Tabla de contenidos para Issue 2016-2017 en Home Solutions

It’s all in the name. The living room is where you lead your life, so it should reflect your personality and lifestyle above all else. In recent decades with the advent of single-person households corresponding to the average home size shrinking, the living room has morphed into an open-plan room that’s interconnected with the dining area and kitchen. The multi-purpose space requires a design brief that is both dynamic, so as to create a sense of interest in the communal area, but also forward planning in order to respond to all of your needs. Do you like to entertain, or do you want a hideaway where you can read a book or watch TV in peace? Do you need a lot of storage for your books, your liquor collection or…

01. HABITAT The Montino sofa is made for total relaxation, with its soft leather seating and high armrests. Meanwhile, its sleek lines and elegant design make it a classic piece that’ll weather the years in style. 02. CONTARDI Bring a touch of interstellar style to your living room with the Eclisse light. Inspired by an eclipse, this unusual pendant light plays with light, shadows and overlapping elements to create a strikingly architectural centrepiece. Available at colourliving 03. POLIFORM The Sydney sofa boasts a chic geometric aesthetic that marries creative design with the ultimate in comfort. Made from flexible moulded polyurethane, with the option of fabric or leather upholstery and a scattering of loose cushions, putting your feet up never looked so enticing. Available at ViA 04. ETERFAN Good ventilation is…

“PLAN A ROOM THAT WILL LAST FOR 10 YEARS, WHICH MEANS PIECES THAT DON’T LOOK GIMMICKY” ED NG AB CONCEPT abconcept.net • Don’t skimp on tableware. Buying high-quality glasses, plates and cutlery will instantly improve the atmosphere of your dining room. • Aim for timelessness in choosing your furniture. Plan for a room that will last at least 10 years, which means pieces that don’t look so gimmicky you will tire of them when fashions change. “MAKE SURE THE SPACE SUITS THE WAY YOU ACTUALLY LIVE, NOT NECESSARILY THE WAY YOU WISH YOU LIVED” WESLEY LIU PPLUSP DESIGNERS ppluspdesigners.com • Functionality is the most important. Everyone has their own way of living, so make sure you create a space that suits the way you actually live, not necessarily the way…

01. KITCHEN HIGHLIGHTS The System Miro is packed full of smart, functional accessories to make your time in the kitchen a joy rather than a chore. Effortlessly adjustable components are complemented by coffee-capsule holders, knife boards, and enough racks and hooks to ensure that every tool has its place. Available from Kitchen Highlights 02. ELECTROLUX Must-have professional tools in the domestic kitchen, the CombiSteam Sous Vide oven and CombiVac sealer drawer allow for precision preparation and cooking of your ingredients, resulting in intensely tender and flavourful meals, cooked to precise specifications every single time. 03. MIELE If you’re serious about your brew, make the free-standing CM7 coffee maker your own personal barista. Offering a menu of beverage options, the bean-to-cup delivery simplifies your drink-making, and ensures that tea and coffee…

“THERE COULD NEVER BE ENOUGH NATURAL SUNLIGHT IN THE BATHROOM” CYRUS CHENG CHINC’S WORKSHOP chinc.hk • Open or semi-open bathrooms are coveted due to their bright and airy ambience. There could never be enough natural sunlight in the bathroom – an improvement in natural lighting creates a sanitised feeling and requires less artificial lighting during the day. • Bathrooms are wellness spaces. We have come to the age where our bathrooms are fully digitalised with sensors that provide users with vital statistics, which can be used to closely monitor the health of your family. “SUFFICIENT VENTILATION AND AIR BALANCE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DURING THE DESIGN STAGE ” MOORE CHEN HEI INTERIOR hei-interior.com • A proper mixture of hard (ex: tiles or marble) and soft (ex: timber or granite) surfaces are…

