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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
(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.
(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.
(Photo courtesy of Tat Ming Wallpapers, from their Marble collection)
Tat MingWallpapers 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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
An Italian Celebration: Vela Casa opens its new 3000 sq ft showroom in Wan Chai
Vela Casa debuts the opening of its new 3000 sq ft flagship showroom on Queen’s Road, Wan Chai by hosting the city’s interior design industry leaders at its Milan Furniture Design Sharing and Opening Ceremony.
Champagne, canapés and sumptuous Italian interior fittings set the tone of Vela Casa’s glamorous grand opening of its flagship showroom in Hong Kong. Spanning across 3000 sq ft on Queen’s Road, Wan Chai, the showroom hosted an inspirational evening of Italian elegance.
Founder and Managing Director Kelvin Ng and Jane Tong were joined by the city’s industry leaders and the sustainable sector’s influential movers and shakers, including Under secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Dr. Bernard Chan and Legislative Council Member Peter Shiu Ka-fai, while General Manager of CIERRE Mr. Gianmaria Conficooni and ARFLEX’s Sale Manager Mr. Enzo Scordamaglia attended virtually for a live sharing.
On this night, guests immersed themselves in the vivid, elegant, luxurious and artistic designs of Italian craftsmanship (V.E.L.A) while exploring the future of Hong Kong’s local artisans.
Not only were attendees treated to the experience of exceptional Italian style, the occasion was also a platform to give back to society. Simultaneously holding a charity fundraiser for Mother’s Choice that totalled HK$100,000 in proceeds.
Summertime Oasis: Barlow Tyrie’s new collection of outdoor furniture
Renowned luxury outdoor furniture brand Barlow Tyrie pulls back the curtain on its new range of outdoor furniture for 2022: Cocoon.
Comprised of a stunning Deep Seating Armchair and Deep Seating Three-seater Settee, each of the two fixtures fashions a contemporary design that sets the perfect tone for an alfresco afternoon by the pool with friends and family.
“Perfection is attained not when there is nothing more to add but when there is nothing left to take away”, this is the design philosophy behind the international design house Astheimer Design, the creative behind the new Cocoon collection.
Complete with plush cushions and soft pillows that are available in a variety of patented Sunbrella Rain fabric colours, its modern sensibility goes beyond comfort and style.
Both models are crafted from a powder-coated aluminium frame with a distinctive curved back and arms. Its premium solid teak legs and front are complemented by the brand’s exclusive braided Chalk Textilene boasts an all-weather cord that was carefully hand-wound to line along the curve of the frame — making each piece exquisite to look at from any angle.
This exquisite 2,000 sq ft family home evokes simple joys of being together
While some prefer their dwelling to be an ostentatious statement of wealth and power, others prefer a more subtle form of indulgence. An exemplary example is this Tai Tam home, spanning 2000 exquisite sq ft within the Pacific View residential complex. Home to a family of four, the brief here was to evoke an understated sense of luxury, taking on more pared back features and toned-down hues to highlight the joy of simplicity, comfort and the intimacy of a convivial space.
Key to transforming the space into a cosy family abode, was designing with comfort and functionality in mind. Given the homeowners’ background – their warm and modest personalities, coupled with a cultured taste for elegance and sophistication – Wanson Wan, director of Wams Design, chose to embody those characteristics throughout the apartment, comprising a living-cum-dining room, balcony, laundry room, and four spacious bedrooms.
“The homeowners”, Wan said, “wanted a space that was classy. Something that resembled a hotel suite, but not too lavish in style either. Special attention was given particularly to their two children’s rooms, while the kitchen was also given priority to effectively layout an efficient space to cook family meals.” The result: A seamless flow of beautiful, yet functional, spaces that beckoned the family and their guests with a warm welcome each time they set foot in the home.
Room with a View
Fist stepping into the main area, in place of entertainment consoles and a television as the anchor of the living space, a simple coffee table stands between the sofa and lounge chair facing a display shelf of books and art pieces – hinting at the homeowners’ preference for intimate connection. Here, the boundless views of large framed windows that stretch across the length of the apartment serves as the focal point of the area. Framed by the black boarder of the windows and spotlighted by the LED lights that line up both top and bottom edges of the windows, the serene seascape of the pristine waters of Tai Tam Bay evokes a colour-infused artwork in a gallery.
Reflecting the natural palette of the view outside, the bespoke rug, floral arrangement and paintings on the wall conjure up airy and almost poetic nautical ambience that was said to set the art direction of the overall design. This was achieved by carefully selecting the most ideal materials, furniture and decor from a myriad of luxury brands and a huge library of materials to sample. The living room, bathroom and hallway, for example, is fitted with a combination of top-graded stone, wood and sumptuous fabric that sets the tone throughout the home. Meanwhile, warm colours from decorative touches of artworks, floral arrangement and furnishing contrast the cooler, airy tones of the ceilings and walls. The lighting, too, was a thoughtfully added layer for depth, where décor was minimal, whether it is the pendant light above the dining table or LED lights that line the boarders of the windows and bathroom mirrors.
