Tag: interior design

Modern light designs to transform any room

Lighting is a defining element of any home. It lends a flattering illumination to enhance the ambiance and the practicality of a space, while elevating the overall aesthetic. The most stunningly lit rooms are the result of careful planning rather than happenstance, so bear the following points in mind before selecting any new fixtures for your home.

Gafencu lighting design fixtures to transform any room in the home (7)
Without a shadow of a doubt, the style, material and finish of your lights are all crucial. Homeowners should always pick a fixture that speaks to them, echoing their style and taste. However, the size of a light installation can just as easily make or break the desired aesthetic, so this is the first factor to consider when planning the lighting of each room.

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Entrance and Living Room
Start from the entryway, which in most Hong Kong homes leads into the living room, the area reserved for entertainment and relaxation. The lighting here sets the tone for the rest of the home. As the largest room in the house, the living area is also the most difficult in which to compose a perfect ratio of light fixture size, height and proportion. A gorgeous statement piece like a chandelier, for example, works best on a high ceiling – instantly filling the space while adding a beautiful contrast to the height. Chandeliers between 22 and 26 inches in diameter are a good size for ceilings of 10 to 11 feet, while ceilings that reach 12 feet or more can be filled by grandiose fixtures that are at least 30 inches in diameter – anything smaller may cheapen the aesthetic of the space.

Gafencu lighting design fixtures to transform any room in the home

However, if height is an issue, recessed lights, which are pushed neatly into the ceiling, or open soffit lights nestled into dropped ceilings or at the top of walls, pillars and beams, offer clear, soft and unobtrusive ambient light, even offering the illusion of a higher ceiling.

For something more dramatic, instead of lining the edges of the ceiling with recessed lights, create a circular tray above the main area to hide away LED lights for a unique halo effect. For art aficionados, adding layers of multiple light sources will create the illusion of depth in a room, delivering beautifully lit spaces that showcase the various elements, such as a chandelier complemented by a task light and a decorative accent light as an ambiance booster.
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Dining Room
Just because the dining room serves a more practical purpose than the living room, illumination here should not be limited to a series of task lights. It is important that this space is bright enough for guests to be comfortable while chatting and eating at the dining table. Though small-scale chandeliers can feature here, it is pendant lights that instantly dress the room. They also provide an anchor for the table, which immediately draws attention. Pendant lights are typically low hanging; suspending them 30 to 36 inches above the table will add character to the space while not obstructing movement.

Gafencu lighting design fixtures to transform any room in the home (9)

If your taste leans more towards statement pieces, bold, reflective and crystalised fixtures will effortlessly convey this, while traditional styles feature fabric shades and crystals. In contrast, a modern look is best achieved with clean, simple lines and an emphasis on glass materials. For a mid-century modern vibe, select lighting that features bubble glass; a bubble-glass chandelier or pendant light leaves a lasting impression and creates an outstanding room.

Gafencu lighting design fixtures to transform any room in the home (8)

Kitchen
Pendant light fixtures also fit happily in a kitchen. This is the one place in your home where you want ample lighting, especially while working over the kitchen island. Ideally, aligning these lights along the length of the island will bring an illuminated balance to the space. For counters that are six feet or longer, two to three pendant lights will fit right, while a series of sconce or ceiling-mounted lights work well to illuminate other areas, such as the sink.

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Hall and Bathroom
The narrow passageways of foyers and halls don’t usually offer much space for lighting. Mounting sconce lights along the walls is the most obvious solution here. However, if more subtle and seamless transition from one room to the next is desired, hidden light sources in the form of hidden lights lining the wall edges will be ideal. This is also true in the bathroom, an area of the house where light is absolutely necessary for daily grooming regimens. Sconces flanking the mirrors, or bright LED lights above them, are the key focal points.

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Bedroom
Turning to the more intimate areas of the home, the master bedroom is probably the most revealing space and most telling of its occupants, which is all the more reason to spruce it up with statement lighting. The installations here draw the gaze to the elements that are most important to you. But there are no hard-set rules that must be followed. Placing warm task lights at the bedside is the most popular way to facilitate reading or watching TV shows. Some people, though, prefer to highlight the bed with a big crystal chandelier, or set mood lighting to create a cosier bedchamber.

