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.

zzuecreations-playa-livings-water-lounge-instant-pool-ultimate-home-relaxation

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.

zzuecreations-playa-livings-water-lounge-instant-pool-ultimate-home-relaxation (2)

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.

zzuecreations-playa-livings-water-lounge-instant-pool-ultimate-home-relaxation (3)

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.

zzuecreations-playa-livings-water-lounge-instant-pool-ultimate-home-relaxation (4)

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.

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)

Master of Light: Home tour of a three-storey duplex in Hong Kong

A place to unwind, spaces that entwine; modern home design allows its residents to embrace the beauty of simplicity while focusing on the important things in life – family and one’s own peace of mind. In these trying times of isolation and uncertainty, a home that offers shelter from the stresses of the day is especially welcoming.

Which leads us to this inspiring 2,800 sq.ft home in Double Cove, Ma On Shan. It’s a grandiose duplex penthouse with a rooftop terrace imbued with soothing shades of ocean and evergreen – a sense of calm washes over everyone who steps through the door. Similarly sized apartments in the area could see prices soar upwards of HK$50 million – scroll below for an idyllic tour of this luxurious abode.

gafencu home double cove ma on shan adapa architect interior design - living room
Perfect mix of beachy hues and gorgeous views….

Comprising two floors, three bedrooms, four bathrooms and two private terraces, the interiors of this triple-storey home spell timeless design. It has received a complete renovation by Ada Leung and her team at Hong Kong-based design firm Adapa Architects. Subtle touches of luxury and nature-inspired elements also reflect the sophistication of the homeowner.

“This is a modest and uncluttered home to relax in, with everything stripped down to the bare essentials,” shares Leung. “It connects with nature, yet also introduces intimate areas for the family to gather in. It is filled with mementos and photographs to reflect on the past while giving space to build new ones.”

gafencu home double cove ma on shan adapa architect interior design - dining area
Zen-like views from the living room

The expansive living-cum-dining room occupying a good part of the lower floor is distinguished by floor-to-ceiling windows at the front and on both sides. As natural light floods into the space, breathtaking 270-degree views of Starfish Bay and the Double Cove development serve as the focal point of the well-appointed room.

The décor gravitates towards the stunning banks of windows and the vistas they afford. A custom-designed rug by Leung and her team, for instance, has been tufted in graduating hues of blue to reflect the sea view. Extending under an L-shaped sofa towards the centre of this convivial space, it creates, in Leung’s talented eye, a sense of “floating”.

gafencu home double cove ma on shan adapa architect interior design - natural light
Breakfast and natural light served in the dining area…

Similarly, clean lines and earthy, monochromatic tones have been used throughout the space to realise a subtle, airy ambiance. An “idiosyncratic centrepiece” in the shape of a series of burnished brass pendant lights provides some contrast, though, to the abundance of understated colours and materials on this floor.

Glass panels on one side slide open onto a private terrace, where the homeowner can, in Leung’s words, “indulge in moments of solitude with a glass of whisky after a long work day”. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a cosy haven where atmospheric lighting comes into play in the evening. 

gafencu home double cove ma on shan adapa architect interior design - bathroom copy
Marble tiles dress the bathroom walls

Thanks to the generous expanses of glass, it is natural light that illuminates the living area during the day and bestows the residence with magnificent brightness and spaciousness. Rays of light dance down the hallway towards the guest bathroom and rush up the marble staircase to the floor above. Marble is a recurring feature in the home, bringing its elegant gleam to the bathrooms, in particular.

gafencu home double cove ma on shan adapa architect interior design - lounge
Intimate lounge spaces for the family to bond

The upstairs accommodations afford the family plenty of space for bonding. The original second-floor layout comprised a master suite and two bedrooms. Leung, however, cleverly created another space here, converting the hall into a common area where the family and visitors can connect. This intimate lounge, complete with a pantry, was designed to foster communication and interaction.

gafencu home double cove ma on shan adapa architect interior design - bedroom
Beige and dark wood veneer provide a dramatic contrast to the light-filled panoramic views

The master bedroom has been reimagined to serve as a private chamber for the homeowner to enjoy in solitude. Beige and dark wood veneer were chosen to provide dramatic contrast to the light-filled panoramic views beyond, and these can be screened with heavy drapery whenever privacy is required. Built-in wardrobes extend across the walls towards the en-suite bathroom.

