Tabla de contenidos para 2015 en Home Solutions

ANNABEL NOURSE | WRITER At the moment, I find myself stalking interior designer Rose Uniacke on Pinterest. She creates stunning homes which are understatedly luxurious and refined, as well as sourcing fabulous, unusual antiques and designing her own range of lighting. I want to move into the large airy rooms immediately! ARLENE SY | ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR Since moving into our starter home three years ago, my husband and I both enjoy our living area the most. It's the place where we work and read a lot, but also a place where both of us relax and spend some quiet time at the end of a long day. arlenesy.com DAVID RODEN | DESIGNER & STYLIST My Kantha quilts are beautiful to look at and hand embroided with love. It’s an…

CLASSIC SHELL For a neutral base with a touch of sheen, go for Ecozmo’s Orchid Smoke CRISP COPPER Jazz up your interiors with accents in environmentally friendly eicó paint in EBM04 Copper DEEP AUBERGINE Dark and foreboding, this romantic hue offsets brighter colours nicely. Try Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal THINK PINK Ecozmo’s 2014 Berry tone adds a feminine touch, especially when paired with earthy tones. Try Dulux’s 80RR12/516 tips • Define a cosy reading nook in your living room by placing a comfortable armchair by a window or next to a bookshelf; pair it with a matching side table and floor lamp. • Invest in collectables to display on your coffee table from arty tomes to sculptures and ornaments - choose items that speak to you and start conversations.…

While vibrant colours were prominent at Milan’s Salone del Mobile this year, caution is still advisable, says Roddy Murray, founder of Hong Kong-based design practice RJMD. “Keep the base neutral, but with bright bursts of colour,” he suggests. “Some colours can make a space look bigger, but if the scheme is too busy, it just jars. Use colour to prioritise what’s important in that dining room, whether that’s artwork or an occasional chair in the corner.” This can mean choosing one or a few complementary accent colours, in hard and soft furnishings – or just the one colour in different shades. In a recent dining room design, for example, Via Architecture’s Frank Leung chose baby-blue leather dining chairs to pop amid an otherwise neutral palette. “We’ve had a very minimal…

Above all else, longlasting materials are key to the kitchen, which is why industrial-style design still prevails here. Coordinating the right countertop, cabinetry and flooring is essential, and sets the foundation from which to show off your cool appliances and cooking gadgetry. There’s no need to clad the entire space in steel – soften the feel with natural materials such as a hardwearing countertop in veiny marble, paired with cabinetry in unfinished wood. Tiles also look lovely as a splashback, may it be popular subway tiles or a graphic mosaic. Don’t forget to punch it up with metallic accents, easy to incorporate via accessories such as a sleek salt and pepper mill or a vintage stovetop coffeemaker that you’ll want to use as well as display.…

Built-in appliances create a modern aesthetic in the kitchen. They also make a space easier to work in as they are ergonomically designed to fit neatly under or into countertops with a flush fit that allows for easy cleaning and are therefore hygienic. CANDY’s 69 litre built-in oven, model FPE629/6WXL exudes modernity in white. The A+ Energy Class digital fan assisted oven is equipped with eight cooking functions, grill fan, quick defrost and an Aquactiva cleaning system that cleans the oven with 90 degree-heated water in 30-minutes, all of which are controlled by its sensitive touch display. The 60cm wide built-in induction hob model CFID36 pairs beautifully with the oven. It features three cooking zones, digital touch controls, timer, child safety lock, and three bevelled sides made from black ceramic…

When it comes to colour schemes, Danny Cheng of Danny Cheng Interiors says that “light and bright” is king – making for a clean, spacious but still stylish look. However, Monique suggests steering clear of all-white because it’s “too sterile and so hard to maintain.” One popular trend is to contrast slick minimalist colours with warmer touches. Monique loves adding shades of bronze or copper for “a pop of opulence” as well as mixing rustic accents into contemporary spaces; similarly, Rowena Gonzales, co-founder of Liquid Interiors, is an advocate of using modern fixtures against more weathered finishes, like warm teak wood or grey slate. Meanwhile, Moore enjoys using mosaic designs, explaining that while a plain mosaic can “break down the visual softness of a single material.”…

01. FIRED EARTH For the most luxurious of soaks, look no further than Fired Earth’s freestanding Babylon Bath. Fashioned from brushed copper that warms up instantly, bath-time never felt so decadent. 02. KARTELL BY LAUFEN From Kartell by Laufen’s IlBagnoAlessi bathroom collection by Stefano Giovannoni, this sculptural washbasin marries the look of ceramic and wood. The result is an organically shaped objet d’art that draws the eye. 03. GROHE GROHE’s Eurodisk Joystick faucet marries award-winning minimalist design with groundbreaking technology, allowing for precise control that reduces water use. 04. PACIFIC LIFESTYLE Venis’ Newport Collection of ceramic tiles is an elegant choice for both walls and floors. These nuanced shades of grey and beige come in tactile finishes for a classic but current appeal. Available from Pacific Lifestyle 05. VILLEROY &…

When it comes to picking out materials for your bedroom, opt for organic finishes such as wood and stone to create a humble, grounded feel. Layer this with natural textiles such as linen and cotton – these breathable fabrics work as the foundation, after which you can add luxurious ones like velvet, wool or even animal hides. A palette of muted green, grey, brown and beige help create a soothing retreat; these colours will surely lull you to sleep. When working with a restricted palette, the key is to mix textures and patterns to ensure that the overall look is still dynamic.…

A place to sit, such as a bench or a lounge chair, can make a boudoir feel cosy and inviting. Just make sure it doesn’t become storage space to toss your clothing on. To create the right ambience, Nathalie recommends good lighting. Overhead lighting should be paired with bedside lamps or sconces, and the lights should have dimmers, so the brightness can be turned down when reading or settling into bed. When it comes to furnishings, Helen recommends a good bed with a great mattress that gives the right support, equipped with sumptuous bed linens and solid blinds to guarantee a good night’s sleep. She also advises that you clear all clutter. “Less is more. Ask yourself: ‘What are my needs?’” Filling your room with too many things will make…

PASTEL PARADISE Old Rose works with both modern metallics and vintage furniture – we recommend Farrow & Ball’s Cinder Rose EARTHY TOUCH Rich yellows and browns help infuse warmth. Check Fired Earth’s Safflower, Sienna Earth, and Roman Ochre GREY MATTER Paint the shell in a hue that helps you focus. 513 Paint Shop’s Elephant and Gris Souris work well tips • Locate your workspace where there’s sufficient natural light, then layer overhead lighting. Also, invest in a good desk lamp. • A cork board or blackboard are both pretty and practical – you can use them to track tasks or ideas and as a mood board. • Organise clutter with cool trays and boxes from Hay, BoConcept and Ikea; leather catchalls from Hermès are also timeless additions.…

You’ll certainly want your child’s input when it comes to selecting their bedroom’s colour scheme. Joey Ho, partner at PAL Design Consultants, says that most children will have a certain ambience in mind. He gives as an example one boy’s request for an industrial feel to his room. “We’ll insert some of that energy through colour and texture,” says Joey. He adds that he never recommends strong colours, as this should be a space in which to imagine, not be overstimulated. Texture is another important factor when it comes to designing your child’s bedroom. “Furniture made from natural timber will make children feel connected to the wood’s original texture,” says Joey. He notes that wallcoverings and soft fabrics can be used to make the space cosier. “I like the feeling…

01. FLEXA Made from safe, sustainable materials, the PLAY collection’s organic shapes in fun pastel shades will fit with any modern home. The furniture collection is perfect for kids’ bedrooms, and include shelving, bedframes, storage units, tables and stools. 02. PHILIPS The Philips Disney StoryLight Starter Kit is an LED table lamp that interacts with the Disney Storytime app. Turn the page on your Apple device, and the light colour changes to match the story. 03. MAGIS Created for children, the Me Too collection includes the Paradise Tree coat stand, by glass designer Oiva Toikka. The stand is designed with elements that can be independently rotated. Find it at colourliving 04. FRITZ HANSEN Part of Series 7, this classic Arne Jacobsen-designed children’s chair is stackable, with a sturdy base in…

