Open concept
The previous home for just the couple is an open-concept studio flat. To keep the open concept which the owners like, I have created an open living/ dining / kitchen space with the island at the centre connecting the space. It is an island where the whole family can eat, cook and chat together - a large integrated space that the family members can see each other and what is happening even when cooking. I think having features that encouraging bonding is the key to designing family homes!
A welcoming, timeless space
For me, the essential elements to make a living space welcoming is showcasing the owner’s own character — sometimes, you need to give them “space” and “freedom” to display their own collections. I create designs that don’t date. I like making a space feel roomy and peaceful in an understated, timeless way.
Changes in layout
I have changed the layout to create a more livable space for the expanded family. Instead of a typical HK flat layout, I have changed the layout to make the space a dynamic one. Originally at where the guest bathroom locates now, the kitchen is brought forward, closer to the living space, and connects the two with an island. To cater for an extra room for the 2nd kid, the guest bathroom is made smaller (and shower area eliminated) to make the space. The original bathroom was bigger but this one is just the right size.
Style - Nordic homely haven
This is my second project with the client (previously for just the couple, no kids) – I wanted to create a new living experience for them. With their expanded family of having two kids, they were adamant about having a livable space that had a contemporary look but still “stylish”. The previous home is more of a clean, white space. More warm wood colors are used in this new flat to give a more family-like, homey feeling for the family - contemporary, stylish Scandinavian living space with clean lines and soothing colors. Essence color in grey is used as highlights to give a character to the home, and to maintain a minimalist and modern look.
Welcome natural lighting
A key feature of Scandinavian design is its natural lighting, which adds warmth to homes. To do so in Hong Kong homes, in this apartment, we used glass partitions that invite natural lighting into different rooms, such as the use of glass in this open kitchen (having glass partition between the kitchen and guest bathroom so that light from the guest bathroom can be borrowed to the kitchen). Natural lighting is not only smoothing, but also opens up spaces.
Storage
Achieve a minimalist look with inconspicuous storage - The most challenging aspect to achieve an uncluttered look is probably the large amount of storage spaces in a small apartment. To make the use of storage spaces less claustrophobic and more minimalist looking, we have used platforms in bedrooms below the bed. The elevated platform could also visually separate the sleeping area from the rest of the room to make it feel like its own separate space.Another way is to ensure that cabinets include some open shelving and insert indirect lighting above and below the storage units to make them seem less bulky.
Material Used :
1. Kid’s room (open shelves) - Oeuf Mini Library Shelf Birch
2. Kid’s room (Crib) – Stokke® Sleepi™ Bed Natural
3. Kitchen (over the bar counter) – Tom Dixon Beat Tall Pendant
4. Dining room (over the dining table) – Tom Dixon Beat Light Wide
5. Dining room (dining table) – tree Husky Dining Table
6. Dining room (dining chair) – Eames Plastic Side Chair with wood base and wire base with cross struts
7. Foyer (artwork) – Tiny Island Map (Sheung Wan)