On one section of the wall, geometric-patterned wallpaper draws attention to the bed, bringing a subtle texture to this sanctuary and, according to the interior designer, offering a “sense of security”. Meanwhile, the warm tones of the carpet, which comfortingly echo nature, complement the dark wood and provide punctuations of depth and solace.

gafencu home double cove ma on shan adapa architect interior design - rooftop terrace
The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the ocean and sunsets

Moving further upwards brings us to the literal highlight of the home, the rooftop terrace. This is a space upon which family and close friends can come together and relish the beauty of the great outdoors. It is decked with elegant outdoor furnishings, including a long wooden dining table that stretches towards the end of the terrace, as well as a modern, outdoor kitchen complete with an electric barbecue grill.

There can be few greater comforts than al fresco dining on a high floor with mesmerising views – whether the backdrop is a sun-kissed horizon, the evolving spectacle of a sunset, or a glistening starry sky – entertaining here embodies understated luxury in the midst of nature’s charming beauty.

(Text: Roberliza Eugenio Photos: Adapa Architects)

Home Tour: Elegant villa with a garden in Tuen Mun

Living in the hills offers gentle luxury underscored by tranquil landscape and scenic open spaces. Providing such a quiet refuge from the chaotic chimes of the city is a newly developed high-end residential complex in Tai Lam, Tuen Mun. Here, in a 2,600sq.ft villa with a garden that faces the sea across Castle Peak Road, a couple and their two children have found an idyllic home.

Home Tour
The tri-storey property comprises five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a powder room, kitchen and a huge living room where spaces for lounging and dining seamlessly connect alongside an elegant bar area. It’s a tastefully luxe home replete with contemporary design details and rich visual elements which offers the family a new-found quality of life.

Visitors entering the foyer are greeted by a gentle warmth of light from a window, framed in black, that immediately expands the sense of space. This narrow, straight entryway still offers a comfortable nook thanks to a wooden console, classic marble flooring and two eye-catching pieces from Ferm Living, a pouf stool and the Pond mirror. The arrangement hints at the subtle touches of luxury that are pronounced throughout the house.

 

Open Layout
The extensive main living area, fitted with wooden flooring and contrasting warm and cool tones, boasts an open, wall-less layout that flows from dining space to bar to sitting area. Each functional space is cleverly separated by visual elements on the floor, walls and ceiling, with different materials – from marble to dark wood veneer and textured wallpaper – serving to distinguish one from the other while imparting its own stylistic personality.

Take, for example, the feature wall which stretches from the foyer to the dining area concealing what was once a set of windows. Accentuated by Roche Bobois’ sculptural Aqua dining table and Gubi’s artistic Multi-Lite pendant light, it reflects the warm ambiance of the dining and bar area and clearly delineates the extent of this ‘room’ and the next.

Highlighted by just a strip of marble-patterned wallpaper and a distinctively curved ceiling, the sitting area has a brighter, airier vibe, courtesy of textured light grey walls and a generous flow of natural light that pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass door leading out to the garden.

Space and Greenery
Set with a modestly sized pool for the kids to enjoy, gorgeous planted flowers and foliage, sun-scorched tiles, and a sea-view backdrop, the garden is the perfect place to stage an Instagram-worthy barbecue or alfresco lunch. Clearly visible from the stylish Ligne Roset Prado sofa within, this outdoor extension of the living space bestows a sense of permanence and beauty uncommon in most Hong Kong homes.

‘This outdoor extension of the living space bestows a sense of permanence and beauty uncommon in most Hong Kong homes’

It is also no coincidence that each piece of fabric, material and furniture in this long main room has been thoughtfully placed to serve a purpose. A case in point is the spacious bar area: the L-shaped bar has a marble countertop with curved edges and metallic details, while the dark wood veneer of its body extends along the walls and onto the surface of the hidden cabinet. These details, paired with meadow-green velvet Afteroom barstools by Menu and Manks’ Blossi 1 pendant light, remind of a luxurious five-star lounge, where guests and host can interact in an atmosphere of cosy conviviality.