Regardless of what your view is, we invite you to take inspiration from the sky and sea with a palette driven by blues and greens. Translate the nautical look for the home by anchoring everything in neutrals – creamy white, soft beige, warm brown – then throwing in graphic patterns such as stripes, chevron, and ikat in a spectrum of azure and emerald shades. It’s also essential to use natural materials such as linen upholstery, shell accents, and a variety of wood – many of which are water- and weatherproof. This combination will add a beachy vibe to your outdoor space, making it a perfect backdrop for a barbecue as well as an ideal place to lounge with a book.…

The boundary between inside and out is blurring, with furniture starting to look and feel more like it belongs indoors. There is a tremendous selection of outdoor furniture in sustainable and environmentally friendly materials that are low-maintenance, from clean and timeless designs to more futuristic pieces. Always look for furniture pieces from established brands, with a 10- to 15-year warranty for non-upholstered parts, and a five- to 10-year warranty for upholstered ones. Group furniture as you would indoors with an outdoor rug. It’ll look fantastic as well as being kind to bare feet; Vondom and Dedon have some beautiful choices. These days, exterior illumination is also being influenced by interior lighting. Awnings and sunshades extend the time you can use your space during the day, while layered lighting, candles and…

Finding your own decorating style can take some time. Before taking on a major renovation, decide on what really appeals to you. An easy way is to look at your wardrobe – it’ll help you determine what colour palette you naturally gravitate to. A bit of research helps, too. Whether this entails reading design tomes or spending a few hours on Pinterest, exposing your eye to a variety of interior styles allows you to discern your likes and dislikes. Lastly, you need practice: create tabletop vignettes with your accoutrements as well as shelfies to inspire your inner stylist.…

Decorating is a never-ending process. Even after lengthy renovations, buying all the furniture and splashing out on accessories, a home is never truly “done”. That’s because it continuously evolves – a home changes based on your lifestyle and preferences. In essence, it grows with you. Home Solutions was conceived out of the need for a practical guide to decoration and renovation. How do you take on the gargantuan task of furnishing a new place? What about renovating when there’s a baby on the way? This annual publication aims to provide answers to these concerns, using beautiful imagery, useful tips and expert advice in a layout that’s easy to digest. The second edition of Home Solutions maintains the spirit of last year’s maiden issue. It features the same room-by-room format –…

The living room is one of the few communal areas where you can really let loose and express yourself. Be bold and go all out by layering bright, tribal-inspired patterns and wild animal prints. As long as you stay within the same colour palette – exemplified here by a family of terracotta and earthy red tones, punched up with black and white graphic prints – it works. If you’re unsure, start by introducing some fun prints and complementary colours via soft furnishings or a feature wall in an eye-catching wallcovering – it’s easier to switch things up when you tire of the look and feel, or layer on when you muster up the courage to do so.…

SOPHISTICATED SHEEN Muted greys are an elegant alternative to white. Try out Farrow & Ball’s Skimming Stone or Dove Tale PLUSH TONE Complement the metallic accents with rich hues like Fired Earth’s Burnt Verdigris and Palm Honey BROODING DESIRE Darker hues impart sensuality. We like 513 Paint Shop’s Tonka Bean shade from the Voyage collection tips • While the dining table and chairs are key, remember to set the tablescape with equally tasteful dinnerware, flatware and stemware. Wedgwood, Heather & March and Christofle have a beautiful selection. • In an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, separate your dining space with a feature wall using a striking wallpaper, wall treatment or a large piece of art.…

Choosing the colour palette for your kitchen is a highly personal decision, as Jason notes. He adds that white is a popular choice in Hong Kong, with very light colours helping to reduce feelings of claustrophobia when space is limited. Peggy favours a neutral colour palette, particularly one that’s grey based – but she says, “I’m always careful to choose warm greys”. She recommends a monochromatic scheme for the cabinets, which she’ll combine with wooden floors and countertops, and soft fabrics and finishes. Shirley also likes to keep colours in the kitchen neutral; she uses predominantly natural materials to achieve this. She adds that texture also has an important role to play, and says, “An exposed brick wall, with just a light glaze, will make the dining area of the…