Having reviewed different lighting solutions and fixture styles and, all importantly, determining the size and brightness required to complement each available space, homeowners can head into their renovation with confidence.

 

Photos Credit: Design Link, Archetypal, Viz Design

Seven indoor plants to improve the feng shui in your home

Floral décor and potted plants have often filled the role of adding an element of nature to the home, enlivening the living space with vibrancy and dynamism. In Chinese culture, however, its benefits extend beyond aesthetics towards offering good luck and positive energy to home dwellers. Wood elements, as they are referred to in feng shui, promote positive energy, good fortune and a boost of happiness and growth in opportunities. Here, we’ve listed seven feng shui plants to increase the lucky and good fortune throughout the home.

  1. Bamboo plants
    Bamboo plants, promote fortune and prosperity by purifying the room of pollutants and often give off a calming and balanced atmosphere. Thy enjoy warm temperatures and indirect sunlight, so it is best to keep them near the window but not underneath the air-conditioner. Placing them in the east corner of the room is said to promote intelligence and growth.
  1. Jade Plant
    Jade plants, also known as money tree, feature small round leaves that resemble coins, hence its nickname. They are believed to bring in wealth and good fortune to home dwellers, and are pretty easy to care for. They love basking in sunlight, so make space for it by the window to nurture its growth and lucky-giving.
  2. Snakeplant
    Known for its long wavy-like leaves, snakeplants are offer great feng shui and require minimal care. Believed to deliver luck and safeguard the home from misfortunes, it is a purification plant that offers ample oxygen and a strong positive energy while shielding the home from negativity. It can thrive in low-light conditions with minimal water consumption and are best kept in bedrooms for its purification properties that help improve sleep quality.
  3. Orchids
    Given that the majority of feng shui plants a green-hued, orchids are beautifully vibrant options to increase the happiness and relationship luck the home. They thrive in humid and warm conditions and don’t like to be overwatered. It is best placed in the east on a dining table where family often gather together.
    Rubber fig
  4. Rubber Fig
    The rubber plant is a large round-leaf foliage that, like jade plants, are believed to bring in abundance and good fortune in wealth. Though it may require the occasional pruning and pot transfer as it can grow quite high, it is a plant that thrives best indoors with indirect sunlight and is said to purify the air and balance the energy in the home, attracting prosperity.  Home owners would reap its benefits most by placing it in the study or next to their workspaces.
  1. Arrowhead plant
    The Arrowhead plant is easily recognizable for its distinctive spade-like shape leaves. A closer look at it will show five leading lines that, in Chinese belief, represent the five elements: water, fire, earth, wood and metal, which is said to offer a balance of Yin and Yang. Cultivated as an indoor plant that inspires creativity and new ideas, this potted plant can grow anywhere between30cm to 1.5m indoors, so it can be on tables or on the floor by the desk in rooms with bright but indirect light.
  1. Golden Pothos
    The golden pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, are viney foliage that boast glossy deep-green heart-shaped leaves is believed to absorb and purify the energy of its surroundings. Which is why it is suggested to keep them away from computers, televisions or anything that emits radiation, and is best placed high or hung (because of its long viney features) anywhere in the south eastside of the home in need of purification to promote good health, wealth and happiness.  

Zen Living: Design a peaceful home with Japanese philosophy

Japanese design more often than not makes references to ancient traditions, culture, and history that carry philosophical ideas that render a peaceful and meditative state not only applicable to art but also to one’s way of living. This might explain why modern and contemporary Japanese designs have grown in popularity all over the world, especially in the homes of Hong Kong people, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wabi-Sabi, Kintsugi and Ma are Japanese philosophies often incorporated in home designs to promote a more calm and joyful living space.  

Wabi-sabi  (侘寂) 

Wabi-Sabi is a philosophy that embraces the beauty of the impairment, imperfect, and melancholic absence in nature. The aesthetics of wabi-sabi designs are captured with asymmetrical silhouettes, minimalism, and natural elements that portray imperfections, emptiness, and transience that come with time and age – just like a mid-level residence designed by NC Design & Architecture Ltd founder, Nelson Chow.  The design employs natural materials such as wood, marble, as well as oxidised bronze, and textured plaster which offer occupants a sense of relaxation and calm.