Top Floor Living
If guests wish to access the higher floors, they will first encounter a wooden screen placed between the living area and the edge of the staircase, which offers a sense of transition while allowing natural light to slip through its gaps. The panel also acts as a safety measure for the children as they clamber up the steps to their bedrooms. Meanwhile, LED lights and downlights installed underneath the handrail and within the ceiling gracefully lead all-comers to the first floor.

Here lie the children’s bedrooms along with a bathroom at one end, and at the other an en-suite guest bedroom and a multi-function room, whose dividing wall has been removed in place of a black-framed glass sliding door. Elegance and modern appeal dress the walls and storage units here – with a splash of colour in the latter. The guest bedroom, meanwhile, is more pared back, with matching wallpaper above the fabric headboard and elegant curved edges clearly demarcating the ceiling and cabinets.

A more evident sense of luxurious comfort is found on the top floor, where the master suite with walk-in closet and bathroom occupies a grander square-footage. Dark grey marble-patterned wallpaper, Hay’s Silhouette sofa, a Tabouret Solvay stool by Vitra standing as a miniature coffee table, and Gubi’s tall lounge chair in the vanity corner provide unfussy, homely appeal. A richly visual and textured focal point is a wooden screen attached to the elongated, grooved vertical headboard, while the curved ceiling draws the eye towards the view of the hills outside. The suite offers the perfect refuge after a night of socialising or an unhurried start to the day.

For Zen-like Focus
Across the hall sits the study – a private yet spacious room to work, study, read or just hideaway. Further comfort here comes in an L-shaped table facing the large window and view, &Tradition’s minimalist Catch chair and Louis Poulsen’s AJ table lamp. From top floor to extensive ground, the house exudes calm, contemporary styling and soothing colour tones that allow this family of four to relax in harmony in the hills that surround this welcoming abode.

(Text: Roberliza Eugenio; Photos: COMODO Interior & Furniture Design Company Ltd.)

Inside a stunning 3,000 square feet Stanley home

Finding the perfect house is rarely as simple and clear-cut. For some lucky souls, it might be an easy instant connection, while for others, it could take more than 60 rejections before chancing upon the one that is right for you. “Home is where you make it” goes the old adage, but in the case of the Stanley beach house owned by Victoria Allan, founder of real-estate agency Habitat Property, home is actually how you make it.

The late, renowned interior designer Albert Hadley once said, “The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilised, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what’s in or what’s out.” That is definitely the impression we have while touring this three-storey abode.

Gafencu_my-space_home-design-interior-feature-victoria-allen-habitat-property-stanley_2

Being so close to the seashore, it has all the staples of a beach house, but none of the conventional layout. As you enter the home, a master bedroom with an en suite lies where you might expect the living room to be, while the sitting-cum-dining room and kitchen are located upstairs below the roof terrace. “I was initially trying to sell the house for the owner, but because it was small and closed off, nobody was really interested in it or saw its potential,” says Allan. “I must have shown the property to about 60 different clients before I realised that I actually really liked the place – so I bought it!”

The neighbourhood proffers a lovely lifestyle. With the beach just minutes away, there are plenty of restaurants and a shop across the street that rents out kayaks, windsurfers and paddle boards. “I hike a lot and take my boys swimming nearly every morning before they walk to school. There’s nowhere else in Hong Kong that you can do that,” says the happy homeowner.

Gafencu_my-space_home-design-interior-feature-victoria-allen-habitat-property-stanley_1
Driven by the ocean view and inspired by Australian home design, Allan reimagined the interiors so each area would serve a functional purpose. Instead of the standard flow of hallway to sitting room to dining room and kitchen, then bedroom, her convivial open-plan concept provides a refreshing perspective on Hong Kong homes – a relief from formalities that bound personal and shared space. This home is completely approachable and relaxing, befitting the character and personality of the immediate environment and its occupants. 

“What’s unique about this property is that it’s quite small for a house. It’s 3,000sq.ft across three storeys and has only two bedrooms, so I really had to optimise the space by mapping out an open layout,” explains Allan. The ocean was not visible from the original living room of the low-rise building, which meant their living space had to be elevated – literally.

