From passion to action: Hobbies to bring out your creativity

Our hobbies are the most aspirational reflections of who we are, and in trying times, spending time on the things we love will serve a multitude of health benefits for our mental and emotional well-being. Whether just to fill the weekend or pivot to a dream career, you can try your hand in creative interests like these hobbies that can turn your passion into action.

From passion to action Unique craft hobbies to try gafencu magazine ring making and gem setting (2) — Image from Oberllery

Jewellery Making

Enter the dazzling world of jewelry with a hands-on experience of traditional craftsmanship of jewellery making. Explore the use of tools and the understanding of techniques, skills, and the theory of gemology through this hobby that will give gem enthusiasts a deeper appreciation and respect for the making of fine jewelry.

Where to go:

Oberllery

Hatton Jewellery Institute

L’école

Leather Shoe Making

Fashion-forward men and women know that leather shoes are a premium type of footwear that is known for its light-weight, durable and supple material. Bespoke leather shoes are forms that bring pride to both the artisan and the wearer. Go beyond appreciation with this hobby by learning to manage traditional tools and techniques that make leather shoemaking a globally respected trade.

Where to go:

itseducation.asia

Shoe artistry

Flower Arrangement

Not just for the adornment of the home and workspace, flower arrangement, as a hobby, offers several benefits such as manual dexterity, sensory stimulation and an outlet for reducing stress. It’s no wonder this art form has been growing in popularity within the city.

Where to go:

The Hong Kong Academy of Flower Arrangement

Kado Studio

Solomon Bloemen

From passion to action Unique craft hobbies to try gafencu magazine terrarium build — Image from Bonart

Build ATerrarium

Discover the calming experience of miniature gardening. With just a couple of hours of careful tray planting and focused arrangement, similar to exercising green thumbs with flower arrangement, this hobby could help the extremely stressed city folk with concentration and finding calm in their busy lives.

Where to go:

Bonart

Glass Farm

From passion to action Unique craft hobbies to try gafencu magazine pottery and ceramics — Image from Touch Ceramics

Pottery Making and Ceramics Painting

Another craft hobby that has gained in popularity in the city is pottery making and ceramic painting. With a booming art scene in the city as it grows its global reputation as an art hub, pottery and cermic arts are not praised for its aesthetics but the process equips students with practical techniques and is also commonly used as a theraputic outlet for creative expression and a unique experience of culture and history.

Touch Ceramics

Waka Artisans

Tung Yao Ceramics

Top five dog breeds that are suitable for Hong Kong homes

New dog owners in Hong Kong may be at a loss when picking a breed that will best suit their Hong Kong lifestyle. The first point to note is that purebred dogs have a long history of which, the bloodline, origin and genetics can be traced by each breed’s pedigree, a family tree that is essential in determining the many characteristics of a dog, including its temperament and inherent health risks.

Considering the many environmental factors that can determine the suitability of a dog owner to its furry friend, here are top five dog breeds that are suitable for Hong Kong homes.

Shih Tzu

Nicknamed “lion dog”, this hypoallergenic dog is ironically miniature and very adorable. Originating in Tibet but with roots to the Qing dynasty and a prized possession of Chinese royals.

Pro: A friendly personality with stylishly long hair that sheds very little, makes this breed a great pet for those who are prone to allergic reactions. They are also small in stature and can find comfort in small apartment spaces that Hong Kong is known for.

Cons: Despite its minimal upkeep in appearance and domestication, a number of health issues are known to be associated with this toy breed such as, hypothyroidism, intervertebral disk disease, breathing and eye problems.

Estimated Price: HK$45,000

Labrador or Golden Retrievers

This large active hunting breed is a great companion for children and as a family pet.

Pro: They make a great playmate for children because of their gentle and friendly nature. Their inherent hunting skills will also make for a thrilling game of fetch. Being natural swimmers, they are perfect companions for the avid beach goers and water sports enthusiasts.

Cons: This breed of dog can weigh between 29 to 36kg and can live to an average of 12 years. They are also a foodie’s best friend, although if not prompted to exercise regularly, they can be prone to obesity which can lead to other non-inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and joint problems.