NIFTY NEUTRALS Consider Farrow & Ball’s London Stone, Archive, Mouse’s Back and Cord for a humble, natural touch BLUE OCEAN Fired Earth has a range of covetable blues. We adore Pale Lapis, Bamiyan Blue, Turkish Blue and Andaman Sea SOOTHING WHITE The Karo collection from 513 Paint Shop offers five different versions of white to choose from CLEAN SLATE Instead of pure black, try Ecozmo’s Slate Grey and Smoke – pensive but not oppresive hues that help anchor the space tips • Create visual interest by crafting an accent wall using mosaics, machuca tiles, or stone. • Experiment further by employing a different-hued grout for colour contrast. • Add personality via the decorative touches – soap dishes, hampers, towels.…

Nothing ruins a blissful morning like stepping out of a warm bed onto a cold, hard floor. Make sure your first step of the day is a comfy one, and invest in a cushy rug or a soft sheepskin. According to Nathalie, “Texture is essential to create layers in the bedroom.” The right amount of throws and pillows will make your bed look sumptuous and inviting, but be careful to not go overboard. While it’s fun to fluff up a bed, if it takes more than 10 minutes to take it all off in the evenings, you’ve probably got a few too many. When picking a colour scheme, it’s a good idea to stick to two or three coordinating colours. Nathalie prefers opting for light colours, with greys, taupes and…

A workspace that sparks inspiration and ingenuity can take on many forms. Consider going back in time by embracing a vintage look, with a hint of Parisian flair. Anchor your space with flooring and furniture in darker woods, such as a handsome Canaletto walnut, or opt for raw-edged stone surfaces. Moodier colours such as rust, ochre, and mustard work well, and can be incorporated through wallpaper, rugs and upholstery. Add an extra sheen and vintage appeal with burnished brass and textured gold accessories. Plus, be sure to splash out on a nice stationary set and a comfortable chair while you’re at it – they make all the difference when you’re tirelessly burning the midnight oil.…

Your selected furnishings should aim to strike a balance between comfortable elegance and workmanlike function. The desk is the obvious centre of attention, and as such, dictates the rest of your furniture choices. There’s a huge selection available, but we’ve noticed that rounded forms are prevelant – the gorgeous set from Giorgetti (above) and the matching Fred and Ginger from Poltrona Frau (right) are good examples. If you can’t afford to convert a whole room into a study, consider creating a niche or transforming a dead corner into a workspace; it’s crucial to go for sleeker, streamlined furniture if this is the case. While the desk is often the focal point, the chair is its quiet companion. Comfort is, of course, key but you should avoid anything too comfortable –…

SUNSHINE IN Yellow is a happy hue. Add a cheerful feel with Elderflower from the Voyage collection of 513 Paint Shop GREEN THINKING Arsenic from Farrow & Ball is a toned down jungle green that would easily bring the outside in PRETTY IN PINK Soften a bedroom with splash of pink. Try out Peony from Ecozmo, a plant and mineral based, VOC free paint brand BLUE HORIZON Both kids and adults will adore Blue Ground from Farrow & Ball – an azure hue that creates an approachable ambience tips • Leave a space for self-expression, such as a blackboard wall or art corner for sketching. • Prints on bedding are often done cheaply, and can irritate the skin. Instead, keep strong schemes like cartoon characters to cushions and posters.…

ART NOUVEAU Art Nouveau is considered the first 20th -century modern style. Unlike previous movements, it did not look to the past for inspiration and instead took its motifs from nature. Defined by elongated curvy lines, stylised flowers, leaves and buds, exotic woods, marquetry and iridescent glass, it’s a style that caused outrage when it began rising to prominence in Paris in the late 1800s. The classic Tiffany lamp is typically Art Nouveau, as is anything by architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. See also Aubrey Beardsley (book illustrations), Émile Gallé (ceramic, glass and furniture) and Victor Horta (architect). BAUHAUS Bauhaus was an art school that operated in Germany from 1919 to 1933, noted for its groundbreaking approach to design. Architect Walter Gropius conceived the Bauhaus concept as democratic art…

