record for reimagining upmarket residences.

Heading this particular project was Leslie Lam, Co-Founder and Interior Design Director of the Sai Ying Pun based business. Outlining his approach, he said: “In order to create a cosy ambience, I favoured the extensive use of natural materials, especially timber floors and wall panels. I also added in a few champagne-gold stainless steel trimmings to create the requisite luxury feel.

“In the living and dining areas, we chose to up the colour quotient of the furnishings and drapes. This made both spaces notably more vibrant and more welcoming.”

Moving upstairs, the master bedroom presented a particular challenge. As it stood, the room boasted a sizable feature window, which was set immediately adjacent to the optimum bed positioning. The client, however, had mixed feelings as to whether or not they wanted the window to remain in situ. Outlining his elegant solution to this particular problem, Lam said: “I designed a sliding panel that exactly matched the design of the headboard. Not only did this help unify the space overall, it also gave the residents absolute discretion over whether and when they wanted the window to remain a feature.

“Apart from this one instance the floor-to-ceiling windows,which are featured throughout the apartment were very much seen as plus-points by the clients. Pretty much without exception, they provide a delightful surfeit of natural illumination, making the whole residence bright and supremely welcoming without any need for artifice or supplementary lighting.”

As one of the apartment’s assets that went a long way towards sealing the deal as far as the incoming family was concerned, the re-design brief majored on making the most of the rooftop space. Explaining how this particular challenge was met, Lam said: “Ultimately we opted to segregate it into three dedicated zones. The largest of these comprises a sizable alfresco dining area, complete with barbecue facilities and table space for up to eight.

“There is then a bespoke chill-out space, complete with sofas and armchairs, where the family can relax and enjoy the view out across Victoria Harbour. Finally, there is a discreet jacuzzi area, which is just about perfect for a spot of personal pampering or a little sunbathing….”

COLOURLIVING adds Wellness to its in-store offer

COLOURLIVING, the ultimate lifestyle curation brand, has launched a new pop-up store, one with a brief to help stylishly boost the health of high end Hongkongers.

Set within its three-storey luxury retail space in downtown Wan Chai, this new Wellness Living concept has three distinct strands – special kitchen, customised tea and indoor pool.

Its singular take on the kitchen space has been designed, first and foremost, to make food preparation a fun and engaging experience for the whole family. With high aesthetic standards never compromised in the name of convenience, it’s a carefully-curated culinary enclave with great taste it’s clear mission statement.

As for the chosen tea, the lifestyle brand has opted to incorporate Hong Kong-based Lify’s award-winning brew dispenser brand. As high-tech as it is high-end, this distinctly digital age dispenser delivers superb quality herbal tea perfectly prepared in line with your pre-programmed preferences.

The indoor bathing facility – the evocatively titled Faraway Pool – somehow summons the sheer sensuality of an al fresco immersion, with its luxury KOS tub just the perfect ablution solution for the aspirationally inclined. Mood lighting and submerged shelving are also all available on the added extras menu.

A fascinating and most welcome addition to COLOURLIVING’S core offerings, Wellness Living takes comfort, style and personal care to a whole new level.

This mountainside apartment gets a makeover in fifty shades of grey

A 2,800 square foot apartment halfway up The Peak gets a makeover in fifty shades of grey

Unless you’re a die-hard bachelor, dark colours wouldn’t be the first prescription you would give your interior designer when renovating your home. Most want light, bright and airy – the aesthetic ruling today’s concept of ‘clean’ design.

Step into this minimalist trove in Mid-levels, however, and you might change your mind. Black metal was used to clad doors, stairs and cabinets. The living room carpet – sourced from Pakistan – was dyed in Hong Kong by the designer herself in shadowy casts.

“I like to use these inky colours,” says Parisian interior designer Peggy Bels, who has been reviving properties in Hong Kong, Thailand and Bali since 2008. “Dark backgrounds allow light colours to pop and create more contrast and deepness. Rough textures also give character to a space.”

Despite Bels’ penchant for deep hues, the apartment maintains its luminosity and spacious atmosphere thanks to the “warm grey” palette – Bels’ signature colour scheme – and her use of strong brights. Graphic elements like splashes of red add dimension, mostly found in the curated artwork decorating the ‘milky’ walls.

Graphic elements with splashes of red add dimension

“I mix water into the cement finish to get that effect,” says Bels. “When you do that, you get a milky colour that feels cosy and warm.” She also balances out the dark wood (see: dining table) with soft fabrics and white marble (see: kitchen counter) continuing her contemporary theme of minimalist contraposition.

In 2014, a French couple approached Bels to renovate their 2,800 square foot flat in Mid-levels. They were looking for a modern restoration, and asked Bels to free up the living and dining areas.

Before Bels came in to do her magic, the flat had already been partially renovated 10 years ago. The partitioned layout and Chinese flooring remained, however, and that had to go. The French designer converted the flooring with grey oak, and removed the walls between the kitchen and living spaces.

Bels also balances out the dark wood with soft fabrics and white marble

Getting in her way, however, were structural beams between the entrance, living room and kitchen. “We had to keep them there, but I covered them with the same cement finish to make them interesting,” she says. “The effect is seamlessness, that’s the key to keeping that open sensation.”

This is Bels’ favourite part of the flat: the flowing space of kitchen, dining and living area is without a doubt the house’s standout feature spilling out to a 400 sq ft open-air balcony. The lofty view of sea and mountain makes you feel like you’re on top of Hong Kong.