Estimated price: HK$33,000 to HK$62,000

Dachshund

A wiener dog type that adapts to small flats and makes for a gentle companion for young children.

Pro: This breed is known for it strong sense of smell and can put up a chase which will make for a great playmate for young energetic children. It is a dog type that is gentle with young children and can be protective against strangers.

Cons: The temperament of this breed can be stubborn and tend to bark loud and often, which isn’t an ideal trait and will require training to avoid noise complaints from neighbours.

Estimated Price: $42,000

Minature Schnauzer

A small but extroverted hypoallergenic breed that is playful and easy to train, and is well-suited for first-time dog owners.

Pro: A natural extrovert, this dog breed eases the nerves of first-time dog owners and will even lift the spirits of their human pals with its playfulness. They are an intelligent and highly spirited breed that are also obedient to commands, but their friendliness is not to be underestimated as they can also be alert and territorial l, making them great watch dogs.

Cons: A healthy breed that lives up to 15 years and will generally cause very little worries in terms of health risk, although they are a breed that is most prone to cancer and may encounter health problems related to high fat levels such as pancreatitis, diabetes and bladder stones. A diet of low to non-fatty and unsweetened foods will help in avoiding these problems.

Estimated Price: HK$25,000

Shiba Inu

A breed of hunting dog native to Japan that is self-regulatory, easy to train and great mountain climbers.

Pro: Commmonly seen on hiking trails and rock streams around the city, this breed of hunting dogs are very agile and can keep up easily with trail runners and hikers. They are not easily provoked, love to stay clean and are easy to toilet train, making this dog type a low maintenance and ideal companion for busy city folks.

Cons: This dog type can live an extensive healthy life span of up to 15 years or more. Some health conditions known to be associated with them are allergies, hip displasia and glucoma, which will require regular eye tests. Ample exercise is needed to promote a long life for this breed

Estimated Price: HK$50,000

Pembroke Welsh Corgis

A dwarf dog type that adapts well to small apartments in big cities and is the Queen of England’s best friend.

Pros: Corgis are an adaptable breed that can live in the city and is small enough to be housed in an apartment. They ideal for Hong Kong lifestyle and are an affectionate companion to have around— no wonder the Queen loves them so much!

Cons: They generally live very long lives with good health for 12 to 15 years, but they have also been known to have a slight history of Progressive Retinal Atrophy which has an early onset at two years of age and can cause permanent blindness by three years of age.

Estimated Price: HK$40,000

A few points to note when buying a purebred dog in Hong Kong:

Check for a valid AFCD certification from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Identify responsible and ethical breeders by personally visiting the kennel
Meet the puppy’s parents and observe that the animals are care for
Observe for a clean environment that is well-facilitated
When sourcing from kennels outside of the city, check ups, paper works, quarantine, flight and other miscellaneous chargers can quickly add up to the total cost.

As dog breeding is a fast growing business in Hong Kong, the market is often saturated with unethical kennels who aim to breed as many litters as possible without the concern of the animal’s welfare and might state false claims of having purebreds available.

Reputable breeders of purebreds are usually from US or Australia. However, purchasing a dog outside of Hong Kong can cost a lot and involves several health checks and paper works before flying the dog into the city. The few known kennels that offer transparency in breeding practices, the pedigree of purebred puppies, and the ease of transition for new dog owners are Euro Puppy and Grifoncino.

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

An introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese calligraphy is one of the four treasures of ancient Chinese scholars. Though it is not as widely practiced today as it was in the past, it is a sophisticated form of longhand writing that surprisingly continues to enjoy keen adherents today. This treasured art form is reputed to enhance people’s mental fortitude and learning ability. Although computer keyboards have taken over most of modern-day communications, this traditional form of Chinese longhand writing remains valuable and useful to its practitioners.It serves as a link to traditional Chinese culture and heritage

Calligraphy serves as an excellent manner to stay connected to one’s Chinese heritage and to gain insights to the evolution of Chinese scriptures over centuries of visual representation of the world. It serves as a manner for appreciating one’s intellectual and artistic roots.

It is a form of meditation

Chinese calligraphy requires meticulous technique and patience that are useful in developing a sharp focus among those who practise it. The skills developed while practising this form of long-handed writing require strict control of a brush which serves as a meditative outlet for practitioners. This art form also helps develop a deeper connection between the mind and body.