How to incorporate wabi-sabi at home: Keep it simple and let the reigns loose for perfectly-shaped and symmetrical geometry. Incorporate more natural and rustic elements, such as plants and wood into the furnishings and decor.

Kintsugi (金継ぎ)

Kintsugi is a Japanese art form that roughly translates into “joined by gold”. It involves putting broken pottery back together with powdered gold mixed in lacquer. The purpose of repair is not to make the object good as new, but to enhance its beauty by highlighting the breakage as part of its history – discarding perfection as a definition of worth. The art form brings a narrative of embracing flaws and imperfection into the design of the home, offering a sense of security and serenity and promoting efforts to reduce wastes. 

How to incorporate kintsugi at home: Despite the attention, the art form has enjoyed for centuries, authentic Kintsugi works are not commonly for sale in stores. However, the art form is easily done at home and personalized by purchasing a kintsugi repair kit. Alternatively, Kintsugi workshops provided by art galleries, Touch Ceramics and Waka Artisans are also available for those who are keen on learning more about the art form and creating their own Kintsugi homewares. 

Ma (間)

Ma is a term that represents a Japanese idea that most Western designers refer to as “negative space,” and which translates unto space, distance, or gap. It is the artistic interpretation of empty space. The void promotes the mental process of imagination and creativity in visualising the numerous possibilities that can exist in an empty space, gap, or distance from one object to another. A case in point is the Happy Valley residence named Urban Cacoon by designers Lorène Faure & Kenny Kinugasa-Tsui of Bean Buro. The use of neutral tones fits into a minimalistic design in which natural light and other elements can shine, including two mirrors facing each other from one end of the residence to the other, creating a conversation in the space and distance between the two objects.

How to incorporate kintsugi at home: Use monochromatic palates or neutral tones, like light wood and bamboo, to highlight other elements in the home such as paintings, flowers, and cool-toned decor and furnishings. Embrace space and distance between objects to create a story.

Home-bound: How to create an efficient yet elegant home office

Working from home serves many perks to this generations’ growing entrepreneurs, which might explain an increasingly popular trend in designing a home office that improves productivity and also personalised workstations with some style and elegance. Regardless of whether you are working from home by choice or staying in to flatten the curve, optimising your workspace to increase your productivity is essential to getting your work done. Here are some useful tips:

dedicated work desk wooden minimalistic gafencu

Create a dedicated work space

The best way to focus on work and productivity is to have a dedicated home office away from the bed and TV. Having a desk to associate with work —and only work, will condition your mind to focus quicker. You can minimise distractions with a minimalistic layout with a desk like the Cupertino by BoConcept or keep organised with Nelson Swag Leg Desk. Including wooden elements like this Koppar desk can also improve your concentration and energy level.

“Where your attention goes, your time goes”

– Idowu Koyenikan, international acclaimed organisational consultant and author

Curate your surroundings

Minimising distractions doesn’t mean that your work space has to be dull. Furnishing your work area with house plants and accented wallpapers are not only pleasing to look at, but they can also inspire creativity and motivation. Much like air diffusers like the Totem diffuser from the Baobab collection and Harrod’s Senti diffuser, a mixture of herbal and floral scents can create an environment that promotes concentration and alertness.

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Prepare your essentials

Preparing your essentials that help you stay productive throughout the day saves you time and increases the work you get done. Some noteworthy home office must-haves to help you plan and take notes with are the Mrs Strong calendar and the Postalco grid pen. It’s also important to stay hydrated so having a bottle like VitaJuwel keeps you fresh and replenishes your energy with its healing crystal.