Private quarters: Plush sanctuaries with leafy views

Departing from the communal zone, we walk through a narrow hallway to seek the private quarters. Round mirrors combat the cramped effect, as do large rectangular frames of varying themes; there’s not one inch here that’s over or under decorated.

Light pours into the master bedroom, a plush sanctuary with leafy views. A map of Paris’ metro hangs over the couples’ headboard – or used to, as it is not known if the flat’s new inhabitants have kept it there. Over a year ago, the house went up for sale.

We’re sure, however, that the floor-to-ceiling closets of the intimate quarters’ dressing room have been kept. The wardrobes, which line both sides of the lavishly carpeted space, would certainly not be out of place in the world of Carrie Bradshaw.

Bels’ six-month-long renovation finished in May 2015. Her original included a nursery for the French couples’ daughter; a chic princess’s kingdom that somehow fits in with the rest of the décor despite its pink pastels and quirky rocking sheep.

This tour finishes with the TV room-cum-study across the way, furnished with a stingray leather writing desk and vintage leather loveseat. The mounted flat screen is camouflaged among the charming assortment of picture frames hung all over the white-painted wall: an oval portrait here, an overexposed Eiffel Tower there.

Subtlety and simplicity

While Bels’ approach is far from the earthy and warm tones that others utilise to create a homey glow, hers is a cooler comfort that relies on subtlety and simplicity. Her idea of home is completely free of clutter, making use of texture and light instead to round the edges.

If you like what you see, then you might find her advice useful: “Let light circulate; use a combination of floor lamps, table lamps, and down lights from a false ceiling. Use a directional recessed spotlight to bounce reflected light off walls, in order to open out the space.

“Put all these lights on dimmer switches to allow for flexibility, depending on the time of day, event, or mood. Lighting fixtures are essential in adding character; don’t overfill the space with too many furniture and accessories.”

Bels’ homes, seemingly designed as if from a Coco Chanel collection, also happen to reflect her countrywoman’s philosophy: “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”

Words: Julienne C. Raboca

Home on the Range

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Nature and nurture collide at this colossal mountain retreat

At first glance, one might mistake the sprawling Provo Canyon estate for an outcrop of the majestic mountains behind it. Spread across 29.5 acres in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, USA, the property looks as if it sprouted organically from the arid landscape.

To make this possible, the masterminds behind the project had to literally move mountains. The Wasatch Mountains may be nice to look at, but it was no small feat to build a habitable abode with modern amenities in their midst.

Magleby Construction had to cut through a road just to bring water and utilities to the property. As the “No 1 custom home builder in America”, according to the National Association of Home Builders, Magleby pushed the envelope to bring architect Michael Upwall’s vision to fruition.

Influenced by the American Craftsman movement of the late 19th century, Upwall’s core philosophy is not to build a home, but to “grow” one. He contends that homes should be a natural extension of the landscape they inhabit, and it’s this belief that gave shape to the Provo Canyon project.

ArcSitio, the landscape architects for this project, were equally emphatic about using the property’s own ecological system to create a landscape which is beautiful, climate-conscious and, above all, fully sustainable. The firm capitalised on the property’s natural springs, which were tapped to create beautiful ponds. Homeowners and guests can feel one with nature while taking a dip in these chemical-free pools, which are purified with aquatic plants, beneficial bacteria and microbes.

The home is a perfect picture of tranquility, but getting to this point was a long and arduous process for all parties concerned. The total planning and development took four years and was done in two phases. The net result was a home of epic proportions – 22,500sq ft of living space with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a two-storey foyer with a floating staircase, a formal dining room, a two-storey library and a home theatre.

Ideal for those who like to work hard and play hard, it also comes with indoor game courts, a gym, sauna, steam room, HD golf simulator, main garage, sports car garage and even an 18-metretall indoor rock climbing tower.

If that’s not enough, the outdoor areas are beautifully appointed, complete with a porte- cochere (coach gate), decks, patios, a large outdoor pool and hot tub, artificial creeks, rivers with cascading waterfalls and a natural swimming hole with a vantage point for cliff jumping. The estate also has direct access to the surrounding national forest, which offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and back-country skiing.

As a mountain retreat, Provo Canyon estate ticks all the correct boxes. Designed by Roxbury Studios, the interior blends 30 different genres, with influences from medieval, classical Italian, Art Nouveau and even Hawaiian architecture. According to Roxanne Hepworth of Roxbury Studios, it easily could have gone wrong and ended up being an odd hodgepodge, but the right balance was struck by using each genre as a reference point rather than borrowing heavily from any one area.

Considering the massive scale of the property, the lighting also had to be carefully planned and executed so that the fixtures wouldn’t clash with the ample natural light that filters into the home. One particular challenge that designers faced was illuminating the high ceilings, which are 7.6m tall. Landscape lights, decorative lights, pathway lights, recess lights, bathroom lights and ambient lights all had to be thoughtfully positioned.

Though artificial lights are indispensable in any home, natural light also goes a long way in making a home a cheerful, happy place. Provo Canyon Estate is blessed in that department, and the over-sized circular windows ensure that there’s a steady stream of sunbeams entering the home. The windows come equipped with motorised shades, allowing residents to control the amount of light they want to let in at any point.
Better yet, the windows offer breathtaking views of the boulders beyond, and being able to admire the arid mountains from one’s bed in the morning is quite the luxury. Indeed, the true beauty of Provo Canyon Estate is that it offers the best of both worlds – the wildness of nature and the comforts of home.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay