A Home with a View

In designing this family home on the coast of Hong Kong Island, YC Chen of local studio hoo opted for understated, timeless luxury to background the spectacular panoramic views

Design Anthology: Can you tell us about the clients and their lifestyle?

YC Chen: The clients, a couple, were referred to us by a previous client.  The clients are both professionals who lead very busy lives, with one of them sometimes needing to work at home. They have two teenage children, a boy and a girl.

What was their brief to you for the project?

There actually wasn’t a concrete brief. The previous client who referred us spoke very highly of our work, so these clients trusted our taste. The couple appreciate high-quality materials and furniture, so overall we wanted to creative a narrative of subtle luxury that feels more sophisticated.

What’s unique about the building and the location?

The building is near the waterfront in Hong Kong Island’s Pok Fu Lam neighbourhood, so the apartment has amazing views. The home is almost 240 square metres big, and the living room in particular is really spacious.

How did you approach the project — what design references did you try to incorporate into the space?

We went with a modern, classic and timelessly luxurious style, so we selected more luxurious materials like copper, marble tiles and darker veneer and wood flooring.

Please tell us about some of the custom pieces for the space.

We tucked an office space at the back of the living room, and custom designed the bookshelf and cupboards to minimise clutter. This display area is now a highlight in the living room. 

Do you have a favourite element or design detail in the interiors?

My favourite element is the dining table setting. To create more space at the entrance, we designed the dining area more like a high-end restaurant, featuring a statement pendant, banquette seating and marble tiles that resemble the brushstrokes of Chinese watercolour paintings, which echoes the Chinese painting hanging at the end of the corridor (a gift from the husband’s father, who is a well-known artist). We also love the transparent master bathroom — it just feels so relaxing!

As told to / Suzy Annetta
Images / Courtesy of hoo