Table of contents for Issue 2017-2018 in Home Solutions

Without doubt, the dining room is where people come together. It’s about bringing family and friends around the table for delicious food, good wine and plenty of conversation. The essence of the space lies in creating the right atmosphere with clever design solutions, while also celebrating your signature style. Says designer and tastemaker, Blue Carreon, "To me, the dining room equals entertaining, whether its a large party or just you and your significant other. I like to set the table with beautiful plates, napkins, glasses, flowers and candles. I’m a firm believer of using the dining room every day, not just for special or formal occasions." Textile designer, Lori Weitzner agrees, adding that the most important aspect to consider when designing this space is comfort. "The dining room can be…

01. FENDI CASA Part of the Villa Domizia series, this kitchen island boasts printed calfskin doors that come in a variety of elegant finishes, while also providing plenty of storage space for accessories. Available from colourliving 02. LAMINAM Laminam’s ultra-thin, lightweight ceramic slabs are impervious to heat, stains and chemicals, making them ideal for kitchen surfaces. Varied collections emulate the look of natural stone, marble and wood in an assortment of shades and textures. Available from Po Kwong Stone 03. RASONIC The compact Mini Cube dishwasher offers three rinsing and drying programmes. Effective cleaning is guaranteed thanks to 360-degree spin washing at high temperatures. 04. GORENJE This Built-in Compact TFT Oven combines large glass surfaces with Inox elements and a touchscreen colour display. Capable of sitting horizontally or vertically, the…

Daily life is filled with demands, from responsibilities at the office to arranging one’s personal affairs. When at home, you might entertain friends and family in the living area, attend to work tasks in the study, and prepare and serve meals for the family in the kitchen and dining room. The bedroom, however, is a space where the masters of the house can retreat from the daily bustle to rest, relax and pursue their hobbies. "The bedroom is a secret garden," says Janet Douro, co-founder and designer at By Nomade. "It’s less a place for others to visit. Here, homeowners can dare to reveal more about themselves and their tastes than in any other place. You never truly know someone until you’ve had a glimpse of their bedroom." Antony Chan,…

“I NEVER SET IN STONE WHERE BEDROOMS SHOULD FIT IN THE LAYOUT OF THE FLAT” JANET DOURO BY NOMADE  bynomade.com • I never set in stone where bedrooms should fit in the layout of the flat. Depending on whether it’s a bedroom for adults or kids, and depending on the size of the home, I remain flexible about the potential locations of bedrooms. • I suggest homeowners wander through the arty streets of Sheung Wan, or in Wan Chai near Star Street, for original ideas and inspiration. “BEDROOMS CAN ALSO SERVE AS YOUR HI-FI ROOM OR PERSONAL THEATRE” ANTONY CHAN CREAM  cream.com.hk • Bedrooms can also serve as your hi-fi room or personal theatre, a reading room, or even a workspace. • A bedroom must deliver a sense of cosiness…

01. ROCHE BOBOIS The Strato desk by Sacha Lakic consists of four drawers in your choice of lacquered MDF or Alpi smoked walnut veneer, topped with smoked glass. 02. ARCHETYPAL Designed by Jake Phipps, the Jeeves table lamp pairs a minimal base with an adjustable, playful bowler hat design for a bit of fun while you’re hard at work. The piece is created from steel, wool and aluminium. 03. DIMENSIONE CHI WING LO The Kori dresser stand sits perfectly in between the wardrobe and the coat rack. It comprises a wooden box and tray, an adjustable double-sided mirror, a coat hanger and an umbrella stand. 04. COELUX The CoeLux 45 Square vertical window solves the problem of cramped low ceilings by opening from the wall into the ceiling. The 11sqft…

Over the years, we’ve seen the segregation between interior and exterior spaces all but disappear as homeowners and designers seek a seamless transition from one to the other. The aim is to create a synergy between the natural landscape and the inhabited area, minimising the aesthetic and environmental impact of our existence on our environs. Within an urban setting, green spaces offer an essential respite from the intense conditions of modern life, and have been proven to be beneficial for our health and wellbeing. Textile and furniture designer Paola Lenti extols the value of al fresco living, at the same time maintaining the importance of respecting the locale. "The most important issue when conceiving outdoor spaces, in my opinion, is the use of seating and accessories that ‘disappear’ – that…

“APPROACH THE DESIGN OF AN OUTDOOR SPACE AS YOU WOULD AN INTERIOR” PAOLO RAVELLI B&B ITALIA  bebitalia.com • Outdoor furniture, both in style and in colour, should always strike a balance between better outside living and harmony with the surroundings. Choose products designed to enhance the outdoor living experience that don’t disturb the surrounding landscape. • Approach the design of an outdoor space as you would an interior – ensure the same levels of quality and comfort. “THE GARDEN IS AN EXTENSION OF THE HOME THAT CAN BE COMFORTABLY FURNISHED ALL YEAR ROUND” EDWARD BARBER AND JAY OSGERBY DEDON  dedon.de • The garden is an extension of the home that can also be comfortably furnished all year round in order to extend usability for as many days a year as…