It teaches discipline

Repeated practice over time and trained eyes eventually result in symmetrical, aesthetically-pleasing characters. After learning calligraphy’s foundation and with muscle memory, the practitioner’s mind will achieve its highest performance level. The rhythmic nature of brush writing lends itself to a full state of immersion.

It is an artistic outlet with a philosophical depth

Every aspect of the Chinese brush strokes, from the shape and size, to the type of hair on the brush and density of the ink, all play a part in distinguishing the final outcome of a Chinese calligraphy artwork. Each character is a unique symbol of a word. The philosophy of mastering Chinese calligraphy can be explained with the Yi (intentional) and Wuyi (unintentional) movements in art creation. It is an art form that teaches rules and control, but it also allows the artist’s heart to guide practitioners.

There are still a few esteemed Chinese calligraphy teachers in the city who offer classes and workshops to willing students.

Here are a few places to take up Chinese calligraphy:

Cathy Ho, Cawah Arts Gallery

Chinese Calligraphy HK

Karen Tong Calligraphy

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.

How to plan a zoom wedding

Couples need not cancel their wedding plans when they can plan a virtual zoom wedding at home.

While public gathering is still limited to no more than four people per group, it doesn’t mean that the preparations and planning should have to stop. Without putting wedding guests at risk amid the pandemic, a zoom wedding is a perfect chance to divert the stress of planning a big ceremony to focusing on what matters most, celebrating love.

Create online invitations

Whether you are setting up a webpage or a simple e-card, an online platform with clear time and date for guests to RSVP is cost- and hassle-free. They are also easily personalized and corrected. Just make sure to include the zoom link to your wedding.

Pick the right time and day

Pick the best time and day for your special day while considering a few important points when planning a zoom wedding. For example, the weather and time zone differences of guests if they are logging in from across the world.

Set up your guest list

Deciding between a big or small wedding has its pros and cons. Zoom meetings cap at 100 guests but having a guest list that big also poses a few issues such as people talking over each other or having to mute everyone entirely. Troubleshooting connections and technical difficulties are also other problems the bride or groom shouldn’t have to worry about on their special day. A small wedding in contrast makes the event easier to organize and creates a more intimate moment to share with each other.

Regardless of the size of your wedding list, make sure everyone has access to a Zoom account and a good internet connection which is essential to planning a zoom wedding.

Set a dress code

Another item to add to the e-invites is a dress code. Although the ceremony will most likely be watched in the comfort of the guests’ home, it won’t be uncommon to take selfies and screenshots of everyone in the chat room. Have a little fun with color ordinated outfits and backgrounds for guests and give them an excuse to dress their best, even if they can’t be physically present.

Get the wedding dress and cakes

Without the pressure of entertaining guests, you can save money on venue and catering and veer the funds into the perfect wedding outfits, cakes, and decorations all of which will be a stunning showcase for guests to appreciate.

Set up & decorate the ceremony location

Whether the wedding is hosted in the living room, backyard, or at a private venue, a few essential points to consider are lighting, decor, and connectivity. A location with large windows or a sizable space for setting up lighting and decorations like a ceremony arch, cake stand, drapings, and flowers will make sure that the wedding doesn’t fall short of the ‘wow’ factor.

More importantly, access to charging ports and a good wifi connection will enable devices to host the perfect zoom wedding.

Create a memorable experience

Just because plans have changed, it doesn’t mean settling for second best. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative and have fun with guests’ performances and gifts. Involve guests by sending gifts bags such as small bottles of wines and knick-knacks in elegant packaging to join in on toasts and pre-arrange guest performances and speeches for everyone to watch live. This creates an intimate connection to the event even when they are a distance away.

Plan a wedding ceremony rehearsal the day before

Though the tradition of a physical ceremony has taken the form of a virtual space, the occasion still calls for a rehearsal where participating guests can easily log on and coordinate their speeches, join in on the bride’s dress rehearsal video chat. This is also the perfect time to make sure that everyone has a webcam and mic on their device.

Get familiar with the zoom features

Probably the most important part of the planning process is familiarizing yourself with the zoom software. Test run the features to avoid any last-minute confusion for example:

How to add guests to the event
How to enable your webcam and mic
How to switch to different guests with the” screen share” function
How to record your wedding

Hire a photographer / videographer

A downsize in luxury doesn’t mean a lesser need to capture the memorable occasion. Especially during such a unique time, a collection of photos and videos will be a precious gift for the bride and groom and their loved ones to look back on during a period of ‘new normal’.

Eliminate bacteria and allergens with high-performance Laurastar ironing systems

With the rampant rage of Covid-19 continuing unchecked, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is spotless and devoid of any unwanted pollutants and allergens, particularly within the sartorial sphere. To combat this garment-related issue, though, Swiss luxury steam iron brand Laurastar has produced a plethora of cutting-edge, user-friendly ironing solutions to not only ensure you look your best, but that your apparel remain entirely allergen and bacteria-free.

First launched in Switzerland in 1980, the sleek, innovative designs spawned by Laurastar has seen it expand across the globe, latterly arriving in Hong Kong last year. Across the decades, it has focused on eliminating harmful materials that coat our clothes – an important battle as our garments are intimately in contact with our skin.

Among its latest creations is the LIFT PLUS Pinky Pop (HK$7,980), a precision-engineered mchine boasting Dry Microfine Steam (DFS) technology that’s been proven to kill 99.999% of bacteria, 100% of mites and 99.9% of the harmful pathogen candida albican. In layman’s terms, this means that it naturally and effectively purifies textiles without the need for any chemicals.

Another top draw is the HK$35,800 Smart U ironing system. Fitted with the latest in home appliance technology, it offers a plethora of features to optimise your ironing, ranging from the Sensteam technology, which senses the movements of the iron and deploys steam automatically, to the companion mobile app, where the Smart U proffers step-by-step guidelines to handle any type of fabric.

Laurastar brand ambassador and haute couture designer Dorian Ho

Speaking of the many benefits served up by the luxury ironing solutions company, brand ambassador and renowned haute couture designer Dorian Ho said: “Both the Laurastar Smart U and the Laurastar Lift series feature user-friendly designs and an extensive suite of functions,” adding that “Laurastar’s vision of beauty speaks very closely to my own taste and sensibility, and that’s what led to our collaborations.”

Dynasty Heights-Tropicana: Historic, organic and hugely luxurious

Unobtrusively, often unthought of, any stretch of land can be home to a million secrets. For those who pass by unknowing, too brusque to take time to pause and ponder, who knows what repositories of knowledge they are treading on so carelessly? The scene of an epoch-defining battle? The site of one of the most extravagant coronations the world has ever seen? The setting for the final doomed, clandestine encounter of star-crossed lovers? A former gasworks? Tragedy, comedy, history and matters best dismissed as prosaic pack every inch of the terrain we occupy.

In Hong Kong, a city where terra firma is famously in particularly short supply, this unlooked-to legacy is ever more, vivid, dense and hard to ignore. Hospitals rise in former fish markets, one-time pauper’s last resorts are reinvented as a millionaire’s mile, while even land that, no so long ago languished below the waves, is reclaimed and repurposed.

What then of Kowloon Tong, a district apparently long-regarded as a high-end residential area, with its all-luxury Dynasty Heights-Tropicana development rightly deemed a pinnacle of considerate construction and sustainable design? Well, you don’t have to dig too deep to uncover the remarkable tale behind this highly desirable bit of topography. Unlike many areas, a very specific date can be identified for the widespread transformation of this one – 25 December 1953. This was the day that a sudden blaze destroyed the township of Shek Kip Mei, an impromptu cluster of lean-tos and pre-fabs that had been home to more than 50,000 refugees from the mainland.

In truth, this devastating inferno divided the destiny of the region. On its southern side, a major public housing programme – a necessity given the vast number of people that suddenly found themselves destitute and homeless – was promptly initiated. This ultimately gave rise to the Shek Kip Mei Low-cost Housing Estate, a development that became a byword for cramped conditions and poor living standards. To the north, by contrast, along Beacon Hill, the go-ahead was given for the development of two very different residential estates – Beacon Heights and Dynasty Heights-Tropicana. Both designed with private and highly-affluent buyers in mind, they have since become wholly synonymous with luxury living in this now highly-desirable Hong Kong neighbourhood.

For its part, the ideally-appointed Dynasty Heights-Tropicana development sits nestled on a gentle slope, all amid luxuriant natural woodland. Enjoying an unparalleled view out across the charms of Victoria Harbour, it’s a homestead that effortlessly blends a cosy residential feel with the distinct allure of a resort. This latter aspect is in no way hampered by its proximity to an exclusive 100m swimming pool, which even now remains a rarity in even the city’s most upmarket complexes.

A perfect example of a stunning abode that occupies this luxurious development is a two-bedroom apartment recently completed by local interior design firm S.I.D. Ltd.’s Peter Ho. Encompassing a wholly modern appeal, this 941sq.ft apartment is all sleek lines and minimalist elegance. Here, the capacious living / dining area, cloakroom and kitchen all gift its lucky owners with ample space to entertain their nearest and dearest. When weather permits, though, the prime gathering space is undoubtedly the enormous 3,682sq.ft outdoor garden that rings the property. The undeniable jewel in the apartment’s crown, this expansive space boasts tasteful landscaping that punctuate its dedicated dining and lounging areas.

In order to ensure the overall development retains a distinctly organic feel, meanwhile, its thoughtful design sees it remain very in keeping with its decidedly lush environment. Indeed, while its architecture remains both contemporary and accommodating, it also favours an arch unobtrusiveness, an aspect that endears it as much to occasional visitors as to long-term residents. In addition to the pool, its exclusive residents-only facilities also extend to tennis courts, squash courts, a club house, a dedicated barbecue area, secure children’s play areas and a regular shuttle bus that takes the pain out of the five-to-10 minute trip to the nearest MTR station.

All in all then, Dynasty Heights-Tropicana is a truly luxurious home and one forever rooted in the travails of Hong Kong’s past, while also being a potent symbol of the city’s contemporary success and future aspirations. Even more than easy access to a 100m heated, outdoor pool, such attributes undoubtedly make it the ideal locale to rear a young, curious and culturally-minded family.

Text: Bob Sperling
Photos: S.I.D. Ltd.

Abode Well: Living large at Tsim Sha Tsui’s The Masterpiece

As befits a modern, cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong has its fair share of skyscrapers. Indeed, there is hardly any area within the Fragrant Harbour – except for its far-flung rural islands – that is completely free of these towering constructions, reaching skywards as far as the eye can see. To some, the heavy density of these structures may foster an image of Hong Kong as a monotonous concrete jungle, with each building indistinguishable from the next as they stand abreast in close quarters.

Yet, there are some skyscrapers that truly stand out from the rest, set apart by the sheer beauty of their design or the gargantuan scale of their structure. One that surely qualifies as just such an iconic landmark is the rather-aptly-named building complex, The Masterpiece. Located atop the K11 shopping mall, this instantly-recognisable, 261m-tall construction has dominated the skyline of Tsim Sha Tsui since it was built in 2009. While the lower floors house the world’s first Art Mall – the aforementioned K11 – it is the apartments occupying the 27th to the 67th floors of the complex that typifies the crème de la crème of Hong Kong’s booming property market.

It is within this coveted address that a family of three recently found their home. Taking possession of a spacious 2,969sq.ft-net flat within The Masterpiece, they passed the responsibility of redesigning their beloved new home into the more-than- capable hands of designer Clifton Leung, founder of the eponymous, award-winning Clifton Leung Design Workshop. Explaining his approach, Leung says: “It’s not just about white walls – you have to bring your own favourite works of art, your cherished belongings, your much-loved sofa, your music… You have to transform it through your own very individual presence. Above all, a home should have its own character, and that character should reflect the unique personalities and interests of its residents.”