Few things incite modern-day envy like telling your friends that you’re working from home. With workplaces becoming increasingly more open and collaborative in nature, the amount of distraction we need to field in the office multiplies – and as a result, we often think about how much more productive we would be if we could just stay home. Yet, similar challenges crop up: it’s far too tempting to handle our email correspondence in bed or juggle our work with chores like loading the washing machine. In the end, you need a bubble of calm to focus – hence, the study. Where space is scarce, a dedicated study might seem like a luxury, but it’s a worthy investment and quite simple to create. It can range from a desk (or even…

01. CASAMILANO The clean lines and open spaces of Casamilano’s Mondrian bookshelf are certain to appeal to lovers of a minimalist aesthetic. Fashioned from heat-treated eucalyptus with brushed metal accents, this bookshelf beautifully frames your tomes and objets d’art . 02. FABBIAN Good lighting is key to any study space – and Fabbian’s Tripla lights ensure you can work well into the midnight hours. With an elegant geometric design and wall, table, ceiling or hanging versions available, they’re the perfect marriage of form and function. Available from Zodiac Lighting 03. L’OBJET Get a closer perspective on things with L’Objet’s Crocodile magnifying glass, handcrafted from 24k gold-plated metal. Offering seven times the magnification, this unusual desk accessory will bring a whimsical touch to your workspace. Available at Primo Living 04. FRITZ…

When choosing the right surface materials, select ones that can withstand the harsh Hong Kong climate. Shares Adrian, "Months of intense heat and humidity, followed by very dry or relatively cold periods, can take its toll on many materials, especially wood – so always use weathered hardwood with tung oil applied to the hidden surfaces before installation, and to the visible surfaces after." He suggests avoiding artificial wood because the strong tropical sunshine can warp and discolour it, leading to constant upkeep and maintanence issues over time. And don’t forget to add a water feature, which can make all the difference in creating a tranquil outdoor retreat. "Water is a beautiful visual, sensory and connecting element within a garden – and perfect for blocking out city noise," says Adrian. The…

“PLAN A SPACE THAT YOU WILL USE, RATHER THAN ONE THAT NEEDS CONSTANT MAINTENANCE” JASON YUNG JASON CAROLINE DESIGN jasoncarolinedesign.com • Have clear reasons for everything you include here. Plan a space that you will use, rather than one that needs constant maintenance. • Good lighting is essential for contemporary gardens; it should always be about what you light, rather than the light fixture itself. Lighting up the shapes of trees, steps and walkways can look fantastic, but avoid over-brightening. “REMEMBER TO CONSIDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SUNLIGHT AND WIND, TOO” ADRIAN NORMAN ALN aln.com.hk • Don’t overlook the sense of human scale and align materials to blend the landscape, interior and architecture together – thus blurring the boundaries. Remember to consider the direction of the sunlight and wind, too.…

“DON’T FORGET TO WATERPROOF YOUR ROOM BEFORE RENOVATING TO AVOID MOISTURE ISSUES DOWN THE LINE” LOUIS CHAN ZCHRON INTERIOR DESIGN zchron.com • Find a design firm that suits your personality and interests. A good working relationship is more important than any materials or furniture. • Hong Kong is extremely humid, so don’t forget to waterproof your room before renovating to avoid moisture issues down the line. “NEUTRAL COLOURS LIKE GREY ARE USEFUL, BUT MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE A WARM TONE” PEGGY BELS PEGGY BELS INTERIOR DESIGN peggybels.com • Always use a dimmer switch for lighting to save energy and create mood lighting for any occasion. • Neutral colours like grey are useful, but make sure you choose a warm tone. “IF YOU BUY A RUG, CHOOSE ONE BIG ENOUGH TO…

Primocasa co-founder Leslie Lam says natural materials like fabric and leather are a good way to create a cosy, harmonious space. "We always enjoy a touch of some rawness and nature in the materials to bring organic sense to the space," he says. In AB Concept’s designs for flats in The Gloucester and 39 Conduit Road, the firm chose dining tables with wood frames and delicately striated grey marble surfaces. "A good table should be good-looking, with or without any table setting," says Ed. Mix up the shades and textures to give the space more depth without sacrificing balance. Wesley says wood tables are always a reliable choice for any space, but if you’d like more of a statement piece, Corian tables offer a larger range of forms in a…

