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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)