Quiet luxury unfolds in this City Garden residence, conceived by hoo.

Client Brief

This 1,368-square-foot apartment in North Point’s City Garden belongs to an elderly couple in their sixties. They didn’t have a strict style preference but had practical requirements. They prioritised ample storage for daily life and wished to maintain the original layout for Feng Shui reasons, particularly with the kitchen remaining unchanged. The couple prefers a master bedroom with two single beds to accommodate their different sleeping habits.

Concept & Style
The design is centred around the concept of quiet luxury, which highlights understated elegance and mature taste. YC Chen, founder of Hoo, shared: “The overall look is refined yet not showy, with delicate textures and subtle details. From textured tiles and natural marble patterns to warm wood finishes, every element adds depth and sophistication for a calm, harmonious space.” The focus is on quality, comfort, and thoughtful details that enhance everyday living.

Challenges
The main challenge was the clients’ Feng Shui requirements. Chen said: “While most of the design was left to us, the clients insisted that the kitchen remain in its original location. They originally hoped to swap the kitchen and walk-in closet to optimise flow, making the closet near the entrance for convenience. However, due to Feng Shui considerations, this couldn’t be done, so adjustments had to be made within the existing constraints.” The couple also wished to avoid major structural changes, which limited reconfiguration and functionality.

Solutions
For storage, the design incorporates numerous built-in cabinets in different rooms. Given the limited space and the clients’ age, detailed explanations alone weren’t enough; sometimes, showing them materials and spatial arrangements on-site and allowing them to touch and feel was necessary. Chen noted: “Being present and explaining patiently helps clients understand and appreciate our choices.”

For instance, in the master bedroom, the wall at the foot of the bed was designed to house the toilet door and integrated with the wardrobe for a more streamlined look. Such details are difficult to fully communicate through drawings, but showing and explaining them in person enhances understanding and appreciation. Similarly, the bathroom features textured marble tiles. Although the clients were initially hesitant, seeing the combination with ebony wood convinced them, and they came to appreciate the material’s texture and depth.

Tips:

• Prioritise high-quality materials with fine details to add warmth and layers to the space.
  
  
  
  
• Use contrasting dark and light tones to create a calm, inviting vibe. For example, ebony wood paired with cream, beige, and warm orange accents.
  
  
  
  

• Combine various textures and furniture with strong lines to add visual interest and depth.