KEEP IT SIMPLE In response to every action is a reaction – and, in the realm of design, as bright colours and maximalist prints come back into style, so does paring it back and discovering the power of a simpler palette. Layer bleached woods with muted tones, or even go white on white. Express yourself through the clean lines MODERN LUXE Reign resplendent over your domestic domain with majestic metallic interior elements. From understated burnished brass accents to extravagant gold pieces for added glamour, metallics offer a contemporary take on classic luxury. Start small with a lighting piece or side table, and combine with materials such as marble and sinuous shapes for a look that is always alluring and never overbearing. ORGANIC MINIMALISM As sustainability increasingly becomes an idea at…

01. BOCONCEPT Low, wide seats, a contemporary appeal and superior comfort identify the Hampton sofa, designed by Henrik Pedersen. Plus adjustable backrests, built-in armrest storage and more than 100 fabric or leather finishes to choose from. 02. GORLAN For a floor covering with a distinct sense of style, look no further than Gorlan’s collection of custom-designed rugs, crafted from exclusive materials by master artisans. Available from Essere 03. MAFI Fresco flooring is made from milled beech wood in an eye-catching flowing pattern with three-dimensional structures that provide a massaging effect underfoot. Available from CORE by Equal 04. TREE The Pumpkin coffee table is handcrafted from reclaimed teak, with a sculptural iron framework that instantly elevates a space without imposing. It comes in a range of colours and sizes. 05. MODULEO…

The evolution of the kitchen has seen it go from an uninviting, utilitarian space hidden away from guests, to the veritable heart of the home – a place for relaxing and entertaining, seamlessly integrated with living and dining areas. This is, of course, most evident when it comes to the open-concept kitchen. For the best possible design flow, "Choose a colour palette and materials that work well with the atmosphere of adjacent areas," advises Frankie Ke, owner of KES Interior Design. Ryan Dang, design director of Indigo Living, agrees: "The design of the open kitchen, with regards to colour, should become part of the living space." He also recommends a monochrome palette and suggests – with Hong Kong’s small apartments in mind – a mirrored back wall to increase the…

“THE DESIGN OF AN OPEN KITCHEN, WITH REGARDS TO COLOUR, SHOULD BECOME PART OF THE LIVING SPACE” RYAN DANG INDIGO LIVING indigo-living.com • The design of an open kitchen, with regards to colour, should become part of the living space. You might consider timber flooring and a palette that’s more monochrome. You could also add a mirrored back wall, to increase the feeling of space. • Stone can be the main feature when kitchen tops have a strong thickness – in which case elegant cabinetry becomes the secondary element. The colour palette of walls and doors will then be more muted, so that the focus is on the kitchen tops. “THE KITCHEN SHOULD BE DESIGNED WITH INDIVIDUAL LIFESTYLE NEEDS IN MIND” FRANKIE KE KES INTERIOR DESIGN kes.com.hk • The kitchen…

Calling to mind private libraries stacked with sombre leather-bound tomes or broad, solid wooden desks, some might consider the study a relic of the past. Indeed, in a world where laptops and smartphones mean it’s possible to work from almost anywhere, one might question the need for a dedicated home-office. We wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss it, though. As tempting as it might be to answer those emails while lounging on the couch, studies show that delineating specific spaces for work puts us in a better headspace to get things done. And if you’ve started up your own business, you’re likely to find your home doubling up as an office. "Nowadays, independent workers are becoming more common in Hong Kong,"says Eric Fung, founder of interior design firm EF Design.…

“THE STUDY IS A PLACE TO FOCUS AND CONCENTRATE. PLAN WELL AND KEEP VISUAL OBSTACLES QUIET” ANDRÉ FU AFSO  afso.net • The study is a place to focus and concentrate. Plan well and keep visual obstacles quiet. • I would emphasise the potential need for storage of key hardback books, as artisanal books are going through a revival at the moment. “ORGANIC AESTHETICS ARE ON-TREND NOW — AND GREEN PLANTS CAN RELIEVE STRESS” ERIC FUNG EF DESIGN  efdesign.hk • If one’s home doesn’t have enough space to dedicate an entire room as a study, use a windowsill or corner of the bedroom as an alternative solution. • Organic aesthetics are on-trend now – and green plants can relieve stress.…

01. FLEXA Flexa designs stylish Scandinavian interiors for kids, creating functional home furnishing solutions that adapt and grow with your child’s needs and are stimulating and safe. 02. MATHY BY BOLS Make bedtime a blast with the Tree House bunk bed. With a bunk on the bottom and ladder leading to a tree house-style top bunk, it’s perfect for siblings and provides a fun playtime environment for children. Available from Homeless 03. MOLL The Moll T7 desk and S6 chair and C7 container set is individually crafted for true sustainability and made to grow with your child. With modular elements, it moulds to their changing body size and preferences. 04. LIFETIME KIDSROOMS The Studybed with swing-out desk provides children with a cherished space to do school work or follow creative…