Creative Space
Moving towards the kitchen, here is where the lady of the house spends her time cooking up recipes for the family. As a full-time mom, this space serves as a work station for all her passionate culinary creations and wondrous experimentations. Not to mention that the size of the space was considerably wide in length, instead of the typical width that most kitchens are structured in. So, Wan had given thought to the placement of each cooking equipment and tool in a layout that would afford the owners maximum efficiency to prep, cook and clean.
Stepping into the more intimate quarters of the home, the master en suite continues the same theme of muted luxury and airy, white-and-blue colour palette as the living space. Meanwhile, the master bathroom, complete with a bathtub and his-and-her sinks, features metallic tones and glass panels that expand the sense of spaciousness and modern charm.
Kid’s Corner
However, it was in the planning of the children’s bedrooms that extra attention to detail was served. Contrary to the clean lines of the main family room, the children’s chambers boast fun-filled décor, activity platforms and consoles that define the various zones for playing, reading, studying and sleeping.
Designed with loosely spaced furniture, open book shelves, and an easily accessible storage system for a safe, flexible and versatile area, this was deliberately done to, not only prompt the children to move and explore independently, but to also allow them to learn the responsibility of cleaning up their own personal space.
From one room to the next, homely touches evoke a soothing sense of well-being. Away from the distraction of the bustling city and surrounded by nature, colour and creativity. In this home, minimalism gives way to brighter spaces, clearer minds and undisturbed family time.
(Text: Roberliza Eugenio; Photos: Wams Design)
Stately Home: Luxury envelopes this 6,300sq.ft penthouse in Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam
Over the last two years, most of us in the city have kept ourselves safely grounded. While home interior trends have embraced minimalist aesthetics and influences from nature and wellness, there are those who have missed wallowing in the lap of luxury on vacation at five-star hotels. And if one sought to draw inspiration from a home that splendidly emulates the essence of lavish interiors and refined aesthetics, this 6,300sq.ft penthouse in Residence Bel-Air would fit the bill.
6,300sq.ft penthouse in Bel-Air dressed in designer upholstery and sumptuous marble tiles
Stretched over two storeys, the sleek abode is perched atop phase three of Cyberport’s massive residential complex, one of the most prestigious estates in the city and widely touted as the ultimate in luxury living. It boasts stunning architecture, vast interiors, gorgeous sky gardens and breathtaking panaromic ocean views.
Artful Interiors
The apartment is home to a successful semi-retired businessman, his spouse and two sons whose vision was to adopt the ethos of a luxury hotel. Realising this aspiration was interior designer Leslie Lam, Director of Primocasa, who walked us through its myriad high points.
A grand spiral staircase is made the focal point of the entryway
The introduction starts at the entrance, where we are greeted by a grandiose spiral staircase to the right and radiant glows of natural light and boundless ocean views that pour in through floor-to-ceiling windows. Astoundingly high ceilings and Italian marble floors dazzle in white, while the feature wall that runs along the side of the huge open-plan living area is plastered with sumptuous royal blue leather.
White marble floor and a blue feature wall echoes the color palate of the view outside
This combination of blue and white echoes the soothing shades of the ocean and sky beyond, infusing a sense of tranquillity to the space. Thus, the homeowner’s personality and taste can resonante through vibrant décor and bold details against a backdrop of purity and simplicity.
As an avid collector of art, he displays his sensibilities through an ever evolving and rotating display of works by artists from all over the world. “[Dipping into] this collection gave me a wider range of options to choose from when selecting pieces to highlight each area in the home,” says Lam. “For example, bold colours such as red and sculptural installations in copper and chromatic hues were used to contrast the simple whites and distinguish different zones.”
The master bedroom is dressed in plush fabric feature wall and designer carpet and upholstery for a noble ambience.
Throughout the home, Fendi carpeting and furniture from Bentley Home and other luxury brands crafted in Italy reflect the master of the house’s penchant for stylish décor. Fixtures crafted by Lam and his talented team, meanwhile, such as the TV wall that separates the living and dining areas, and the display shelves in the study that perfectly frame the garden, add a regal touch. These elegant burnished black panels and splashes of champagne gold provide elegant contrast to the expanses of white marble.
Marble tiles pave both levels of the home, including the bathroom floor and wall
In a recurring theme, marble tiles pave both levels of the home, including the bathrooms. However, within the more intimate dwellings of the home, wooden flooring is used to convey a warmer touch. At the couple’s request, the master bedroom resembles a hotel presidential suite, incorporating a plush azure fabric feature wall, as well as a blue carpet, upholstery and linen for a noble ambience.