Gafencu_my-space_home-design-interior-feature-victoria-allen-habitat-property-stanley_3
“I converted the [living room] into a master bedroom, and I moved the sitting and dining area to the level above. But since the windows were so small and the stairway was closed off, it was quite dark. We had to change the way the light worked in the house by tearing down the wall, then repositioning the stairway to create a flow throughout the home while allowing light to spill generously into the room. Especially with low ceilings like ours, [bringing in light] is a good trick to give the illusion of higher ceilings and bigger spaces,” she shares. While it’s unusual to have bedrooms beside the main entrance, Allan argues that you can’t be too formal or fancy with a beach house. “It has to be casual, inviting and with an open plan that encourages you to relax, especially when you’re so close to the beach.”

“The ocean was not visible from the original living room , which meant their living space had to be elevated – literally”

At first glance, the master bedroom reminds of a cosy loft, with a large floor-to-ceiling bookcase occupying the entire wall facing the bed. The shelves are filled with books and framed artworks by her sons; there’s a mounted television with bean bags placed beside the console, a glass door that leads out to a small patio, and at the other end, a work by her favourite artist, Tracey Emin. “My bedroom is my favourite room in the house”, she enthuses. “I really like that it doubles as an extended sitting area for the family to spend time in. I often watch movies with my kids on the bed, and they can use it to do likewise with their friends.”

Gafencu_my-space_home-design-interior-feature-victoria-allen-habitat-property-stanley-stairs-artwork_5

In the bathroom, it’s hard to miss the natural light that spills through the shower in what used to be an enclosed stairway. The glass panel above forms a skylight to illuminate the room. It’s a sophisticated bathroom layout, with a large double vanity corner accented with geometric tiles by Academy Tiles, a walk-in closet and a hidden toilet. During the day, the bedroom en suite are seamlessly connected, but as evening settles in, a large sliding door slips into play to form a wall between the two.
The second bedroom, located closer to the main entrance, is shared by Allan’s two boys. A full-sized mirror on the opposite wall instantly expands the perceived space in the narrow hall as you make your way to the repositioned stairs. Reach the first floor and an impressive view of Tai Tam Bay and a varied collection of art acquired over the years are revealed.

Gafencu_my-space_home-design-interior-feature-victoria-allen-habitat-property-stanley_4
The property’s extensive remodelling took just eight months with the assistance of Hong Kong-based designer and architect Alec Stuart. The design-oriented Allan had a clear vision of how her house should look and Stuart was “great at working with me on that. Since he’s very good at spatial planning, he helped me execute what I wanted and gave me a blank canvas to put the right artwork and furniture in place.”
“There’s actually not a lot of wall space to hang art, but if you take, for example, this painting by [London-based artist and fashion illustrator] Tanya Ling” – which faces the dining table and the open view – “it really works because it is a statement piece. It’s quite big and it really anchors the living space, and because its blue, it reflects the sea perfectly,” says Allan, whose aim was to extend the living space by bringing the outside in. An understated, neutral-toned backdrop of bleached lime-wood floor panels and white painted walls allows the vibrant paintings, striking sculptural artworks and modern décor to shine through.

Gafencu_my-space_home-design-interior-feature-victoria-allen-habitat-property-stanley_6
A compact kitchen inspired by the galley in a boat is situated just before the steps leading to the roof level, its convenient position compensating for the tightness of space. Up top is a magnificent roof terrace distinguished by a pergola that shades a lounge area, a farm table that stretches out towards the bay and the forested hills in the distance, it’s no stretch to learn that this is the part of the house where Allan most enjoys entertaining guests.

The peak of this three-storey home offers a stunning panoramic view of Southern District’s natural beauty, all just a seashell’s throw away. From the modest spills of light that ascend into the expanse of calm sea framing the first-floor sitting area, to the bright intensity of a roof overlooking Stanley village’s extensive blue and green vistas, this is a gorgeous beach home: cooly contemporary, splashed with colours and exuding an airy spaciousness that belies its modest proportions.

 

 

Text: Roberliza Eugenio; Photos: Habitat Property