In this instance, the residents – in this case, a couple and their young-adult daughter – chose to reflect their personalities through a wide range of bespoke furniture, artworks and curios that adorn every nook and corner of the capacious abode. This sees the living room punctuated with a plush sofa, Bilbao dining chairs by acclaimed Vietnamese designer Quasar Khanh and German artist Caro Jost’s INVOICE PAINTING B.N. (1969). Such refinement extends to the bedrooms as well, with the daughter’s room flaunting a bespoke swivel chair from Sintesi Noa designed by Marcello Ziliani, while the master bedroom is graced with a beautiful moon bed by Noblesse Lifestyle. Representing the moon’s movements with the full moon taking centre stage on the hand-upholstered headboard, it’s a bed that’s as much a work of art as it is a functional furniture.

Both the bedrooms also have their own walk-in closets, with a particularly capacious one custom-built for the master bedroom by co-opting a part of the living room space. By comparison, the closet in the daughter’s bedroom is somewhat smaller, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in style – with a skylight in the ceiling and glass display boxes in the wardrobe, the closet serves as the perfect spot to display the many souvenirs that she has collected from her many travels.

However, the most eye-catching facet of the apartment is its panoramic views of the city. Indeed, the long, curved windows in the living area boast an envious 180-degree view of Victoria Harbour across its entire length. It’s a space that has been enhanced further by fitting custom-designed storage counters along the windows that are both fun and functional, serving a dual purpose of storage space and seating counter.

While the expansive windows no doubt bestow the communal space with an easy airiness, it’s through the dextrous planning and execution by Leung that the feeling of spaciousness permeates to the bedrooms as well. Take, for example, the daughter’s quarters, which the design team assembled from two smaller rooms that existed in the original configuration. A redundant bathroom, meanwhile, was converted into her very own walk-in closet. This deft utilisation of space to promote a truly luxurious living experience has more than paid off, and indeed resonates with the ambience of the entire abode at The Masterpiece – one where living large is the ideal way of life.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Photos: Clifton Leung Design Workshop

Autumn Furniture: 5 items to spruce up your home this fall

With the end of August all too near, the autumn season is just around the corner, bringing with it some of the most holiday-packed months for Hongkongers. In anticipation of the slew of gatherings with loved ones both near and far sure to keep you busy in the coming season, one would be wise to embrace the spirit of redecorating so that you can truly shine as the host with the most.

Paola Lenti @ COLOURLIVING

Those looking to impress dinner guests during this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival would be well-advised to check out local lifestyle concept store COLOURLIVING‘s offerings from Italian brand Paola Lenti. Sure to brighten up any room and bring much warmth to your mooncake-munching occasions is the Ornué steel dining table. The circular top makes sharing and passing plates a breeze, while the roomy dimensions of 180cm x 73 cm are sure to help you fit the whole family. www.colourliving.com

Gubi @ Establo

Hong Kong’s very own Establo is very much no smoke and all mirrors with its latest offerings from Dutch furniture maker Gubi. Helping you to reflect this autumn is the Adnet Wall Mirror, an elegant round mirror that has been trimmed with leather and solid brass to give a equestrian-inspired detailing. Offered in three separate sizes, the mirrors promise to give a touch of modern expression to any room. www.establo.hk

Giorgetti

If you’re in a mood to make your living room a tad more luxurious – and who among us isn’t? – you could do far worse than take a protracted gambol through Giorgetti‘s latest home decor collection. Among the most attractive pieces on offer is the multicoloured and irregular geometric-patterned Kaledio carpet. Crafted with the multifaceted optical gymnastics of a kaleidoscope in mind, this lush rug has been hand-tufted in bamboo and linen silk. www.giorgettimeda.com/en

Kelvin Giormani

With spring cleaning now well and truly in the rear-view mirror, this may well be the perfect time to introduce a new sofa into your living space. Those looking for the last word in elegance and comfort may want to opt for the Colonna II, courtesy of Kelvin Giormani. Featuring intricate small diamond-shaped weaving, this leathercraft sofa also incorporates curved stainless steel strips that connect with the columns of the couch, giving it a stylish structure and a sustained bounce factor. www.kelvingiormani.com

Sicis

With a mind to setting a new benchmark for a truly luxurious lounging experience, Italy-headquartered Sicis has introduced the Babylon Slide side table. Finished in ebony and featuring the decorative trims punctuated with Sicis’ signature mosaics, make sure to have coasters on hand as this is one table you won’t want to stain. www.sicis.com