Measuring in 4.2 metres, high ceilings are a key attraction in this luxurious apartment
Reaching an incredible 4.2 metres, high ceilings are a key attraction of the apartment – a perk in Hong Kong reserved for the most luxurious of abodes. Taking full advantage of this architectural generosity, Lam emphasises the stature with false ceilings and golden steel trims that draw the eye and add perceived depth. A striking 1.8-metre Swarovski crystal chandelier that hangs above the round dining table also aptly underscores the immense height.
White marble is fitted into the spiral staircase, accentuated by black marble borders
Another clear highlight is the spiral staircase that seamlessly connects the duplex layout with matching premium white marble. Accentuated by black marble borders, it recalls the aesthetics of grand European hotels. Impressively fitted curved glass-panelled banisters flank the length of the steps. Lam describes this focal point as an art piece in its own right because of the time, effort and difficult technique required for its creation.
The team devoted almost a year to completing this one feature alone, a spectacular substitute for the narrow L-shaped staircase that originally stood next to the kitchen. Government approval had to be obtained for its construction, and each component had to be conceptualised, designed and finished to precise measurements. But the feat was worthwhile given the magnificent outcome.
Garden on High
A British-inspired cigar lounge with a fireplace offers the owner a respite from the bustle of the city
Further underlining the indulgence of lavish comfort under one roof are quiet recesses to enjoy daily pleasures. These include an idyllic green garden, where breakfast, the morning paper and glistening views of Waterfall Bay are often savoured, and a British-inspired cigar lounge with a fireplace.
A pair of hand-crafted display cabinets perfectly frame the garden outside
Bedecked with Italian furniture, verdant greenery and pristine white wooden floors that continue the aesthetics of the interior, the rooftop garden is undeniably the perfect, relaxed viewpoint to bask in the sun. But thanks to its westerly aspect, it is the evenings that offer the most resplendent scenery, an awe-inspiring display of pale tints of orange fading into the blue beyond. Thanks to the mass of windows along the width of the apartment, this gradient palette of the sun dipping into the horizon can be admired from all three bedrooms, too.
Breathtaking views of the ocean and sunset from the rooftop garden
Drawing inspiration from extravagant hotels, this home ticks all the boxes of a regal lifestyle. Embellished in rich colours, fitted with premium materials, dotted with designer upholstery, adorned with sophisticated art, and showcasing a majestic chandelier – here lies the epitome of luxe living.
Home Décor: Ideas to refresh your space this spring…
Some clean their homes in spring, others itch for a change of scenery, and then some just fill their carts… If spring makes you want to re-vamp, redecorate or realign, check our tight edit of quick design swaps for a refreshing look. Keep scrolling for some all-around positive vibes…
1. Houseplants for the ‘urban jungle paradise’ theme
The easiest way to spruce up your living space with a spring aesthetic is to incorporate greenery – houseplants make the space 100% better – agree? Fresh floral arrangements and indoor plants are the easiest art installations to enliven the room with bright, warm, and cheerful notes. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, floral prints on textiles and wallpapers can do the trick.
2. Rattan is in!
Wicker, rattan and woven furniture and décor are pretty timeless design trends. From woven chairs and cabinets to wicker baskets and ottomans, natural materials add a touch of tactility and an earthy sense of nature to the home.
Rich earthy tones of marigold, burnt orange, dusty pinks, warm sienna, muddy yellow and rich burgundy have been making its way into the spectrum of earthy neutral tones. Simply glazed in a solid colour or matched with interesting geometric patterns and rich textures, these full bodied overtones offer a stiking contrast to traditionally earthy cream and beige colours.
4. Bring in some old world charm!
There is a certain charm that only aged objects can evoke. The rustic and subtle tears in antiques, vintage items, upcycled and repurposed décor adds character and personality to the home. Often the focal point of the area, they tell a rich history and interesting story, and not to mention it is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Natural stone tabletops
(Minotti 2021 Lido collection; photo courtesy of Andante)
Move aside hardwood, natural stone tabletops are making a solid statement this season! Subtle and elegant these materials add depth and visual intrigue to the home, while also mirroring the soothing, natural aesthetics of the element. As a bonus, natural stone is versatile and flows in effortlessly when pairing with other furniture and décor styes. It fits right into any casual, luxe or contemporary space – saving you the effort and money off curating a whole new set.
6. Soft, curved lines
Today’s interior design trends call for softer lines in the form of arched hallways, cocoon-style furniture, ribbed ceiling and fluted wall panels. Drawing the eyes to its relaxing ebb and flow pattern, and adding a calming aesthetic to the detailing of the home’s interior and décor.
7. Bold, vibrant prints
(Photo courtesy of Indigo Living)
Firmly claiming its place on the hottest Spring-Summer trends across the board, bold prints and vibrant patterns are taking the spotlight. Replete with rich textures and a zesty splash of colours, these textures add visual depth to anything and everything, from throw pillows and tribal rugs to upholstered furniture, paintings and wallpapers.
