Seamless Serenity: Open concept, dual layers, expansive views – this redesigned Kowloon peninsula penthouse is top draw

Modern, minimalist styling throughout a remodelled penthouse at Royal Peninsula in Hung Hom, Kowloon, reveals a masterclass in subtle extravagance. Entrusted to award- winning firm Grande Interior Design, the renovation of this 1,787-square-foot duplex apartment showcases a beautiful blend of aesthetics and practicality. Comfort merges with a unique design to epitomise sophistication and elegance.

From towering glass façades that offer awe-inspiring views to a meticulously designed floor plan that maximises space, the architectural brilliance here is captivating. High ceilings, an open-concept layout and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces create an ambience that exudes both grandeur and tranquillity.

In the open-plan living quarters, plush sofas, custom-made cabinets and carefully curated décor reflect the discerning taste of the residents while ensuring optimal comfort. The materials used are premium, the furnishings are exquisite and the artwork is stunning. An interplay of subtle colours and natural light enhances the sense of serenity.

Light shades of wood for the floor and stairs, and bright white paintwork on the walls and ceiling follow the living room into the dining space and then the kitchen area. This luminous colour palette is highlighted by functional spotlights as well as a variety of lighting features to suit different activities. An airy frame ending in black- bronze pendent lamps drops down from the ceiling towards the grey marble-topped dining table, serving to mark the division between lounging and eating.

Modular furniture crafted from natural materials adorns the living area and allows for a flexible layout. The feature wall behind the TV has display shelves for art pieces and wooden cabinets for storage. Bronze lines running vertically along the back wall give a delicate layering to the dining area.

Parallel to the dining table, the designer has added an open bar area, with a wooden counter and high stools. It delineates the open kitchen equipped with spacious cabinets and attractive appliances that make preparing meals an enjoyable experience. Dressed in white and touched with marble, this area is coherent with the living and dining spaces.

A former bedroom on this floor has been transformed into a multifunctional space by adding an upper level. The double-level design provides an area for entertaining and shared family activities below, and a guest bedroom with a private bathroom above, accessed by an internal flight of steps. It is another versatile feature of a home unhindered by boundaries.

The staircase from the lounge that leads up to the more private second storey of the penthouse blends harmoniously with the interior by disappearing into the wall after the first landing. An earthy colour scheme distinguishes the master bedroom. The bronze lines of the dining area reappear, etching the wall behind the bed, while the grey fabric wallpaper provides texture. The bed faces an expansive window that affords stirring views of the urban outdoors.

To suit the needs and lifestyle of the owners, the master suite spans a bedroom, study, walk-in closet and ensuite. A darker wood veneer creates a mature yet cosy environment. The closet is equipped with a dresser and high wardrobe to maximise storage, and the ensuite is furnished in relatively brighter tones with an abundance of glass and marble.

Adjacent to the master bedroom is their daughter’s room, where lighter earth tones evoke a more youthful ambience and textured wallpaper imparts a tranquil vibe. The ensuite here, which echoes that of the master bedroom, is accessed through a sliding door. A high wardrobe and tall mirror enhance the practicality and feeling of spaciousness in a compact closet.

The seamless flow of space and light throughout this apartment instils a sense of integration and intricacy. It is a home offering commanding views and a calming presence that makes you feel on top of the world.

Photos: Grande Interior Design

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.

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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.”

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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”.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)