Kasawoo interior design studio transformed this Hong Kong's Mid-levels home from a temporary stop for a Hong Kong team equestrian into a contemporary living space with a horse-loving theme.
Nestled in Hong Kong's Mid-levels, lies a two bedroom flat that belongs to a Hong Kong team equestrian. After using the flat as a mere resting place during her rigorous training and show-jumping ventures in Europe for many years, the equestrian now finds herself ready to put down roots. With this new chapter in life comes the opportunity to transform the space from a mere stopover to a true home, and Kasawoo interior design studio in London enthusiastically took on the task.
The brief for the public area of the apartment was to create the perfect space for hosting, whilst the private quarters were to be redesigned as a relaxing sanctuary where the client could wind down from a busy, hectic day of Hong Kong's fast-paced lifestyle. The design also had to accommodate the owner's impressive art collection which had been amassed over the years and which contains family heirlooms.
The first task was to open up the previously holed-in kitchen by introducing a concealed pocket door detail which creates an open, connected space where the client could enjoy serving and cooking in. By opening up the back wall and connecting the kitchen with the rear utility/storage area, Kasawoo was able to introduce natural lighting and views into the kitchen, further enhancing the quality and usability of the space. Large format beige ceramic wall and floor tile compliments the kitchen unit panels in a brushed metallic laminate supplied by Arpa (Fenix Acciaio Hamilton 5000). The kitchen counter is made from Corian in Glacier White finish.
In the living room, engineered oak wood flooring in a Herringbone pattern and white wash finish, complements the white walls and creates a light and airy but warm palette for the space. A simple feature wall in a deep blue paint colour creates an eye-catching volumetric feature and anchors the space architecturally.
The guest WC adjacent to the living room has been painted in a custom mossy green colour to match the green triangular profiled wall tiles specially sourced from China. The colour and pattern of the wall was inspired by the bamboo forests of China and was intended to give a subtle nod to the client’s Chinese heritage. A floor to ceiling mirror behind the custom sink counter makes the space appear bigger.
In the master bedroom, Kasawoo used the same shade of blue from the living room to create the custom fitted wardrobes. The team specified a high pile carpet flooring in a light cream colour to instil a sense of softness and warmth in the space. The rest of the room is painted in the same white shade as the living room, creating a harmony between the spaces.
The master bathroom features a dark, charcoal Herringbone wall tile that adds a sense of sensuality and mystique to the space. Like with the living space, the feature wall has been highlighted by a concealed light cove detail. The remaining walls and floor feature the beige ceramic tile specified in the kitchen to bring in a sense of unity and consistency. The round mirror with integral ambient lighting by Duravit acts as a floating sculptural feature that breaks up the geometry and monotony of the space while at the same time highlights the feature wall behind through reflection.
In the guest bedroom, the clunky wardrobes were removed to create an airy, open study space and piano room for the owner when she needs a quiet space and privacy. With a pull out couch for guests, Kasawoo treated this room minimally with an eye towards this being a future nursery room.
In general, Kaswoo’s material strategy was to pair neutral palettes with a pop of special pattern and/or colour in every room. The client shared her love for the patterns of Missoni so the Herringbone pattern was used in a few locations and on different surfaces, such as the wood flooring and the main bathroom feature wall. In addition, the views of the housing estate are famously spectacular so the vantages from the 23rd floor became an important material backdrop to the living room and the master bedroom.