Home Couture: Upscale living in the heart of Hong Kong
Designing a home imbued with the spirit of originality takes not only passion for design and eye for detail, but also the confidence to imagine beyond the ordinary. Creativity melds and decodes different ideas in a way that inspires without the need for words. It can be discerned, for example, when the worlds of haute couture and interior architecture marry to give birth to a dream home in which with the details of every room reflect your thoughts, emotions and identity. A home that speaks your mind, whether in the subtle tones of a lampshade or the loud accents of the wall trim.
A splendid 2,476sq.ft apartment on the higher floors of 39 Conduit Road
If one might dare to dream, what would that dream home look like? Perhaps a visit to 39 Conduit Road in Mid-Levels West – conveniently located within minutes of Central – might provide the answer. The building itself fleetingly held the record for the most expensive apartment in the world, in which a flat could set you back anywhere upwards of HK$188 million. Here, nestled on the higher floors of one of the city’s most prestigious residential high rises is a residence that literally glows with sophistication as it encapsulates the stylish taste and lavish lifestyle of its owner.
Floor-to-ceiling windows for cityscape as far as the eye can see…
Filling 2,476sq.ft of space with ease and comfort, the recently renovated three-bedroom home embraces contemporary Italian furniture, crystal decoration and high-end smart technology – a winning combination made possible by the talents of Danny Chiu. Going above and beyond the usual, the award-winning interior designer approached this assignment from a singular perspective, imagining himself as a tailor crafting a one-of-a-kind evening gown.
Luxurious granite floors for an enviable modern touch
But a home as beautiful as this does not come without its challenges. The project took Chiu almost two years to complete, from drawing inspiration from fashion magazines as he researched to designing the floor plan and creating mock ups, and from sourcing some of the rarest materials he has ever used to painstaking construction.
From the first step inside, the design flows seamlessly. Grey maple wood defines the walls and ceiling of the open layout in an ample living area. Cool beige tones impart a clean-lined, earthy feel of modern luxury enhanced by charming oriental touches and colour accents. Strokes of blue enliven the designer rug; Baccarat crystal flashes from multiple surfaces as it catches the light; and delicate champagned-hued gold leaf highlights the curvature of the ceiling and feature wall.
Fine Italian furnishings to glam your meal time…
In this space of undoubted refinement, the granite floor takes precedence. The unique veins traversing the stone evoke a calming sense of movement, from foyer to sitting room to dining area, then leading the line of sight to the idyllic harbour view. This feat of inventive grounding saw Chiu travel to several places and collect countless samples in order to achieve the perfect fit and design for the home.
Dressed in Fendi and Vissionaire, the lush furnishings were also arranged with care and consideration. From the television and bar cabinets to the dining table and upholstery, all the fittings were handmade in Italy and customised in the correct colours and exacting designs to match the interior theme.
Uninterrupted city views…
Behind a pair of sliding doors in the wall of windows on one side of the room is a quiet garden-themed oasis. The balcony provides an intimate, relaxing space in which to unwind with a glass of wine while surveying stunning vistas of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.
Re-imagined bedroom space was paramount to the airy layout
Moving from the elegance of the living area to the more private quarters, the main bedroom called for comprehensive restructuring and expansion. “In order to make best use of the space and balance the proportions of the room to serve the needs of the owner, the en-suite bathroom was enlarged, and the walls between the original master bedroom and cloakroom were torn down,” reveals Chiu.
To start your morning routine in this sophistication!
The floors, walls and counters of the bathroom were completely redesigned with granite and Dornbracht fittings, while the bedroom was furbished to echo the opulent aesthetics of the living room. Aureate and metallic trims add a layer of depth here and provide contrast to the cool, airy tones that emanate from the abundant maple wood cladding and natural light spilling through dual-aspect windows. Breathtaking sea views stretch from the side of the bed to the back of the suite where the dressing room lies, shelved with a collection of Hermès accessories.
Sunny mornings, guaranteed!
But beyond the timeless beauty, resplendent décor and custom-made Italian furnishings, the apartment’s most impressive feature is surely the cutting-edge technology that elevates the day-to-day experience at home. Installing a smart living system has allowed the owner to possess full control of everyday electronics with ease and convenience. For example, switchable glass in the en-suite bathroom variously permits privacy when it is occupied, and affords more breathing room in the master chamber.
The consistent details that flow harmoniously from entryway to bedroom and everywhere else in between are somehow reminiscent of how one might trace the smooth ripples of satin on a glamorous gown: sumptuous to the touch and everlasting in impression – a true dream.
(Text: Roberliza Eugenio; Photos: Danny Chiu Interior Designs Ltd.)
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.
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.”
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