“Failing to prepare is preparing for failure”

– Benjamin Franklin

Keep your desk well-lit

Placing your desk next to a window will expose you to the mental and physical benefits of natural light. It can boost productivity levels to up to 40 percent, but if your windows are not accessible or you have to work during the night, having good lighting with a natural glow like the Terra Glow Monc Blanc floor lamp can help you stay concentrated and alert. A more flexible alternative is the cleverly designed Dyson Lightcycle Morph desk lamp powered by an algorithm that can recalculate colour temperatures and adjusts itself to mimic daylight according to the time of day.

ergonomic chair support posture gafencu

Be mindful of your posture

Sitting at a desk for long hours restricts your body’s movement and blood flow, and it can strain your back and neck muscles. Having a standing desk like this one from Ergo Seatings helps keep your body upright and encourages movement. If your work requires you to sit at your desk, ergonomic chairs like Sayl Chair by designer Yves Behar and the Okamura Sylphy supports good form. Designed to adjust to your movement and body shape it gives you the flexibility to move, stretch and adjust to the height of your desk.

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.

Dynasty Heights-Tropicana 1

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.

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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.

Dynasty Heights-Tropicana 5

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.

Dynasty Heights-Tropicana 4

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.

Dynasty Heights-Tropicana 3

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.

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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.

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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.

Festive Flourishes: Upping the oomph factor of your ho-ho-home decor

With the weather turning cooler and the shopping malls, restaurants, pubs and shops all selling attractive wares, deals and more to usher in the end-of-the-year revelry, it’s safe to say that Christmas is on everyone’s minds. To make the festive season even more fun, now would be a good time to start decorating your house with festive flourishes. Whether you prefer traditional decor or something more modern, there’s no better way to get into the holiday mood than by adding a touch of red, green and white to your home.

Festive Flourishes - Christmas Decor

While the sheer variety of decorations available in the stores, from lights and ornaments to indoor and outdoor decor, can cater to every theme – be it rustic, vintage, glamorous or contemporary – it’s easy t o feel overwhelmed by the plethora of options available. To help you resist the urge to go overboard, we have put together a list of accessories to help you welcome the holiday in true style.

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Christmas tree
Nothing makes your home look merrier than a cheerful Christmas tree. For a truly authentic touch, choose a Noble fir sourced directly from sustainable North American tree farms. Not only do they come in a huge range of sizes, there are several florists in Hong Kong that offer to pick up your tree after the holiday season for it to be recycled, so that you can fully enjoy the verdant seasonal centrepiece in your home while still caring for the environment.

Festive Flourishes - Ornaments

Christmas ornaments
Once you’ve found the perfect spot to show off your festive foliage, the next important step is to make it look as stylish as possible. Bedeck your perfect Christmas tree with baubles, ornaments, figurines and lights, all perfectly coordinated to match your central theme. If you want to glam it up further, just spritz some metallic spray paint to ensure the branches and leaves sparkle. A tree-top ornament is also a beautiful way to enhance its inherent appeal. Although time-honoured festive flourishes such as angels, fairies, stars and ribbons are popular choices, for a touch of uniqueness, you can even create your own customised ornament, ensuring your tree-topper is a true showstopper.

Festive Flourishes - Stockings

Christmas stockings
One of the most enduring Christmas Eve traditions is to hang stockings from mantels or bedposts for Santa Claus to fill up with gifts. Putting aside the myth of Father Christmas, these woolly accoutrements can go a long way in adding festive cheer to your home. From classic reds and greens to colourful pompoms, whatever it is that catches your fancy, make sure to hang up a holiday stocking that is just as envy-worthy as the goodies inside.

Festive Flourishes - Table Setting

Christmas tableware
While a hearty spread goes hand in hand with any celebration, go the extra mile to ensure your Christmas table setting does your dinner justice. From festive flourishes and colour-coordinated plates and mugs to red-hued crystal glasses and ornate napkin holders, nothing creates a more lasting impression on loved ones than a wonderfully decorated table. Pay attention to the little details, however, as a mishmash of objects and clashing themes can take away from the allure of the whole experience.

Festive Flourishes - Lights

Christmas lights
Brighten up the holidays – and your home – with those merry, twinkly lights that lift up the mood with the click of a power switch. No matter your mode of illumination, be it mini LEDs or retrostyle globe strands, there’s no going overboard in  this department. For the tree, drape the trunk andthe branches with as many strings of light as you want. You can also wrap some strands on wreaths and mistletoes for a touch of extra warmth, while longer strands can be used as a curtain of light on the windows. Mix and match with colours for an element of fun or to create a calm, soothing ambience. Those looking to add a vintage touch to their Christmas cheer may also opt for traditional candles with ornate candleholders as centrepieces for the tables. When it comes to festive flourishes, brighter is truly better…

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Photos: AFP

Talking shop with CEO Roberto Gavazzi at the new Boffi | De Padova showroom

Italian luxury furniture makers Boffi and De Padova have long been past-masters of creating fittings that transform a residence into a truly special home. The latest chapter of its storied 80-year legacy has been the opening of an all-new showroom at Causeway Bay’s Lee Garden Three.

