Showing us how to take a bright, white canvas and make it your own, artist Amelia Sidwell‘s southside apartment is giving us some serious home inspo. Filled with plenty of her own unique and ocean-inspired pieces (we love the L U N A plates and Au naturale pots!), along with plenty of greenery, we can’t get enough of this stunning space. We chatted to the New Zealand born creative about how she’s made Hong Kong her home, which design trends she loves (and hates), and even got some simple tips on how to add some personality to your own apartment.

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I was raised by the ocean in New Zealand. I am a resin and ceramic artist heavily inspired by nature, specifically the sea, and I have spent the last three-years exploring Asia and making it home. Hong Kong is a wonderful base for constantly exploring.

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

I live on the southside of Hong Kong Island with views of Aberdeen Country Park, with the water only a quick stroll away. We chose to move to this side for a change of scenery, as after staring at the bright lights of Central every night for a year, we decided to find a place where the air and surroundings were more calming.

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

I’ve taken inspiration from the beach house in New Zealand where I spent almost every summer of my life at. We didn’t have a theme in mind, but definitely had a colour scheme. Finding a place with white walls and beautiful concrete floors gave us the perfect canvas for that. I also take inspiration from my travels and the little crafts I bring home fill our house with memories.

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

We have added personality to our house with an abundance of art and plants. As an artist with a home studio it’s really important that our space is calm and positive so we only keep things that make us feel happy and creative.

Lighting is my biggest tip for easily updating the look of a room. Whether you do this by using mirrors (or in our case disco balls) to spread the natural light around the room when the sun hits, or by adding some special lightbulbs to your bedroom for a more relaxed vibe. The light in our place is probably what sold us on moving in here.

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

Our table for SURE. We got it custom made by a guy we met when I was selling my art in Discovery Bay. I’ve always wanted a natural wood slab table. It’s made hosting friends for dinners or board game nights easy and it’s my favourite place in the house to sit and paint.

Favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

I really enjoy exploring the second hand, vintage or antique shops in Hong Kong, or try to give items a second chance.

Organic Modernism in Horizon Plaza is where we got a lot of our big furniture from. It has a great collection.

Tips for combining style with functionality? 

Start with thinking about what you need. Try to use things for multiple purposes, and try to avoid using plastic products and go for high quality reusable products that can last longer.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Measure your elevator! We are lucky with the size of our lift, but in the past we have had to pass couches down six flights of stairs because we didn’t measure the lift in a friend’s building.

Which interior trend do you wish would come to an end?

Marble and ALL the metallics.

Favorite interior trend?

Wabi Sabi, the Japanese concept of finding the beauty in simplicity and naturalness of spaces and objects.

If you could design your home from scratch name 5 of your must have pieces

1. A wicked turntable sound system with speakers set up around the house
2. A really good shower
3. A piece of art that makes me happy
4. A Large kitchen space
5. A comfortable bed

One item you’ve had for years but can’t part with?

My first original resin art by me. It’s not particularly good or good looking, but I like to see how far I’ve come and how my style has developed as an artist.

On a scale of 1-10 how shocked were you at the size of Hong Kong homes? 

Oh I’d say a 9, taking into consideration the living standard for many people in Hong Kong.

If the sky was the limit what would you splurge on?

A beautiful unobstructed view of the ocean.

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

Thanks to our talented photographer April Yau for all of the beautiful images above! Find her on Instagram here!

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Inside The Hong Kong Home Of Amelia Sidwell, Creator Of Amelia Sidwell Art appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Known in the Sassy office as the queen of DIY, it comes as no surprise that our very own Elle Noble’s home is decked out with unique and handmade pieces. From collecting items from her worldwide travels, to crafting bookshelves from old wine crates, Elle’s Sheung Wan home is giving us all the inspiration we need to add a little personality to our own spaces. Read on to find out where Elle hunts for pieces for her next upcycling project, where she shops in Hong Kong and for a peek inside her beautiful home…

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I was born in the U.K. and grew up in Norfolk by the seaside. I lived there until I was 7, then moved to Essex, followed by London, and now Hong Kong. I think I’ve moved house around 20 times, so I’m not really sure where I’d call “home.” In 2014 I left my job in Fashion Styling in London to take a year out and travel around the world with my boyfriend. Hong Kong was our final destination before heading back to the U.K., and after spending two crazy, fun-filled weeks in Hong Kong, we were hooked and decided to stay for a year…five years later and the adventure is still going strong.

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

I currently live in a converted studio in Sheung Wan. When I first arrived in Hong Kong the only belongings I had with me were those in the backpack I’d been travelling with. So I was very lucky to have a couple of friends who lived here, who were extremely generous and let us stay with them for a while until we got set up and found jobs. We weren’t intending to stay in Hong Kong for much over a year, and so I didn’t see the point in investing in furniture or having a whole flat to deck out, so our next move was into another shared apartment with friends and inherited furniture. When me and my boyfriend finally realised we were kidding ourselves on the one year thing, we knew it was time to find our own place and make a home for ourselves here. After what seemed like hundreds of viewings, we finally came across our place. We had initially ruled out studios, but we decided to compromise because this apartment had the open plan layout we’d been looking for (which is rare in HK!), and we were lucky that the landlord agreed to install sliding doors to create a separate bedroom. I was worried about the space losing lots of natural light once the doors were added, but we used frosted glass doors, and we’re so happy with how it turned out!

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

Oooh, I definitely don’t have an initial theme in mind, I’m always inspired by our travels and we’ll often purchase something for the home from each place we visit, as it’s such a nice reminder of the amazing trips we’ve been on. However, I’m drawn to really colourful, patterned things, so I’m constantly trying to figure out how to tie everything in and make sure the colours complement each other, and the space doesn’t just look like a crazy bazaar full of random souvenirs!

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

As we rent our apartment, we’re pretty limited with big home improvement options. I find an instant way to improve the look of a room is to add plants or fresh flowers, and something simple like adding cushions or a throw to your couch or bed can make the room feel much more more homely. I don’t think home improvements need to be really expensive either, I recently found some fabric scraps for $10 in Sham Shui Po which made perfect cushion covers. I found an old picture frame someone was about to throw out, so I gave it a new home and sprayed it gold, and it makes the perfect frame for all our polaroids. I also made our bookcase out of wine crates that a shop was throwing out. I’m always looking for ways to upcycle things!

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

I’m really into crafting and customising outfits and accessories for festivals or dress-up parties (fancy dress is not limited to HK Sevens for us – it’s a VERY common occurrence amongst our friends), so I have an overflowing fancy dress box, and a crazy collection of hats (the perfect festival/fancy dress accessory!). Earlier this year I decided to create a DIY hat rack wall to house our never-ending collection and make the hats into a feature.

I also recently brought the colourful rug in our lounge whilst on a trip in India, and then I came across the turquoise Moroccan pouf and cushions from Thorn & Burrow (which match the colours perfectly), and so I’m loving how these new pieces have really given the lounge a fun, fresh update.

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong? 

When I’m looking for specific pieces I usually try to find pre-loved furniture first, either from friends that are moving, the wonderful junk stores (the ones around Cat Street in Sheung Wan are my local faves), or websites like Asiaxpat, GeoExpat or carousell. Sham Shui Po is great for material, kitchenware, lights and electronics. If I’m looking for something new or gifting, then I love shops like Thorn & Burrow, Ohemia and H&M home.

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

I’m always trying to find creative way to store things, and I find that sometimes you can use fun items that are awkward shapes or too big to store (bags/jewellery/shoes) as a feature in your home, as long as it’s a nicely curated and organised selection of your most aesthetically pleasing pieces!

We have limited cupboard space in our apartment and so we hide messy items like storage boxes and home appliances behind a wooden folding screen.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Measure everything! I think this is really crucial especially in Hong Kong. If you’re moving into an apartment that’s not on the ground floor, check your furniture can fit into lifts etc. We once had to move a solid wooden bed frame down 15 floors as it wouldn’t fit in the elevator, and I know friends who have had to completely return furniture they bought as it simply wouldn’t fit through the door!

When it comes to styling the home, I think the best way to start is to de-clutter, clear your space and think about the things that you really enjoy being surrounded by and that you want on display.

Which interior trend do you wish would come to end?

To be honest nothing really comes to mind! I wouldn’t say that I tend to follow particular trends.

On the flipside, what’s your favourite interior trend?

I love handcrafted items, and seeing lots of natural materials used for interiors.

If you could design your home from scratch – name 5 of your must-have pieces.

• A big round table as we love a good dinner party!
• A bar cart to whip up cocktails for the party
• A bright and colourful sofa
• A walk in wardrobe (thinking Cher’s closet or Carrie Bradshaw’s!)
• A big comfy bed, as I really need my sleep

One item you’ve had for years but can’t part with?

As we moved here without furniture or things for the home, there’s not really anything I’ve had for years. Although as I worked in fashion for so many years, I have quite a huge collection of clothes and accessories, and I guess I struggle to let go of those, so that’s why an organised closet and shoe cupboard is key!

On a scale of 1- 10, how shocked were you at the size of Hong Kong homes? Why?

Maybe a 3, after renting and house sharing in London I’m used to small spaces.

If the sky was the limit – what would you splurge on?

I guess the dream would be an incredible boudoir, lined in the most beautiful hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, with a walk in wardrobe. Oh and of course a huge bathtub… but don’t most of us in HK dream of that?!

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

Thanks to our talented photographer Zenaida Kwong for all of the beautiful images above! Find her on Instagram here!

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Elle Noble, Partnerships Manager At Sassy Media Group appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

We’re kicking off 2019 with a little home inspo for you all, with a peek inside the bright and colourful space of Kate Sbuttoni, founder of The Ginger Lamp Co.! From her South Devon roots, to moving to Hong Kong nine years ago, Kate tells us all about the inspiration behind her home, and how she finds Hong Kong living. We’re huge fans of the eclectic style and pops of colour throughout, and are especially in love with the statement Chinese cabinet, along with (of course!), her gorgeous collection of contemporary Chinese ginger jar lamps.

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I’m originally from picturesque South Devon, in the UK. I moved to HK as a newlywed with my husband Paolo. I’d spent the previous 10 years largely working in London (punctuated by some time abroad), in a range of PR and marketing roles. We envisaged the move here as our last ‘big adventure’ pre-kids…nine years and two daughters later (aged six and three), the adventure continues!

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home? 

We live on MacDonnell Road in Mid Levels, Central. We’ve been in our current flat for nearly four years. Before that we were just one road below, on Kennedy. We’ve never seriously looked at other locations as feel this is the perfect spot for us.

It combines walkability to most central destinations; proximity to green spaces (including parks and trails); the Peak Tram is on our doorstep; HK’s best veggie restaurant (Pure Veggie House) is a stone’s throw in Coda Plaza, which also houses the YWCA for kids’ classes; and the girls’ schools are nearby.

Our apartment is on a quiet side street, which many people don’t even know is there, and our block is part of a small complex built in the 1950s. We’re on the top floor and the view from our lounge window is of a vast rubber tree. We’re often visited by squirrels and birds, and it’s mostly pretty peaceful.

Where have you taken inspiration from? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

My inspiration comes from the countries I’ve travelled to and lived in. I find the colours, textures and patterns of Asia particularly inspiring, as well as the handmade, one-of-a-kind nature of the region’s craftsmanship. I also love the simplicity of Japanese and Scandinavian design, the richness of the Middle Eastern elements and the bold styles of India and Africa.

Our home is therefore an eclectic mix of treasures we have collected. Artwork from Hanoi and Japan, trinkets and collectibles from Laos & Cambodia, HK and Zhuhai; fabrics from India and Uzbekistan and blue and white ceramics from China and Thailand.

Our apartment doesn’t follow any given theme, I didn’t set out to achieve a particular ‘look’. It’s merely a reflection of the things we love. My main draw is to colour, in every form it takes: soft furnishings, lamps, rugs, artwork and stand-out pieces of furniture, like a Chinese cabinet I had lacquered in the shade of  ‘Miami Jade’.

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make?  

Living in a rental, we have limited scope in terms of any major changes. When we moved in we had neutral curtains made and all the walls painted white. This acted as a great blank canvas, layering the space with our own pieces.

The one thing I have always wanted in a HK apartment is a balcony, but sadly we don’t have any outdoor space. So if it was possible to create even a small area for a table and chairs, I’d be very happy!

Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room? 

Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting to transform a space. I really believe soft and well-placed lighting can make the biggest impact in a room. I’m not keen on overhead lighting because it can be too harsh and unflattering. Instead, I like to use table and floor lamps. These can be used to zone areas in a larger room; to create a cosy reading nook or dedicated dining area.

Hanging beautiful pieces of art on the wall instantly lifts a room and adds personality and character. Hong Kong has so many great framing shops – I’ve been going to Ming Kwok on Queens Road East in Wan Chai for years. They needn’t be expensive pieces either – small watercolours picked up on holidays, vintage exhibition and movie posters, maps, and kids’ artwork can all been transformed with a simple mount and frame. I love gallery walls and hang pieces together in groups for an eclectic, unfussy look.

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

I’d have to say my humble Ginger Jar. I’d hankered after one for a while, having first spotted them used in interiors schemes, in Absolutely Beautiful Things, a book by interior designer Anna Spiro.

When I moved to HK, I learnt about their trade routes’ history, so they became more meaningful. The ones I initially saw in Hollywood Road antiques shops were rarer finds and prohibitively expensive, but I found a more affordable one and it’s had pride of place in our living room ever since. Blue and white is so classic and timeless – I’ll always love it.

Its ‘Double Happiness’ design is a symbol of love and happiness. For me, it also has a double meaning – reminding me of the first weeks in our new home, and also now, as the foundation of my lamp business (which, at the time, I hadn’t even thought of)! 

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

I love the beautiful Indian artisan items at Inside, including the hand-block printed napkins and tablecloths. For exquisite pieces curated across Asia, you can’t beat Altfield Interiors. The collection of blue and white ceramics has always inspired me, and I adore the stunning Burmese silver collection.

I also love hunting for inexpensive pieces around Sheung Wan – Lascar Row and Queens Road. I’ve found beautiful vintage cloisonné figures, old turquoise beads, and one-off ceramics. My latest find was a pair of gorgeous marble foo dogs.

I’ve spent many a happy hour at the fabrics market and streets around Sham Shui Po, picking out silk, African batik and printed cottons. Many have been made into bedding and cushion covers.

And I’m excited to see an increasing number of smaller local interiors brands popping up, like Kben & Hol, Karavan and Maya Rugs.  All have beautiful, hand-curated pieces, which are always worth a look. 

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

To keep a space looking effortlessly stylish, I think storage is key; a space has to be practical as well as beautiful and everything should have its home. At the end of a busy day, a place to tidy away toys, stash books and magazines and contain miscellaneous items will give a home a sense of order and calm. Wooden chests, large woven baskets and ottomans are all attractive, functional options.

I also like to use trays of varying sizes and styles to cluster items together so they are tidy but easily located. I have a wire basket in the kitchen for all the odd bits that seem to accumulate there; a lacquer tray on our lounge coffee table for the remote control, coasters and a candle, and ceramic trays in the bathrooms for toothbrushes and soap. 

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Measure your space so you’re not caught short with pieces of furniture that don’t fit your new dimensions. There’s nothing worse than constantly knocking into an oversized bed or sofa. You may need to think about bespoke pieces if space is an issue. On the flipside, if you’re moving to a larger place, think about sizing up so key pieces don’t get lost.

Think about the key function of each room and the must-have pieces that will meet your needs. A daybed for the office which can convert to a place for overnight guests perhaps? Or a bespoke piece of statement furniture which combines both function and form, such as a lacquered shoe cabinet.

And how can each space be used to its maximum potential? We have an extra large wooden dining table in our living area. As I work from home, it is a perfect additional workspace. It also serves as our kids’ crafting zone, and of course hosts all our family meals and dinner parties.

Which interior trend do you wish would come to end? 

I’m not a fan of the ‘feature wall’. To me, to paint or paper just one wall is jarring and can be at odds with the rest of a room.  I favour a white – or at least more neutral – uniform background, which serves as a perfect blank canvas, making it much easier to layer patterns, colours and textures.

On the flipside, what’s your favourite interior trend?

If I could call it a ‘trend’, I’d have to say the colourful, maximalist aesthetic which designers like Anna Spiro and Sophie Robinson champion. Not being afraid to use multiple colours and patterns; mixing various designs and eras – antique, vintage and modern; combining the things you have collected over time with new pieces.

This way, you create an uncontrived look that is natural and exclusively ‘you’.  Our homes should be a reflection of ourselves and the things we love – how can this happen if we buy everything in one place, and follow a particular design trend or theme?

If you could design your home from scratch – name 5 of your must-have pieces.

• Hans Wegner Wishbone dining chairs – I’ve always loved their beautiful, natural elements
• A large antique Chinoiserie black lacquer cabinet with gold paint detail
• A huge Persian rug for the living room floor
• More art work by our favourite Vietnamese artist
• A sofa covered in fabric by Fermoie, UK

One item you’ve had for years but can’t part with?

It would have to be any one of the handmade pieces we found on a trip to India. Either an intricate, mother-of-pearl inlay mirror from Udaipur, or a colourful hand-knotted kilim from Agra. That trip to Rajasthan was an eye-opener for me in terms of the sheer breadth of craftsmanship and beauty of one country. Both pieces are now in our bedroom and they make me happy each time I look at them. That’s why I love collecting beautiful things – for the sheer joy they keep on giving.

On a scale of 1- 10, how shocked were you at the size of Hong Kong homes, and why?

I was pretty shocked, not only by the size, but also the price tags! As well as the tiniest of places, I’ve also seen the vastness of others. But what frustrates me most is the overall lack of a decent middle ground: well-maintained family apartments that are attractive, functional and affordable. It is a real challenge, but then again, it means you must get even more creative and savvy with the space that you do have! 

If the sky was the limit – what would you splurge on?

I’d like to surprise my husband with a Balzac chair and matching footstool. He’s always wanted one and it would be nice place for him to sit and relax at the end of a busy day.

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

Thanks to our talented photographer Hayley Nash for all of the beautiful images above! Find her on Instagram here!

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Kate Sbuttoni, Founder of The Ginger Jar Lamp Co. appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

As the founder of Bamboo Yoga, it comes as no surprise that the Sheung Wan home of Aleksandra Milewicz is the perfect zen den. Flooded with light, and decked out with personal touches and influences from her travels to Bali, Thailand, Japan, Mexico and beyond; Aleksandra’s cosy space is giving us some serious inspo for how to style a small space. Talking us through her favourites pieces, inspiration and sharing some tips on styling your own Hong Kong home, we chatted to the down-to-eath yogi and got a peek inside her home…

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I am originally from Poland, but I lived in the UK, France, China and Philippines before moving to Hong Kong. After 6 years of working in the fashion industry I changed my career to become a yoga teacher and healthpreneur. Last year I started Bamboo Yoga and recently, a friend and I launched a passion project, Off The Chain Bowls.

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

I live on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan. Since I moved to Hong Kong 7-years ago I’ve always lived in this area, and I love it and wouldn’t change for any other. When I first went to view the apartment, 4-years ago, I fell in love with how bright it was and the beautiful vintage tiles! I took it right away, and didn’t even mind that it was a 5th-floor walk up!

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

I have taken my inspirations from many sources – as I have been lucky enough to stay at some gorgeous places during my travels or when visiting friends, I’ve absorbed the authentic colours, motives and cultural influences of the country I’m visiting. I didn’t really have a theme in mind but I knew I wanted to make my place as bright and spacious as possible, hence light and earthy tones. I brought a few beautiful pieces from my trips to Bali, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, Japan, Australia and Mexico that remind me of the stunning and vivid cultures they have.

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

My aerial hammock! If I don’t have time to hang in the studio or on my bamboo tripods during one of my Bamboo Yoga workshops, I can do it in my own living room. It works wonders for my spine, stretches me out like nothing else, decompresses the whole body and lifts up the mood – I think everyone should have one at home!

Adding plants was also one of the best decisions I made. I hesitated for a long time since I travel quite often, and didn’t know if they will survive, but I was wanting to add some jungle vibes, so did research on low maintenance plants that also purify air. One trip to the Prince Edward flower market later and I had some lush greenery which made a big change to how the place looks and how I feel. I often work from home so having plant is a massive improvement and life upgrade. Recently, I adopted a rooftop my neighbor wasn’t using and it’s been a lot of fun decorating it – it’s still a work in progress but it’s wonderful to have an outdoor space to yourself.

My main tip would be: less is more. When in doubt, remove unnecessary items, declutter, or hire a designer

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

Tough one! I would say my Marshal speaker (great sound and vintage look = win!), and and my dreamcatcher that I got from Tulum. I also have a few things that I always take with me to recreate home wherever I go: my yoga mat, incense, candles, palo santo, sage and essential oils. I think our sense of smell is so important and can take us to our ‘home’, that safe space where we feel at ease in a matter of seconds. They help to clear the mind, turn inwards and get into meditation.

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

I don’t really have a place to shop in Hong Kong, though Shanghai Street in Mongkok has a variety of shops for homeware and you can find some real gems in flee markets.

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

Choose items that fit into your apartment but can also have a hidden function (such as storage), utilising space in small HK apartments is a skill, so any space under the bed or on top of a wardrobe can be precious. Plus using walls for hanging, can help to free up surface areas, but still add decorative touches.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Decide on the colour palette and be consistent. Go for neutral tones if you’re unsure – it’s always easier to brighten up with with a splash of colour then to change the colour of bright red wall

Lighting is also so, so important. Chose the right lamps and lightbulbs and place them strategically.

I also use Pinterest and Insta a lot! Spend time browsing to find what you really love, create mood boards with your favorite interiors, accessories, items and get inspired to make your own dream place.

And don’t forget to add a bit of you! Chose some stylish travel souvenirs, plants, and photos that will add a personal touch and authenticity. And don’t rush, things will fall into place with time and evolve into what you want them to be.

Which interior trend do you wish would come to end?

I believe that interiors should be soothing to our senses, so I’d avoid anything loud with many contrasting colors. For example, mixing ’70s fabrics in crazy prints and patterns is bit too extreme for my taste, and fringes on curtains, mirrors, lamps would be a no for me. I’m also not a fan of candy pink, lace sheer curtains, opulent elements such as crystal or chandeliers etc. – but it all depends on the setting, context and purpose in the end

On the flipside, what’s your favourite interior trend?

Ahhh so many! I love earthy tones, with some bohemian chic, hippie vibes, along with some ethnic touches. Recently I’m loving everything macrame, I made my own plant pot holders with it – it’s so easy and looks gorgeous.

I am also very fond of Scandinavian interiors, minimalism has always been my goal (not easy to be achieved when you love beautiful things haha). I love rustic aesthetics, that are raw but homey at the same time.

If you could design your home from scratch – name 5 of your must have pieces.

• A comfortable bed with high quality bedlinen, I truly believe that good night’s sleep is the best start to anything.
• Beautiful quality speakers are also a must – I can’t live without music!
• I need a big wardrobe to organise all of my clothes, accessories etc.
• Is Vitamix a home piece? If yes, then it’s a must for me! That’s how the Off The Chain Bowls magic happens
• A coffee table to serve as work station, dining table and place to store books I’m currently reading.

One item you’ve had for years but can’t part with?

I don’t have any. As much as I love beautiful objets I try to practice non-attachment, if I had to leave tomorrow I would be okay with packing my whole life in two suitcases and giving the rest away.

On a scale of 1- 10, how shocked were you at the size of Hong Kong homes? Why?

Maybe 6? I lived in London before Hong Kong, and although my previous place was more spacious, I was used to utilising the space efficiently. Though I can definitely imagine the harsh reality that most people face when they move to HK and discover the shoebox size apartments.

If the sky was the limit – what would you splurge on?

A massive freestanding bathtub! (if only I had space for it haha). Sadly bathtubs are such a rare luxury in Hong Kong. Oh and maybe a few art pieces.

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

Thanks to our talented photographer Hayley Nash for all of the beautiful images above! Find her on Instagram here!

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Inside of the Hong Kong Home of Aleksandra Milewicz, Founder of Bamboo Yoga appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

From stunning seaside homes in Stanley to chic and minimalist studios in Sheung Wan, the passion and creativity that goes into turning a house into home never ceases to amaze us here at Sassy! And while square footage (or lack thereof!) is sadly an issue we forever face here in Honkers, Interior Designer, Cecilie Larsen left the hustle and bustle behind in search of space and natural light – just a hop skip and ferry ride away from Central.

With an eye for simple, Scandinavian-style décor, and a focus on homely hygge traditions, Cecilie lets us in on her secret to crafting a meaningful and functional space as well as some amazing DIY projects she’s taken on since living on Lamma.

Read more: Where to Get Custom Furniture Made in Hong Kong

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I’m Danish born and bred, and have been living in Hong Kong for almost five years. I grew up in the countryside of Jutland, in a derelict farmhouse that my parents had renovated. The house not only had a massive garden, but was also next to a huge forest. We had views over fields where we kept our horses. We also had a colossal garage where you could always find my father. My dad is a super dad, that basically can build anything you can dream of. I spent hours in the garage with my dad creating stuff or helping him with his old American cars, which was his big passion. He always helped me see possibilities in things and how to create stuff out of raw materials or even how to build with all our Lego bricks.

We spent lots of time outdoors and had tree houses, zip lines going over the field and my dad even built a little car using the motor from a tractor grass cutter. My mum is an amazing woman with “green” fingers and always the ability to create what we call “hygge”. She is super creative and always sewed our clothing, created art and went exploring in the nature with us. With all the space one can imagine and a super creative family, I’ll admit I’ve had a pretty awesome upbringing and a wonderful place to grow up.

Read more: Where to Buy Furniture and Homeware in Shenzhen

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

I live on Lamma Island now and moved here a year ago after experiencing a number of other locations on Hong Kong Island. I was attracted to the space because of the amount of natural light, the big living space, all the greenery right outside the window, the big terraces on each side and the garden next to the terrace where I grow lots of delicious organic vegetables and fruits with our neighbour. I wanted to be closer to nature and have the opportunity to sit outside while I’m home, and this apartment gave me all the options with movable partitions windows on each side of the house so the terrace is basically an extension of the living area.

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

My inspiration definitely comes from nature and my home country; I love being surrounded by greenery and natural materials, which for me create a relaxed atmosphere. My roots are Danish and I love the Scandinavian simplicity that is also very modern, cosy and comfortable since we love our “hygge” traditions when we are home. I enjoy the touch and feel of natural materials and exploring how something is made, which also is the reason why many of our furniture and art pieces are home made. Like most people, when I am home I just want to relax and not be distracted by too much stuff around me so the simple Scandinavian style came very naturally.

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

I built our dining table, which is a beautiful round table with three legs split out to the sides. I wanted to create a nice space where people can gather and I think round tables are especially nice when people get together. I made some sketches of how I wanted it and the size matching the area and ordered the wood on Taobao, I then went to the local hardware shop to get screws and when the wood arrived I had it cut into the right sizes. I am very pleased with the result and we love sitting here having dinner most evenings. Once we found some beautiful wood that had washed on to the beach after the typhoon, which has now found a new life as our outdoor table. I love getting my hands into some DIY projects and it’s quite easy to find interesting materials in Hong Kong.

I painted our bedroom walls in a good quality olive green chalk paint from Thorn & Burrow, which is super easy to use and you can create these amazing textures with very little technique. The colour feels calming to me, and is so different from your typical white room. Paint can completely transform a room whether you want to change the mood or refresh the look. By painting walls, ceilings and even floors, you can change a room completely and there are so many stunning colours available. If painting walls is not an option then you can actually get a wood piece or canvasses in Hong Kong in basically all the sizes you can dream of and this could be another solution to get some colour in to your apartment.

I often look at old stuff and want to give it a new beginning. My bedside cabinet used to be a boring white IKEA drawer, but is now this funky modern mirror drawer just with the use of mirror film that I bought in the stationary. You can create many things on your own without spending too much money — you just need to be a little creative in using the resources you have available around you.

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

By far, my favourite piece in my house is a jewellery box that my grandfather gave my grandmother 75 years ago. He made it himself and sweetly carved in her initials. My grandfather passed it on to me after my grandmother passed away last year. It’s a stunning piece of craftsmanship, and I am so proud to be the one taking care of it now. They are, and will continue to be, my biggest role models. They have accomplished so much in their life that many people will only dream about.

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

I actually don’t have a favourite place for homeware, as I like to build stuff and mix and match. I love mixing the old with the new, and everything in between from different origins.

Some of the shops that I like to have a look in are MENU SHOWROOM, in Wong Chuk Hang, Thorn & Burrow, Sai Ying Pun, and occasionally I have a good rummage around the antique shops along Man Mo Market Street. If I go on holiday somewhere, often I will bring back something that either has a unique meaning to it, or will forever remind me of a good adventure!

Read more: Best Homeware Stores in Hong Kong

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

In my daily role at Stylus Studio, we have a humanistic approach and focus on crafting meaningful spaces that balance functionality and aesthetics so the two are one in the same. Ask yourself what is the purpose of the space? Who are the end-users? What stories of the past (the people and the place) can you translate to give your space new context? Everyone can create something nice, but don’t sacrifice functionality and follow trends. If you focus on what’s meaningful to you and your family, the style will endure.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Don’t rush! When choosing your new home then I would always look at things like natural light, as this is something that plays a big part for me. I think people tend to stress out a bit and want to get things sorted as quickly as possible and end up getting whatever is easiest. Don’t try to follow a sudden style, just use furniture you like and create your own “spatial story.” I recommend creating different mood-boards of images to see the possibilities in different pieces and how you can make it more functional and interesting for yourself when using it. Don’t forget to measure things properly, so you don’t squeeze everything in making our Hong Kong homes look ever more compact! Just keep it simple!

Which interior trend do you wish would come to end?

I am not sure you can call this a trend, but it’s a shame when people overuse things and try to squash as much as possible in to a space. I see it a lot in Asia, where people completely overuse design elements. Some people don’t understand that it is actually okay to have a white wall, or ceiling, without anything on it.

Read more: Our Go-To Handymen in Hong Kong

On the flipside, what’s your favourite interior trend?

I love that there is more of a focus on the actual craftsmanship behind materials and furniture. People are starting to be more interested in how it is made, what it is made of, and where it comes from.

If you could design your home from scratch – name 5 [of your] must-have pieces.

This is super hard… There are so many amazing pieces of furniture out there; especially when you work in interiors you experience so many incredible designers and artists. I wouldn’t mind a couple of Willy Guhl chairs for outside, with a cool little table from Vincenzo De Cotiis in between. I’d love a Pierre Jeanneret armchair in my study with a beautiful table and a funky table lamp, maybe the Napako Mushroom lamp. I’d probably swop my sofa with a Vladimir Kagan sofa and get a nice thick rug. I have an obsession with sculptures and would love a big sculpture outside so I can just lie in my sofa and admire it haha.

Read more: Tim Oulton’s Top 5 Interior Design Tips for a Small Home

One item you’ve had for years but can’t part with?

My toolbox. Can’t live without it!

On a scale of 1- 10, how shocked were you at the size of Hong Kong homes? 

I wasn’t really shocked about the size, more the price for the size!

Read more: 7 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space

If the sky was the limit – what would you splurge on? 

I’d love the time to learn pottery and sculpture from masters in Japan, Italy and France. It would be amazing to compare the different philosophies and techniques of this old craft.

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

Thanks to our talented photography intern, Tiffany Ku for all of the beautiful images above! Follow her on Instagram here.

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Cecilie Larsen, Interior Designer at Stylus Studio appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

With just days to go until Christmas, it’s safe to say that we’re feeling pretty festive! And who better to ensure that our flats are decked out to the nines than CEO and founder of coveted homeware brand, iDecorate! We chat to Shana Buchanan for her tips on dressing the perfect tree, how to incorporate this year’s Christmas trends around your home and her predictions for 2018…

Read more: Hostess with the Mostest: Plan a Classy Christmas Affair

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I am originally from Australia and have been in Hong Kong for almost six years!

Where do you live and why? 

We live on Lyttleton Road, in Mid-Levels West and we love that it is so green and peaceful, yet just a stones throw from Sai Ying Pun High Street and the MTR station.

Read more: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Maura Thompson, Co-Founder of Sassy Hong Kong

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

As the Founder and CEO of iDecorate I am inspired daily by our products, thanks to all the incredibly talented artists and designers we represent! I also take inspiration from places that I’ve been to and designers I covet, such as Illse Crawford and Kelly Wearstler. I don’t like to stick to a theme, I fall in love with objects and incorporate them into my home or designs for clients.

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

Our (iDecorate!) Grey Velour Armchair that swivels on a solid brass base

Read more: Best Homeware Stores in Hong Kong

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

It sounds obvious, but I’d of course have to say iDecorate! All the objects in our store put a smile on my face – they have a story and special meaning behind them.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Always start with a floor plan! If your landlord or builder doesn’t have one, get out the tape measure and make a rough one yourself. Then I always say keep the walls white and large furniture neutral, and introduce colour with rugs and art on every wall.

Large art prints are the best way to break up spaces, and add character and colour to your home. They don’t have to be expensive, we sell so much art from Australia that is under $5,000 – it’s huge and beautiful (and likely to increase in value someday!) Start collecting art and then you can form colour palettes in each room from the colours in your art work.

Read more: Where to Get Custom Furniture Made in Hong Kong

What’s your favourite interior trend?

The Skandi-Minimal trend has been huge in Australia for over ten years (although now its getting boring!) and the maximalist trend has been huge in the U.S.A. for the past ten years… I feel like there is now a trend emerging which weaves these two opposing design concepts together! I’m playing with that in the products we are developing and projects we are undertaking for a handful of clients.

On the flipside, which interior trend do you wish would come to an end?

Industrial décor in restaurant fitouts (insert snooze emoji here), the trend is so ten years ago!

Most sentimental item?

Family photos from our wedding day, it was just so special – especially as we had our son, Axel with us.

One item you’ve had for years but can’t part with?

A pair of Tom Ford Gucci heels with a snake embellishment, and my very first Gucci handbag – which I bought with money I’d saved working graveyard shifts at the petrol station when I was at university!

Read more: Art for the Home: 5 Foolproof Tips & Tricks

On a scale of 1- 10, how shocked were you at the size of Hong Kong homes?

Seven!

If the sky was the limit – what would you splurge on?

A ski chalet – with lots of acreage for horses!

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

The biggest home improvement I made this year was to actually buy an artificial Christmas tree! Last year I bought a beautiful, real tree and admittedly it smelt incredible for the first week but it quickly went brown and shed – it was also quite difficult to dispose of. This year I bought the most incredible two-metre tall artificial tree from Brightens in Prince Edward for only $1,300 which has pine needles that look identical to the real thing and the shape is absolutely perfect.

Make your tree fun and unique. I have a love-hate relationship with Pinterest. For this shoot, I kept comparing my tree to Pinterest and asking myself “Is this tree Pinterest-worthy?” now it’s a silly question but it actually makes you realise that you can use more decorations. Have fun and add colour, keep adding decorations until you fill in all the gaps and then stand back and snap a few photos to see if it really does look full.

Tip: Avoid tinsel! If you have tinsel, it’s time to get rid of it. Cut it up and use it to decorate presents and gift boxes or donate it a charity. Opt for bows and oversized balls to fill gaps instead.

Read more: Tim Oulton’s Top 5 Interior Design Tips for a Small Home

What are the big Christmas trends of 2017?

Overseas, the biggest trend is making Christmas feel less ‘formal’ and instead more colourful and quirky. It’s all about Kitsch vintage-inspired decorations (I love our Beetles car, cute animals and candy-inspired decorations) but I’m also seeing lots of brightly coloured flamingoes, emus, doves and owls. I think it’s important to upgrade your old decorations with new ones! Don’t rush into buying everything at once either, we’re all tempted to buy new ornaments but then you can quickly end up with a mish-mash of decorations and a very confused looking tree. I decorated my tree in mid-November using a Candyland theme with touches of pop-culture and handblown glass ornaments. For me, its all the little details that make the biggest impact.

Tip: One nice way to recycle old decorations is to decorate gift boxes with an ornament and give them to your loved ones, friends or colleagues.

Read more: 7 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space

What colour palette have you gone for this Christmas? Any tips for coming up with your own?

Mix up and modernise your colour palette by adding non-traditional colours to your theme. The ribbon shops in Mong Kok are a perfect source for inspiration and a fun way to try different colour combinations. We bought rolls of fluro pink, burgundy, and blush pink ribbon in different textures, mixing matte polyesters with lush velvet. Avoid limiting yourself to typical greens and reds and try adding burgundies with metallics and pastel shades.

Adding bows to your tree is an inexpensive way to introduce new colours! Buy extra wide ribbon to make a few for your tree or wrap empty boxes with the bows to add colour in other parts of your home. If you can’t find baubles in your colour scheme, buy spray paint from a hardware store and spray baubles to match!

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

Thanks to our talented photography intern, Tiffany Ku for all of the beautiful images above! Follow her on Instagram here.

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Shana Buchanan, Founder of iDecorate appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Refreshing and styling countless hotel rooms, flats and offices throughout Hong Kong, founder of Sian Interiors, Sian O’Brien, is serving up serious home décor inspiration in her own home.

Read on for top styling tips and see how Sian uses vibrant pops of colour to add personality to her rented Stubbs Road abode…

Read more: Tim Oulton’s Top 5 Interior Design Tips for a Small Home

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I was born and raised in the small town of Knutsford, Cheshire in England, however when I was nine-years-old my mother and Stepfather moved to Hong Kong, where I then began floating between the two countries before permanently settling down in Hong Kong after graduating. Hong Kong has always been home for me.

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

We have a great flat tucked away in one of the terraces on Stubbs Road which looks out over Happy Valley. My parents lived on Stubbs Road for years and my husband and I spent a lot of time in the area, so this was a great compromise. I love an old Colonial-style low rise, the space is perfect for making you mark on and they actually fit your furniture – win!

Read more: That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Maura Thompson, Co-Founder of Sassy Hong Kong

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

Gosh, tough one! I take inspiration from literally everywhere and I tend to wing it when it comes to my own home. I find pieces that I love and I make them work (even if they don’t!), that’s almost part of the fun and personality of our space. If I were to choose one running theme, it would be our art; I definitely take a lot of inspiration from pop-art in my personal interior style. There’s lots of white with pops of vibrant colours throughout.

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

Sadly we rent, but if we did own our flat the kitchen and bathrooms would be the first spaces to go! I’m obsessed with tiles and fittings and often lie in bed thinking of ways to renovate our bathrooms, and they look great… in my head! The biggest change I made however was our new flooring, I swapped out the old, dark parquet wood flooring for a light vinyl tile, which completely updated our space overnight.

A tin of white paint goes a long way in quickly updating a room, along with a change in furnishings. However if you don’t have the time or budget, changing up simple things like cushion covers, rugs, light fittings and your layout will completely transform a space, too. I often do this for clients who are renting as they’re limited in what they can and want to do.

Read more: 7 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

I have so many, but probably my recycled wood dining table! I had it custom made and left it unfinished so it shows a multitude of memories/sins, which I love. Every dent, paint blob and wine mark is a reminder of fun had with friends and family. Corny, but true!

What about your choice of furniture? Why did you choose these pieces?

Our interior has grown with us, and most of my furniture I have had many years. I’ve definitely chosen comfortable and practical pieces because this apartment is our home, not necessarily a showroom for my work.

Read more: Best Homeware Stores in Hong Kong

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

There are too many to note! I tend to source from all over the world and don’t have any one-stop shops in Hong Kong for furnishings. But I will say Artura Ficus is my go-to for modern custom pieces, they do great work and it is really reasonably priced for good quality pieces. Tip: shop around! Don’t decorate your whole home in one shop.

How have you made your space/ a small space work for you?

Plenty of practical storage pieces. I can’t bare unsightly messes or gatherings of “stuff.”

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

Washable sofa slip covers! Get two sets made, they’re incredibly practical. They protect your upholstery and add an update to an old sofa that’s too comfy to part with. They are such a quick and affordable way to change up the colour and look of your space.

Read more: Where to Get Custom Furniture Made in Hong Kong

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Measure your windows and ensure you have curtains or blinds that fit… or have enough time to commission them to be made, prior to your first night. There is nothing worse than having no privacy and waking up at the crack of dawn after a tiring move! Don’t rush to decorate your new home, live with it and figure out how you best use the space and existing homeware. Failing that, hire a designer *wink*.

Which interior trend do you wish would come to end?

Chevron! It has been done to death in every format and colour (I’ve been guilty of it myself). It was cool a few years ago, but it is not timeless and seriously needs to go.

Read more: Art for the Home: 5 Foolproof Tips & Tricks

On the flipside, what’s your favourite interior trend?

I’m really loving opulent materials at the moment, shiny copper and rich velvet – swoon! They can be used sparingly for a real timeless look.

Read more: That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of George Lyons, Co-Founder of Apartment 49

If you could design your home from scratch – name 5 [of your] must-have pieces.

Just a few in a never ending list:

1. Bleached Herringbone flooring
2. White railway tiles
3. Navy velvet Chesterfield sofa
4. Copper fittings/fixtures
5. A freestanding tub

Most sentimental item?

My baby’s feeding chair. It was an old bedroom chair I inherited from my mum that I upholstered myself, it was a labour of love.

Read more: Our Go-To Handymen in Hong Kong

One item you’ve had for years but can’t part with?

A vintage, Chesterfield ottoman – it was the first piece I ever upholstered. It’s impractical for our space but I can’t bring myself to get rid! It sadly resides under our master bed with a few other forgotten projects!

On a scale of 1- 10, how shocked were you at the size of Hong Kong homes?

Having grown up here the size is not what shocks me, it’s more the ever increasing  price per square foot compared to Europe for example, that renders me speechless.

Favourite homeware brand?

The White Company (its bedding in particular!)

One home item you couldn’t live without?

Without a doubt, my bed. We invested in a quality mattress, topper and bedding which was worth every penny. Highly recommend investing in sleep!

Read more: Where to Buy Furniture and Homeware in Shenzhen

If the sky was the limit – what would you splurge on?

More space!

A huge thank you to the talented Michelle Proctor of Michelle Proctor Photography for all of the beautiful images above! Follow her on Instagram @michellejproctor and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MichelleProctorPhotography.

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Simply send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Sian O’Brien, Founder of Sian Interiors appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

A light, airy abode tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of Central, Louisa Lawless’ bright, open-plan flat is serving up some serious home décor inspo!

Having moved from a coastal city just outside of Sydney in 2006, we chat to the founder of luxury, jewellery storage solutions, TRUNKED, to see how she has since adapted to Hong Kong, her tips for using a neutral palette (with pops of colour!) and how she has used her extensive background in interior design to turn her apartment into a home.

Pssst… Louisa is also giving away one of her gorgeous trunks, so be sure to scroll down to see how you can enter!

Tell us about your background and where you’re from?

I’m Australian – I grew up in Wollongong, a city an hour south of Sydney, it’s a beautiful coastal town with a down to earth culture. After completing university I did a gap year teaching English in France. I then moved back to Sydney and started working for an Interior Design firm called SJB. This was the start of my love affair with all things design.

Fast-forward a few years – I met my husband in Sydney in 2006 and within six months of dating we moved to HK, It’s been a whirlwind ever since!

Since living in Hong Kong I have worked for two of the top interior design firms; Hirsch Bedner and Gettys and then after having my first child I started to freelance. I recently launched TRUNKED by Louisa Lawless, primarily a trunk company that designs and manufactures luxurious, functional and chic jewellery storage solutions.

Read more: That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Maura Thompson, Co-Founder of Sassy Hong Kong

Where do you live and why? How did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

We live on Tregunter Path in Mid-Levels, which is very convenient and easy. We have a beautiful green outlook from every window overlooking The Peak, it’s so quiet and peaceful yet still close to the hustle and bustle of Central.

Before moving to this apartment, we lived on Hollywood Road and then in the thick of it in Causeway Bay – both were so much fun when you have no children but once kids came into the picture we wanted somewhere a little more family friendly.

From the first moment I saw the apartment, I just loved the open-plan living and it felt like a home rather than an apartment. It has lots of natural light and a beautiful green outlook, which is rare in HK!

The apartment is a great size, we have three young kids and we wanted room for them to run around. It’s big enough that you feel like you can escape to another room and still have your own space.

What are the best and worst things about living where you do? What makes the area that you live in different from other neighborhoods in Hong Kong?

The best thing is definitely the convenience and the space. In our building there are lots of families with young kids so our kids are easily entertained with lots of playdates. The building has a great playroom and swimming pool which is very convenient. The only negative is that most of our social environment is very close around Mid-Levels, so you tend to be a little lazy.

Tregunter Path is unique in that the density is relatively low, you feel away from Central but close enough that everything is within five to ten minutes. As a busy family, saving time becomes precious!

Read more: Working from Home: 5 Tips for Creating a Stress-Free Sanctuary

How would you describe your own personal style?

It’s modern relaxed glamour. I love modern furniture in a neutral palette and then accessorising it with pops of colour.

My style has naturally evolved, before having kids I loved our home to look immaculate, everything perfect and in the right place. After kids it’s a whole different ball game and I love the fact that our place looks like a home and not a show flat.

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

Being an Interior Designer I am always looking through magazines and going online to find inspiration. I wanted our place to be light and spacious while still feeling sophisticated and polished.

I also love Kelly Wearstler’s work – I am one of her biggest fans.

Read more: Do it Yourself this Weekend: Upcycled Photo Display

Which room are you most proud of? Why?

Our living / dining room! It’s the pivotal room of our house and the place where we spend most of the time together. I love the open-plan living, and that it is light and airy.

For the dining area, our big solid wood bookcase is the feature. It is filled with all gorgeous homewares and books from our travels. I love our two black dome pendants that hang over our dining table and our Bertoia dining chairs. Simple, modern classics!

For the living area, we have an off-white cowhide rug which anchors the room. Our sofa was custom made to fit the space and it’s so comfortable and modern. The two blue velvet chairs bring some glamour into the room. I have lots of art hanging around the room – it brings the colour into it.

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

When we moved in we made a few cosmetic changes like a fresh coat of paint and new lighting – both of these made a huge difference.

The main thing we did was install a new kitchen. We love to cook and entertain. We wanted our kitchen to be open-plan, spacious and light. I love the white cabinets & bench tops it feels so fresh and clean.

Read more:Art for the Home: 5 Foolproof Tips & Tricks

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

My beautiful ‘New Yorker’ Jewellery TRUNK of course! It’s the star piece in my bedroom and it steals the show.

It holds all of my jewellery and accessories and it’s also a beautiful statement piece of furniture. It’s big enough to hold everything but not too big that it dominates the room. It’s sophisticated and beautiful!

What about your choice of furniture? Why did you choose these pieces?

I wanted modern comfortable pieces. I love the modern classics; like the Bertoia dining chairs, The Barcelona Chair and The Eames Lounge Chair. They will never date in my opinion.

I also love to mix different textures and finishes, I don’t like it all to match and be the same. Having a contrast gives it an edge and balances it all out.

Read more: Tim Oulton’s Top 5 Interior Design Tips for a Small Home

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

My favorite places are Apartment 49, Lane Crawford Home and Indigo Living. I also try to buy something little from every place we travel to. I love to look around our home and be reminded of our family experiences. Art and accessories are what transforms a house into a home!

Describe your dream flat.

This apartment but with a massive walk-in-closet added just for me!

How have you made your space work for you?

It’s always a work in progress; I’m always playing around with it and changing things around. I drive my husband crazy. I think the longer you live somewhere and the more you change things around the more you make the most out of the space.

Read more: 7 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

Using open or floating shelves is a great way to achieve this. Not only does it look good but you can show off your beautiful art and accessories.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

Measure the apartment before you move in and plan your space properly!

Tips on styling – I think if you stick to a neutral palette for the furniture, walls & floor you can’t go wrong. Use colour and texture on your soft furnishings and artwork that will give it the ‘wow’ factor. Also if you really love a furniture piece then make it fit and work around it.

Read more: Sassy’s 5-Step Guide to Shopping for Furniture in Hong Kong

All the beautiful images were taken by the extremely talented Hong Kong wedding photographer Ali Ghorbani of Ali G Studios.  Follow him on Instagram @aligphoto and Facebook at www.facebook.com/AliGStudiosofficial/ or get in touch with him at ali@aligstudios.com

The post That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Louisa Lawless, Founder of TRUNKED appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is notorious for its lack of square-footage, but occasionally we do find a spacious alternative to the broom closets we normally live in. Set amidst gorgeous sea views in Stanely, founder of Amaranthine Blooms, Janey Dillon’s home is a vision! With plenty of homely touches and an eclectic mix of contemporary and classic pieces, her flat is a gorgeous reflection of her family’s experiences and the places in which they have lived.

We chat with Janey about the inspiration behind her décor, how she incorporates her business into everyday touches, and asked about her tips on using a neutral palette (with small hints of colour!) for an evergreen look.

Read more: Working from Home: 5 Tips for Creating a Stress-Free Sanctuary

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I’m from a small rural town in the north of England but arrived in Hong Kong six years after living in London for 15 years! My husband is originally from Australia and my children, (who are bilingual in Chinese and English!) have mostly grown up here, so they are definitely third culture kids!

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

We live in Stanley, overlooking Tai Tam bay. My husband and I always wanted to live overlooking the sea and this flat certainly fulfills that ambition! I never tire of taking in the [scenery], whatever the weather. When we have new visitors, they often walk straight through the lounge and out onto the balcony to admire the view.

Read more: Hostess with the Mostest: Plan a Scary-Chic Halloween Party

What are the best and worst things about living where you do? What makes the area that you live in different from other neighborhoods in Hong Kong?

Aside from the stunning view, what I love is the sound of the waves below our balcony. I love the relaxed, sea-side feel of Stanley and that it’s only a short bus or car ride from Central. The worst thing? Weekend traffic! It does encourages us to walk however.

How would you describe your own personal style?

It’s quite eclectic! There is a mix of contemporary and classic pieces, and a lot of what we have today was bought here in Hong Kong. However, we also have a handmade bookcase from the UK, a gorgeous console table from Australia and a 400-year-old chest that is probably Scandinavian. What I would like more of are some antique Chinese pieces to reflect our time in Hong Kong. In our art, there’s a lot of Vietnamese pieces but also a gorgeous bronze sculpture which was a gift from my husband!

Read more: Sassy’s 5-Step Guide to Shopping for Furniture in Hong Kong

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

There was never really a theme in mind, but we definitely like to reflect the places [from where] we have come and the places [in which] we have lived.

Read more: Inside the Hong Kong Home of George Lyons, Co-Founder of Apartment 49

Which room are you most proud of? Why?

The lounge is my favourite room. It’s very open and I love the neutral styling with the small hints of green and blue reflected throughout. It is both practical, a place to eat and work, but it is also a space to relax and enjoy the view.

Read more: Best Homeware Stores in HK

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

Painting the walls was a simple and cheap investment, and we enjoy the soft colour palette every day. Other than that, I update the lounge frequently by adding in different flowers from our collection. I often have blue hydrangeas and white & pink peonies as they are my favourites, but at the moment, I am in love with this yellow oncidium plant. I might add some seasonal pieces such as magnolia or cherry blossom to remind me of home.

Read more: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Maura Thompson, Co-Founder of Sassy Hong Kong

What’s your favourite piece in your home?

I honestly couldn’t choose!

Read more: 10 Home Décor Items Inspired by Pinterest that You Can Find in IKEA

What about your choice of furniture? Why did you choose these pieces?

It’s all a mixture of practicality and a love for them. They reflect where we are currently, and are a reminder of home.

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

Everywhere! There’s no one place I choose to shop at – there are so many options in Hong Kong!

Read more: Makeover your Study Space or Home Office

Describe your dream flat.

This, but bigger! I could live next to the water forever.

How have you made your space/ a small space work for you?

We’re so lucky that this apartment is blessed with lots of spacious storage. And the longer I live in Hong Kong, the better I get at de-cluttering – it’s a necessity!

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

Invest in a couple of pieces that you really love, regardless of whether they are functional or practical – that way you won’t mind living with the practical pieces as well.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home?

I like to plan! Before I move to a new place I map out the rooms and work out the approximate layout of the furniture and artwork. I love a fairly neutral décor with small hints of colour from soft furnishings, and our range of artificial flowers, which I can change when the mood takes me!

Keen to feature your home on Sassy? Simply send in your photos to editorial@sassyhongkong.com!

A huge thank you to the talented Michelle Proctor of Michelle Proctor Photography for all of the beautiful images above! Follow her on Instagram @michellejproctor and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MichelleProctorPhotography.

Check out our other That Flat features here.

The post That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Janey Dillon, Founder of Amaranthine Blooms appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Hong Kong offers us a wealth of incredible homeware options, and we’re in love with decking out our homes (as teeny as they may be) with incredible one-off items and chic interiors. And one lady who has set the bar high for creating an incredible space is George Lyons, one of three brains behind coveted home décor brand, Apartment 49!

We’re adding her entire flat to our Christmas wish list this December as we chat to George about the inspiration behind her unique, shabby chic finds, gain some insider industry tips on styling our homes, making the most of flea markets and incorporating textiles to keep a room looking fresh.

Read more: That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Catherine Wong, Co-Founder of Sheer and Sinful

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

Leaving my corporate job when the kids were young, I got back into the workforce with online toy company Hocusadabra here in Hong Kong. This was a great introduction to my next role as buyer for Tiny Footprints before joining Apartment 49 in 2013!

Like many people in Hong Kong our “home” has changed a lot in the last 15 years. We have moved from London to Sydney back to London, onto New York and have called Hong Kong home for the past 6 years, but one day we’d like to end up back in Brisbane which was my last long term abode in Australia and much closer to our families.

Where do you live and why/how did you choose this flat as your Hong Kong home?

We live on Conduit Road in Mid Levels and moved into our current place a year ago. A friend told us about this apartment and we just came in for a look around the building as they don’t come up often.

It was a huge mess of workmen, concrete, dust and power tools everywhere, but I instantly had a soft spot for it. The layout was totally different to our previous place and the kids had so much room to run around both inside and out. My husband loves to barbecue so I think that got him over the line.

What are the best and worst things about living where you do? What makes the area that you live in different from other neighborhoods in Hong Kong?

We are fortunate enough to have lots of windows and a great outlook that makes our place feel more spacious. At night we love to sit on the balcony and watch the city lights, during the day I love the green outlook from the back windows especially when there is a big storm. There is a huge driveway where the kids can ride their bikes and a great “backyard” with space for them to run around and kick a ball and get dirty.

Mid Levels is so convenient – to my husband’s work in Central, the kids’ school Glenealy – which is just out the back gate, and the LRC, where I swim, play tennis and where we can often be found on weekend – in between kids sports! We are also minutes away from numerous hikes up to The Peak so it’s easy to surround yourself in green at a moments notice. The other night we went downstairs and saw a porcupine – which just made my day.  A few weeks ago there was a snake in our stairwell – it’s amazing to think in such a bustling city there is still so much wildlife literally on your doorstep.

We never know how long we are going to live in a city for, so we like to be in the thick of the craziness. It’s not for everyone but we love it!

Read more: That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Donna Duckworth, Creator of The Travelled Interior

How would you describe your own personal style?

I don’t have a “style” that I follow as such, I just find pieces that I love and make them work. I love changing rooms around mixing things up. It’s not uncommon to see me pushing tables and cabinets around for a new look.

We have been fortunate enough to travel to some amazing places and I always make sure I bring back something so that each time I look at it, it brings back fond memories. My huge mirror from New York, a beautiful sea shell and brass bowls I bought recently in a dusty antique warehouse in Sri Lanka (sadly I couldn’t fit in the huge wood and brass tea wheel that I wanted!), my Juju Hats and a Cowhide from Africa and some really treasured pieces of furniture we picked up in a in a little village brocante in France years ago.

Where have you taken inspiration? Did you initially have a theme in mind?

I don’t have a theme as such but I love older shabby pieces and I’m not fazed by a bit of rust of a few chips or scratches, which is helpful with three children. I have however outlawed the playing of cricket and football in the living room since the treasures on my beloved bar cart have taken a beating lately…

I’ve always loved visiting brocantes, flea markets and little out of the way place. When we were kids, my Dad used to take us to clearing sales of farms near us and I used to find all sorts of things, so maybe that’s where it started?

Which room are you most proud of? Why?

I love our living area the most as it’s the hub of our home and where we spend most of our time together as a family. We have a huge comfy sofa we can all slouch on, the kids are always playing games and messing around on the rug and occasionally they will even give me a foot rub if I’ve had a long day on my feet and I beg them enough!

It’s home to lots of my favourite items from our travels and where I feel most relaxed.

Read more: That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of Maura Thompson, Co-Founder of Sassy Hong Kong

What has been the biggest home improvement you’ve made/want to make? Any tips and tricks for easily updating the look of a room?

I’d love to open our dining room up more as it’s quite small and has this strange step up which makes me think it should be for Mahjong instead of my big round dining table.

Textiles are a great way to update the look of a room. Whether it’s window dressings or a rug, or even putting a throw, sheepskin or some cushions on the sofa, you can really change the look of a room inexpensively. Flowers and indoor plants are also a great way to keep a room looking fresh. I’ve just put an ivy plant in bathroom and it’s made such a difference. A beautiful shower curtain, some nice towels, candles and a beautiful handwash on the sink can help even the oldest bathrooms (like ours) look better.

Our kitchen is really old too so we put in a few cabinets to cover up some of the exposed pipes. The benches we have are disguised with nice appliances, and the wall tiles are hidden with chopping boards, jars and canisters. We have a nice green outlook from the windows so I try to focus on that.

Read more: Hostess with the Mostest: Plan a Scary-Chic Halloween Party

What’s your favourite piece in your home? 

There are so many but my current favourite piece is my Brass Bar Cart. I love changing it around with my ever growing collection of crystal and barware or adding fresh flowers or books. I really love my resin clam shell filled with lemons and obviously it also holds my favourite tipples too!

It sits under the window in our living room and always catches my eye when I walk in the room.

What about your choice of furniture? Why did you choose these pieces?

Running a small business, I spend a lot of time working at home so it’s nice to be surrounded with things that you love but are also functional.

I’ve always be drawn pieces that have multiple purposes or can be moved around when I need a new look. For example my Moroccan ottomans are stuffed professionally so they are great for extra seating for both kids and adults, you can add a tray and use them to put drinks or a cheese platter on or them or to put up your feet!

Probably my most prized passion is my Tempurpedic Bed. It is THE most comfortable bed and topped with my Pure Linen Bed Sheets, it’s the perfect place to get some much needed sleep.

Read more: Sassy’s 5-Step Guide to Shopping for Furniture in Hong Kong

Where is your favourite place to shop for homeware in Hong Kong?

Shopping for homewares in Hong Kong is not easy as there is a lot of the same look or it seems hugely overpriced, but I am fortunate enough to have Apartment 49 at my finger tips so I do source a lot of my own homewares from around the globe. I always love a trip out to Mirth or Bowerbird and I have a good collection from both stores.

Read more: Best Homeware Stores in HK

Describe your dream flat.

More space! Doesn’t everyone want this in Hong Kong? We really love where we live; it’s an older style building but has a good feel to it. I love how in Hong Kong, the buildings can look old and dilapidated but inside you realise how great they are.

We currently have all the kids in one room, our “Dormitory” we call it. The girls keep moving out into my office/spare room for a night or two but they always miss the bedtime chat and move back in together. I think it’s really precious, but as they get older I think the novelty will wear off and soon we will need more bedrooms.

I’m sure if we move somewhere bigger one day I’ll just fill it up with more things I love – much to my husband’s dismay.

How have you made your space/ a small space work for you?

My office is a constant work in progress. We put my old dining table in here as my desk to fit everything on top of and my two business partners and I can all fit around and bounce ideas of each other.

I’ve recently had some floor to ceiling shelves installed and that has been great in showcasing Apartment 49 products. I have a huge pinboard in front of my desk, which is constantly changing from kids art to magazine pages, to business cards and quotes I love.

Read more: 10 Home Décor Items Inspired by Pinterest that You Can Find in IKEA

Any tips for combining style with functionality?

Storage is key – sadly whenever people visit our flat I’m always showing them the utility area, storage cupboard and walk in robe, which of course are currently filled to the brim. I think finding a place to put things away is really important, especially with children, so at the end of the day you can remember to have a bit of time for yourself and not picking out too much lego from between your toes.

I have plenty of hooks and baskets around for blankets, shoes and sporting equipment. My remote controls are hidden in a faux book and I have piles of cookbooks tucked in under consoles against the walls so I still get to see them but they aren’t in the way.

What advice would you give before you move in? Any tips for styling a home? 

Measure the rooms before you move in and have a bit of a plan where things might go will help reduce some stress. It’s no fun on moving day when you are surrounded by movers and boxes, only to find the sofa you have just waited three months for is now going to cover the doorway.

There are no hard and fast rules on where things should go and if you see a piece you really love you will always find somewhere for it and if it makes you happy when you use it or look at it, then surely that is good for your home.

Read more: Makeover your Study Space or Home Office

A huge thank you to Claire Yates of The Lion Rock Press for her wonderful pictures of George and her home! 

The post That Flat: Inside the Hong Kong Home of George Lyons, Co-Founder of Apartment 49 appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.