The kitchen may be the proverbial heart of the home, but the living room is where we spend the majority of our time, so it’s essential to create an environment that’s warm, welcoming and illustrative of our individualism. When considering the design of your living room, the first thing to think about is how you use the space – is it somewhere you spend precious time relaxing or do you prefer to entertain? Your answer will have a major impact on your aesthetic choices, affecting not only the fixtures and fittings you select, but also the palette and fabrics you favour. As a general rule, those who see the sitting room as a place to unwind opt for an airier feel, while those who like to play host advocate statement-making…

“CHOOSE ACCENT CHAIRS THAT CAN BE MOVED AROUND AND BOLD CABINETRY THAT PROVOKES A CONVERSATION” TIMOTHY OULTON • If you’re the sort of person who wants to come home and just chill out, then choose a big, slouchy sectional and pared-back storage to keep the room light, airy and free from distractions. • If you like to host a lot, then pick a sofa with a more upright seating position so people can lean in and chat together, with accent chairs that can be moved around easily and bold display cabinetry that provokes a conversation. “MATERIALS THAT WORK BEST IN THE LIVING ROOM ARE THOSE THAT SUIT YOUR WAY OF LIVING” VINCENT LIM AND ELAINE LU • More often than not, the look of the sofa gets ignored. Instead of…

For as long as bathrooms have existed, they have been a place of pampering and privacy. The biggest limitation in creating the bathroom of your dreams – one reminiscent of a hotel bathroom, perhaps, or a spa – will be space. If our home is our sanctuary, the bathroom is a sanctuary within a sanctuary – a sacred space. Since this is where we refresh, rejuvenate and recharge, trends in wellness continue to have a major impact on bathroom design. Beyond this, the modern bathroom reflects our desire to enjoy the best of old and new: here, a classic claw-foot bathtub and pedestal sink; there, a horizontal shower, and smart mirrors that track and store health data.…

“CANDLES, SCENTS, BATH SALTS AND WARM TOWELS ARE ESSENTIAL TO CREATING A HAVEN FOR RELAXATION” DENISE LAU COLOURLIVING  colourliving.com • While interior design is very important, equally essential to a haven for relaxation are candles, scents, bath salts and warm towels; heated surfaces for sitting or lying down to read a book; accessories and racks for wine glasses and magazines, and so on. • If space allows for a second bathtub installation – for relaxing rather than washing – a hammock bath from SplinterWorks or onsen bath from Hinokisoken would be nice. “LIGHTING IS KEY TO CREATING A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. USE DIMMABLE INDIRECT LIGHTING” DICKY CHEUNG SENSEARCHITECTS  sensearchitects.com • Our approach in the bathroom has always been: hygiene first. Following this logic, the water closet should be in a separate…

01. MOLTENI&C Designed by Vincent van Duysen, the Gliss Master series of wardrobes provides sleek storage solutions using only the finest of finishes. Choose among a variety of designs, from classic wood or lacquered doors to modern all-glass doors and shelves with built-in LED lighting. 02. ORGANIC MODERNISM With its white lacquer frame, American walnut doors and brass details, this Mini cabinet adds a touch of elegance while blending in perfectly with a modern bedroom. 03. POLIFORM Designed by Emmanuel Gallina, the Kelly bed features sinuous, delicate lines from its headboard down to its solid wood bed frame. A bedside table with drawers completes the set. 04. B&B ITALIA The Husk bed by Patricia Urquiola takes the concept of cocooning to a new level. Soft and geometric, the headboard makes…

Children’s rooms are often multi-purpose arenas and require all sorts of considerations, from safety issues and cosiness to visual interest and trends. Since this is an area for young minds that are yet to grow and explore, it’s also important to be creative and design a space that encourages playfulness and imagination. Alexandra del Garidel of Alexandra del Garidel Interior Architecture and Design Studio says, "People have started to really design children’s bedrooms and it’s a space that’s emphasised as much as any part of the home. The most important thing is to consider the child you are designing for, what they like and what they dream of." Anne-Julie Barnes, an interior designer and decorator agrees, "I always use the same approach to a design project whether I’m dealing with…

01. PLANIKA Make a statement with the Pyramid Commerce bio-fireplace, a glamorous addition to any al fresco event or area. Finished with highly resistant fibreglass, its white base and decorative top provide an alluring contrast with the warmth of the fire. 02. ARCHETYPAL Inspired by nature, the pieces in Sé’s multifunctional By the Trees collection work equally well when used as stools or side tables. Crafted from ceramic and available in a glossy or satin finish, they add an elevated, modern touch to any exterior space. 03. HUNT YEN CONSULTANTS Elicit serenity and tranquillity with a Japanese Zen garden, complete with raked gravel that recalls rippling water, stone arrangements and other miniature elements that represent various parts of the natural world. 04. EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN Crafted from white- or…