De Dietrich is renowned for its ground-breaking concepts in built-in appliances and they’ve redefined the induction hob with the Premium Collection of glass induction hobs, featuring glamorous chrome edging in Grey Pearl, Dark Pearl or White Pearl and advanced technologies. Now, De Dietrich pushes possibilities even further with the Continuum induction hob. The beautifully designed Continuum does away with separate cooking zones. Instead, the 40cm x 23cm hob acts as one adaptable cooking zone that can be used in multiple ways – you can cook with one large pot (such as a casserole dish or fish kettle), or two or three smaller cookware items used individually or simultaneously. The Continuum gives you the choice and flexibility of a single setting for the entire zone or two different settings that control…

Frank Leung of Via Architecture concurs; he says that little can beat stone, or ceramic contrasting with metal and timber, for understated elegance in a kitchen. "We’re seeing a lot of cool stone surfaces matched with warm timber or glass with copper accents, such as the Miele ArtLine in Graphite Grey and my favourite, Vincent Van Duysen for Dada," he says. Ban also likes natural stone (preferably "thick and sturdy") for countertops, with the addition of UV glass doors with graphic prints or "non-reflective anti-fingerprint black nano-laminate, combined with laminate that has been adorned with wood grain". Greg agrees that for surfaces and worktops, natural materials such as marble and stone are "always beautiful, with their own textures and patterns adding interest to any kitchen – quartz stone is currently…

“GALLEY AND ISLAND KITCHENS ARE BETTER THAN U-SHAPED ONES FOR COMPACT SPACES” GREG NATALE GREG NATALE DESIGN gregnatale.com • Galley and island kitchens are better than U-shaped ones for compact spaces, and have a more fashionable, sexy look. • The island bench is often overlooked and treated merely as a functional piece, whereas it is a major part of the kitchen and should be beautifully designed by adding details such as sculpted legs, panelling or a dual-toned finish, which can really lift the whole room. • Introduce additional light with concealed lighting beneath overhead cupboards, and bring natural light with a frosted or opaque glass splashback. Also, pendant lights over kitchen islands create an attractive area. “CHOOSE LED LIGHTS AS THEY SAVE ENERGY, ARE LONG-LASTING AND ONLY EXUDE LOW HEAT”…

Of all the rooms in our home, the bedroom is the one in which we most soundly relax, and where we can indulge in an intimate and deeply personal style of decor and design. It’s also a room that’s required to be multifunctional and versatile. Not only do we sleep there, it’s where we get dressed and prepare ourselves for the day ahead. We probably also read, watch TV, use our laptops and sometimes even eat breakfast there. Award-winning architect and interior designer Alexander Wong says, "In a city that never really sleeps, like Hong Kong, our bedrooms also serve as sanctuaries to keep us sane." In addition to practical criteria that need to be considered such as ventilation, temperature, noise and air quality control, Alexander says we may well…

01. POLIFORM The unique covering of the Kelly bed’s base is cleverly continued all the way through to its curving upholstered headboard for a sleek finish. Complete your room in style with its matching lacquered bedside table. Available at ViA – Poliform 02. BOWERBIRD HOME The Oxford headboard adds a classic touch to any bedroom with its timeless tufted design in a champagne hue. It’s created with Belgian linen and is available in queen or king sizes. 03. INDIGO LIVING Add a touch of glamour and decadence to your boudoir with metallic accents from Indigo Living. Blend gold, silver and brass-toned accessories in a variety of textures and materials to create a luxurious contemporary palette. 04. CIERRE The Karma bed is made in Italy to meticulous standards with intelligent design:…