Boffi De Padova CEO Roberto Gavazzi
Boffi and De Padova CEO Roberto Gavazzi

To celebrate the special occasion, we spoke to Roberto Gavazzi, CEO of Boffi and De Padova, about this exciting new space, what has kept the company running successfully for more than eight decades and what makes them stand out.

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What sets Boffi and De Padova apart from its competitors?
The difference between us and the other players in the market is that we are working on creating a group with an entrepreneurial point of view. Boffi has always been a company that is strong in the production of modular furnishing systems, while De Padova has creates loose furniture such as sofas, tables and chairs. Therefore, bringing the two brands together allows us to be a one-stop solution for all interior decor needs.

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Can you tell us a bit more about what the customers want and how it has changed?
The higher you go in the market, the more discerning customers become. They want tailored solutions. That is why we have also created a custom made division called the Boffi Code where we design special objects that are exclusively for one customer. You need to be upscale on the quality too. The products have to be resistant to time because these products are expensive and they need to be in the homes for a long time. They need to be timeless, to go beyond short-termed fashion trends, which is something we pay particular attention to.

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You are here to avail this new store. Can you tell us more about this space?
While we’ve always had a presence in Hong Kong, this new showroom is something I’m particularly proud of. Being located on the third floor, it’s something customers have to come and find. In the process, it transforms from being just a shop into a space where you can feel the emotion of decoration. With this new showroom, we’ve mimicked the sensation of being in a real home, with a kitchen, bathroom, living room, a terrace… It allows our customers to truly experience how our furniture feels in a residential context.

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How important is the Hong Kong market to Boffi and De Padova?
Hong Kong has always been an interesting city for us. We have been here for more than 20 years. In fact, it was the first location that we expanded to in Asia. We have always been happy with this market  because the international taste of consumers here is very much developed in terms of culture. It is in line with our products. It sets a benchmark for us, a standard that pushes us to do better to ensure we remain successful in appealing to discerning homeowners.

Thank you.

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.

The Masterpiece 1

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.

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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.”

The Masterpiece 2

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.

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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

Vintage Treasures: Exploring The Time Machine @ Museum Concept

Imagine losing yourself in the wonders of bygone eras, surrounded by the allure of beautiful antique pieces that evoke a heady sense of nostalgia. That is exactly what The Time Machine at Museum Concept, the interior decorations showroom that specialises in antiques and vintage furniture pieces, offers to discerning collectors and high-end home owners.

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For the uninitiated, Museum Concept was established 20 years ago by Christian Pilard, a self-professed lover of vintage collectibles. Boasting a capacious 2,000sq.ft showroom – replete with a 1,400sq.ft terrace – in Chai Wan, this unique venue offers interior designers, architects and collectors alike the chance to find beautiful and often one-of-a-kind retro pieces ranging from early 20th-century industrial furniture and decorations to prehistoric fossils and much more besides.

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Beyond just individual creations though, Museum Concept also offers a unique Room of Dreams experience. Here, the focus is not just on one-off designs, but on combining individual pieces to present a cohesive theme, be it an underwater paradise, a prehistoric jungle or the royal palace fit for any princess-to-be.

Museum Concept - Room of Dreams

So whether you’ve got your heart set on accentuating your abode with a period-accurate wine rack or you dream of transforming your home into an homage to times gone by, a perusal of the stunning objets at Museum Concept is well worth a visit.