There are very few colour limitations when it comes to the living room. Most people prefer to stick with a safe, neutral setting – the designers are unanimous in their choice of warm grey over beige and white in the living room – complemented with bold strokes of accent colours. Saturated hues, particularly on-trend oranges and greens, are very of the moment. However, Vern cautions, “Just because something is trendy doesn’t mean it’s right for you.” It’s also possible to opt for a more neutral base throughout with subtler accents. Antony says, “I always like earthy and natural tones such as brown, beige and greens, then we weave in touches of gold or bronze.” Lee also pares it back in terms of wall colours, but she steers clear of white…

Open-plan layouts are the norm nowadays, with many spaces combining the dining room and the kitchen. The latter always has a practical consideration, and is therefore often utilitarian in appearance. Dining rooms, on the other hand, can be anything you imagine it to be. To contrast the industrial leanings of the kitchen nearby, try going for a more polished look. Draw references from the Art Deco period – incorporate graphic patterns and inject metallic elements for a touch of Gatsby glamour. Smooth surfaces such as marble and brass, plus upholstery with sheen work well with this look. Practice restraint when working with this theme – keep colours in neutral save for a sprinkling of jewel-toned accents for a decadent finish.…

A pendant lamp above a table is an easy way to delineate a dining space and imbue it with character. Try a dimmable bespoke chandelier in blown glass and burnished metal, or with the lighting elements left exposed. Well-chosen items can give a rich sense of craft to a dining space, says Frank, who favours custom-made furniture in striking materials such as satin, lacquer or leather. For those who appreciate colour without wanting to be saturated in it, Roddy recommends a quirky option: furniture with neutrally coloured bodies and brightly painted legs. While Ben remains a big fan of top-quality timber tables, other designers are inspired by the growing range of available materials in table design. “We saw in Milan a new slate top by Poltrona Frau,” says Frank, of…

BLACK OUT A coat of ebony paint can make a dramatic difference. Try P402 Pure Black from eicó CLEAN CUT Keep it simple with pure white walls in Farrow & Ball’s Great White SILVER LINING Add a lick of metallic paint, such as eicó’s Q25 Stainless, to the walls or onto furniture to hide wear and tear tips • Paint a side wall in chalkboard paint – it’s fun for the kids to get creative and a place to put up the menu before dinner. • For compact kitchens, affix floating shelves above your cooker and sink to store your dinnerware and cooking tools. • A potted plant or a fruit bowl add colour and life into this utilitarian space.…

PEGGY BELS INTERIOR DESIGNER AND BUSINESS OWNER peggybels.com • An open kitchen will make your apartment feel more spacious, especially when the colour scheme and finishes are matched with the living area. • Dark background colours enable light colours to pop, creating contrast and depth. • Give your kitchen a more aesthetic look by hiding appliances and the sink area when they’re not in use. “A HANGING RACK WITH WINE GLASSES WILL GIVE THE KITCHEN A BIT OF SPARKLE“ SHIRLEY CHANG ARCHITECT AND CO-FOUNDER OF CHANG BENE DESIGN changbenedesign.com • Concealed under-cabinet lighting over worktops can help to create a soft, warm light in the kitchen. • There are many synthetic materials available nowadays that look and feel great, and can be cleaned and maintained easily. • A hanging rack…

Standard apartment bathrooms often come in uninspiring designs, which is understandable given the room’s utilitarian purpose. Bathrooms, however, have evolved to become more than just a place to bathe, so decorate with equal doses of fun and sophistication. Mix elegant surfaces such as marble with graphic tiling with Op-Art leanings. Playing with mosaics is also a good idea – hexagon-shaped ones are all the rage. Render this in an unexpected solid colour such as mint or in a classic combination like black and white. The key to mixing surfaces and patterns is limiting the overall colour palette – we’re partial to black, white, grey and blue – to ensure a coherent look that results in a calming, invigorating oasis.…

SUBTLE BASE A light grey with a cool undertone creates a serene feel. Try Farrow & Ball’s Cornforth White or Elephant’s Breath KHAKI KICK Ecru or Tufa from Fired Earth imbues an earthy elegance that keeps your bedroom grounded SILVER SHEEN Add a touch of luxury with 513 Paint Shop’s Silver. Pair with a charcoal grey such as Mercury from Fired Earth CUP OF COFFEE Brown evokes a warm ambience – Cafe Latte from Ecozmo, an eco-friendly paint brand, is a good option tips • Earthy colours such as beige, browns, greens and blues are known to be particularly comforting. Keep to one or two shades to achieve a feeling of harmony. • If you’re a bit more daring, go for high-gloss finishes, leather, and silk to craft a more…

Remember that a study is a place meant for concentration. “If you’re going to use it for typical tasks such as paperwork, most people prefer a clean and refreshing atmosphere,” says Cyrus. Here, lighter shades such as creamy neturals and soft pastels work well without being too austere. “On the other hand, a moody ambience is often preferred by creative types.” Try surface finishes that mimic the look of wood and stone to create a warm, cocooning atmosphere. While these are not hard-and-fast rules, it is essential to keep in mind that whatever you choose, you should avoid the use of too many colours. Keeping them within the same general palette will enhance coherence, so feel free to play with complementary combinations.…

Living in an urban jungle offers limited exposure to nature for our little ones. Instead of resorting to the usual cartoon characters, what about bringing the outside into your child’s bedroom? From whimsical, animal-print wallpaper, like the playful Tout Petit collection from Tat Ming Wallpaper on the right, bringing nature-themed pieces into your interiors will pique your children’s curiosity as well as provide a sense of warmth. In order to make it more appealing to kids, weave in fun patterns, bright colours or both; these bold statements work best as upholstery or as accent pieces. Temper these with timeless furniture in neutral shades to create a calming, inviting space that will grow along with your children.…

While you’ll do well to play it safe in the colour arena, the realm of fixtures and furnishings for children is where you can get extra-creative and break all the usual rules. Smaller children will benefit from pieces custom made to their size, and interlocking furniture also means double or even triple the functionality in the same amount of space. Joey notes that it’s easy to combine a bookshelf and wardrobe, when a tall wardrobe isn’t required; he also recommends combining bookshelves or storage with the bed. Catherine and Frederic recommend creating a cosy nook in the space beneath a bed or ladder. Catherine also favours mixing old and new furniture – “a contemporary desk with a vintage-timber sleigh bed; a designer bedside light with an antique chandelier” – to…

NEUTRAL TERRITORY Fired Earth’s Flake White or Canvas paint shades from the Kevin McCloud collection are great base colours IN THE NAVY Try Farrow & Ball’s spectrum of blues – Stone Blue, Pitch Blue and Lulworth Blue are some of our favourites GREEN SURROUNDS Echo the sunshine and the surrounding greenery with the cheerful Lime Twist from eco-paint purveyor, Ecozmo tips • Choose the right plant for the right place; consider whether it needs sun or shade, as well as the correct soil. • Start pest and disease control in April. • Confirm the theme of your garden – lush tropical, serene Japanese or modern Moroccan – then design accordingly.…

513 PAINT SHOP | Unit S513, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central; tel 2155 2282, shop@513paintshop.com A  AFSO | Level 6, 8-10 Duddell St, Central; tel 2523 6998, afso.net ALCANTARA | alcantara.com ALESSI | Shop 247, Prince’s Bldg, 10 Chater Rd, Central; tel 2869 6377 or Shop 3230A, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; tel 2175 0800 or 7/F, Sogo, 555 Hennessy Rd, Causeway Bay; tel 2831 8903, alessi.com ALEXANDRA CHAMPALIMAUD | champalimauddesign.com ALKI | alki.fr ALNO | Shop A, G/F Wing Cheong Commercial Bldg, 19-25 Jervois St, Sheung Wan; tel 2806 3111; Distributor: Shun Hing Electric Works & Engineering Co Ltd.; tel 2861 2767, alno.shew.com.hk ALTFIELD INTERIORS | Rm 1101, 9 Queen’s Rd Central, Central; tel 2524 4867, altfield.com.hk AMELIE & TULIPS | G/F 56 Sai Street, Sheung Wan;…