The "transterior," a term coined by renowned Australian landscape designer Jamie Durie, is the space where the threshold between the interior and exterior melds to create a new space that connects with nature. The transterior trend has arisen as more people feel the need to spend time outside, but surrounded by the comforts of their indoor lifestyle. The restorative power of nature means that spending time in "green spaces" is good for your stress levels, happiness and health – in essence, it’s a sanctuary to rejuvenate your mind. Architect Jason Yung of Jason Caroline Design wholeheartedly asserts that the indoor should transition well to the outdoor. "The most important thing is to treat your outdoor space as an extension of the living space." Adrian Norman of ALN landscaping and planning…

01. DEDON Striking, sumptuous and sophisticated, the Tigmi Deep sofa is not only aesthetically appealing but also boasts a double-padded construction that makes it the most comfortable sofa the brand has ever launched. Sit in shady seclusion with Tigmi’s removable woven roof. 02. FARO BARCELONA The Grow LED lamp goes double duty as both a light and a planter. The diffused light makes a quirky display of your shrubbery when teamed with the optional flowerpot attachment. Available from Future Lighting 03. TRIBÙ Tribù’s Contour collection blends seamlessly with your outdoor space, regardless of its shape, size or style. The range’s powder-coated tubular construction conveys lightness, following simple curved lines for an elegant, understated appearance. 04. B&B ITALIA Named for its distinctive shape, B&B Italia’s Butterfly range of modular outdoor seating…

SEVENTIES CALLING With a plethora of bold patterns and the reemergence of Formica, there’s no denying that the 1970s is the decade dominating fashion and interiors today. The era’s rich, earthy tones – rust orange, reddish brown, avocado green and harvest gold – can easily infuse a vintage spin into your space. Reference the retro mood through accessories, such as these beautiful lacquered Broste Copenhagen plates. WARDROBE ESSENTIALS A walk-in closet is a dream for many, but for those who don’t have the required square footage, there’s an alternative stylish approach to storing and displaying your belongings. Valets and dressers may have been relegated to the past, but the nostalgic appeal of these furniture pieces goes against the "built-in" trend that has pervaded modern interiors. Use it as a screen…

Frankie says leather and fabric are good bets for upholstery and wallcoverings. "Fabric usually brings layers and detail from the weaving," he says. "As for leather, it’s coming back again and I believe it will be widely applied in the next few years. Leather always creates a luxurious experience." The same can be said for marble, despite its overabundance in many grandiose Hong Kong show flats. To get a sense of how different colours and textures will work together, Louis creates a 3D computer model using real samples of the material, which helps him fine-tune the details of a space before renovation or decoration work actually begins. Appearance isn’t the only thing that matters, though. Edge Design Institute’s Gary Chang says it’s just as important to consider the invisible aspects…

If there’s one room in your home that’s as public as it is private, it’s the dining room. This is a space that needs to feel as comfortable for someone slurping their breakfast congee in pyjamas as it does for friends and family enjoying a lavish dinner party. The upside of all those different needs is that you have a lot of latitude in crafting the kind of space you’d like, whether homey or impressive. In recent years, the notion of having a dedicated dining room has given way to the de rigueur open-plan layout. Merging the dining room and the kitchen is favoured by many as it allows easier access to cooking areas and also perpetuates a more casual feel. By the same token, this results in plenty of…

No longer solely a functional room in which to prepare food, nowadays the kitchen is used for dining as well as a stage for entertaining. Even with limited space it’s possible to create a practical area that’s sexy and inviting – and it’s essential, particularly for a kitchen that’s part of an open-plan design. Sydney-based interior designer Greg Natale says the kitchen should be treated the same as the rest of the home when it comes to design creativity and therefore "deserves stylish pieces of furniture and decorative touches, just like every other room". Elements that can help achieve this include a kitchen island, decorative lighting, panelling on the cabinetry and integrated appliances that are concealed neatly behind doors, all of which ensure a seamless look. "When you’re working with…