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The Time Machine @ Museum Concept
Address: 302-310 Honour Industrial Centre, 6 Sun Yip St, Chai Wan
Tel: (852) 2513 5930 
Email: concept@vol.net

Legacy of Light: Tino Kwan on his career highlights and what comes next

To say that Tino Kwan, the award-winning lighting designer extraordinaire, is something of a legend in design circles is putting things mildly. After all, the born-and-raised Hongkonger has masterminded the stunning lighting designs of some of the world’s most iconic properties, ranging from the recently-completed refurbishment of the iconic Raffles Singapore hotel to the sumptuous The Peninsula Tokyo.

As Kwan prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his company, Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants (TKLC), he chatted with Gafencu about his favourite projects to date, the basic do’s and don’ts of lighting design and his upcoming Unity of Light exhibition, which kicks off on 11 October at the Hong Kong Arts Centre.

With TKLC celebrating its 40th anniversary, what do you think have been the key factors of your success?

I never set out to be a famous designer. Being a perfectionist, though, I always like to strive for the best. When it comes to design, I challenge myself to do better for every project. Also, I’m passionate about learning, which also helps me become a better designer. Lighting is a marriage between technology and art, and with new technologies emerging everyday, I’m always on my toes to make sure that I’ve learnt every aspect of what’s out there. I think these two facets have really helped me to constantly raise the bar over the years.

Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants 2
Tino Kwan, founder of Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this week

Of all the various projects you’ve worked on, do you have a favourite?

It’s quite difficult to choose, but if I had to pick, there are three that stand out. The first is the award-winning The Peninsula Tokyo, which I did the lighting for some fifteen years ago. Two years ago, I was invited back for the10th anniversary party and when I went in, the lighting had been kept entirely the same. I was very pleased that my designs had withstood the test of time.

The next project is a Japanese restaurant at Lee Garden 2 called Ta-ke. The interiors were designed by Kengo Kuma, the famed Japanese architect, in collaboration with my very good friend, Steve Leung. I had to work with two design masters, and it wasn’t easy. Kengo-san’s design concept was very minimalist, focussing solely on one material – bamboo. In the end, I managed to get into his mindset and employed an equally minimal lighting concept. It was a great success, and he even said: “Tino, you made my bamboos come alive!”

My final favourite is the new St Regis Hong Kong which I just finished. It’s a beautiful project, a medium-sized hotel but very cosy. The lighting in the whole hotel is very human-scale and creates an atmosphere that’s almost like a home away from home that you want to return to. That was the key idea, and I think that’s the beauty of the lighting in that hotel.

Ta-ke Japanese restaurant interiors
Ta-ke Japanese restaurant interiors

What are the key essentials to good lighting design? Conversely, what are some common mistakes?

Good lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. My lighting is always simple and minimalist, but very powerful. Lighting needs to be comfortable, it needs to enhance the space and gift it with various focal points. There also has to be different layers of lighting to make the space richer. A lot of common mistakes tend to run to the opposite, to the overly-complex – too many lights, confusing layouts or dull designs… Sometimes, when entering a room, you automatically feel uncomfortable for no reason. Usually, that’s due to bad lighting.

Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants 3

Can you tell us more about your upcoming Unity of Light exhibition?

To give you a little background, I held my first exhibition – also at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, ten years ago to showcase three decades of my work. This time, I want to do more. I want to appeal not only to design circles, but also to the public at large. My mission, after 40 years, is really to draw attention to the importance of lighting and to educate the public on the concepts of lighting design.

This exhibition, which is called Unity of Light, features several highlights. The first is a maze through which attendees can view my various projects. As a special touch – which is a bit of a secret – I’ll be using the neon signs that are a Hong Kong trademark not only for the commercial kind of shops but also as signages for all the design clients and companies on display. The maze is also fitted with mirrors to create a reflective effect that will enhance the entire experience.

Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants 1

Also, while creating this exhibition, we simultaneously created a film titled The Story of a Hong Kong Boy. I was born and raised here, and I’m a proud Hongkonger. The film is an autobiographical account of my journey to becoming an internationally successful lighting designer. I want to share my experience and pass this message to the Hong Kong public.

Last but not least, with an eye to educating the public, I have collaborated with Gary Chang, a master designer of multifunctional small spaces, to build a 180sq.ft ‘nano-home’ for a couple. Using lighting as a major element, I want to demonstrate how lighting can enhance a small space, and how the use of technologies can really enhance everyday life.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup