Urban Oasis
Living in one of the densest urban areas with some of the tiniest apartments in the world, Hong Kong people are adept at squeezing maximum functionality into minuscule spaces. However, to do so and imbue the space with a sense of serenity at the same time requires extra creativity and design flair. This is a challenge to which interior designer Keith Chan at Integro steps up with ease.
Integro's latest project is a 996 square feet penthouse apartment in Sham Shui Po, a busy neighbourhood at the heart of old Kowloon. Whilst apartments of this size would typically be divided into at least three bedrooms, the designer customised the layout to suit the lifestyle of the young couple who owns the apartment.
As you enter the apartment, a compact foyer leads to an open plan living, dining and kitchen space. A restrained palette of natural wood, dark charcoal grey and flashes of olive green gives off a distinct Scandinavian vibe and also makes the space feel larger. The fluted wood panelling of the kitchen peninsula and the graphic pattern of the tiled backsplash offer flashes of creative flair. On the side of the living room is a multifunctional space which transforms into a guest bedroom (complete with a sofa bed and an ensuite bathroom) when the sliding screen doors are closed.
The main feature wall of the living room, panelled in the same wood as the floor, conceals a discrete door which leads to the homeowners' private quarters with an open plan study, bathroom, bedroom and wardrobes. These spaces are well considered and full of clever storage solutions. The built-in wall cabinet in the bedroom, for example, features a pull-out shelf with a projector which, combined with the drop-down screen from the ceiling, transforms the bedroom into a cosy cinema room. We also like the master bathroom with its dark wood shelves, charcoal grey tops and white subway tiles - a sleek oasis which feels luxurious and very masculine.
The stairs at the end of the entrance foyer lead to a final surprise: a roof terrace with plenty of greenery and an outdoor shower - the perfect perch from which to survey the manic city below.
Links
Product Inspiration
Create your serene oasis in the city with Scandinavian inspired design such as the Knitting chair from Menu, the Freja bench from Stellar Works and the Organic dining table from Woak.
For lighting go for sleek, minimalist designs such as the Terho pendant from Mater, the Monaco wall light from Utu and the Tomo table light from LZF.
Go for accessories with organic forms to create a calming vibe, such as the Sphere vase from 101 Copenhagen, the Vertigo wall hanger from Nomon and the Jackson coatrack from Dare.