The new Sublime collection by venerated French kitchen appliance brand Rosières combines professional performance with innovative technologies. Rosières’ products are conceived in collaboration with France’s top cookery schools – and the brand has taken inspiration from professional catering technology to develop the exclusive, hi-tech Chef-Panel that features on the Class A energy efficient ovens. The Chef-Panel ensures that heat is distributed evenly throughout the oven, and therefore food is cooked uniformly, no matter how many different dishes are on the go simultaneously or what level they sit on. The Chef-Panel also enables faster cooking times and helps quickly recover heat loss when the oven door is opened during cooking. All functions are shown on and controlled by an LCD touch display. For instance, temperatures in each cooking zone and which…

There’s nothing more rejuvenating than a hot shower after a long day – or one to start the day fresh, for that matter. The bathroom is, without question, the domestic area that has evolved the most in modern times. "The rise is in parallel to changes in contemporary living, where emphasis is shifting towards wellness and well-being," says Clover Lee, the design director of Plus Clover. "Because of this shift, bathrooms have become spa-like spaces with regards to size, views, lighting, fixtures and accessories." "A well-equipped bathroom is a shelter from the busy world," says Moore Chen, the founder and designer of Hei Interior. "It is a place where someone can have absolutely private moments – like singing in the shower, examining a blemish under the dressing light – without…

01. FIRED EARTH TILES These Iridescent Glass Mosaic Energy Spectrum tiles are a vibrant, unique take on the notion of the colour blue as a relaxing bathroom shade. The dynamic pattern also helps this sanctuary come to life. 02. GROHE Grohe’s new Sensia Arena shower-toilet marries German functionality with the thoughtful aesthetics of a Japanese spa. This "spalet" delivers the ultimate in comfort and hygiene with fully programmable settings via the control panel, remote control or Grohe’s handy smartphone app. 03. KOHLER With a nod to classic Victorian design, the Artifacts collection’s vintage nickel colourway gives a visually appealing twist to the tap and accessory range, while subtle hints of copper add depth to its richly textured finish. 04. KALLISTA The intricately carved Pinna Paletta range of taps comes in…

“HIDDEN, INDIRECT LIGHTING AND A CONSIDERATION FOR FRAGRANCE WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE” ALEXANDER WONG ALEXANDER WONG ARCHITECTS alexanderwong.com.hk • Lighting is everything in the bedroom. Hidden, indirect lighting and a consideration for fragrance will make a big difference, as will giant-sized artwork, such as black-and-white photos; I have some pieces by the famous photographer Gary Heery in my bedroom, which I adore. • For flooring, try high-quality Italian ceramic tiles in a timber pattern, grey with raw concrete textures, or just plain natural colours such as ivory or nude from colourliving. In Hong Kong, if you really want real wooden flooring, then only teak will work. “TAKE YOUR TIME WHEN CHOOSING A COLOUR SCHEME AND WHEN FINDING PIECES THAT HELP YOU RELAX” JOSEPH CHEUNG MUSE STUDIO INTERIOR DESIGN &…

Children’s rooms are often multipurpose spaces, and their design needs to take this into account. First of all, however, one needs to involve the kids themselves in the design process. Oleg Klodt of Oleg Klodt Architecture & Design says, "Our main approach is to factor in the child’s personality. Age is a major consideration – children over 12 will usually need a carefully thought-out work. For younger ones, we usually go for a zoning approach – by separating the room into areas for play and sleep." Storage for all those toys is key, too. "Take into consideration what type of toys they use and how best to store them," says Monique McLintock of McLintock Wong Interiors. "Select a storage system that allows your kids to easily access their toys and…

01. FLEXA Built to last, Flexa’s kids furniture is an investment that will grow with your child from toddlerhood to university and beyond. Channel their inner pirate with a playful loft bed, then stash their treasures using the Scandi-chic Shelfie range. 02. HITS 4 KIDS Let your little one’s sense of adventure run wild with Hits 4 Kids’ range of fun wallpapers and stickers. Monkeys swinging in the jungle, a circus of colourful animals, cute educational alphabets – there’s something available for every child, be they big or small. Available from Tat Ming Wallpaper 03. LIFETIME This Danish company’s revolutionary bed systems allow you to craft the most appropriate sleeping quarters for your kids. You can build up and on (add ladders and canopies along the way) as well as…