A monochrome city flat where calm lines and tactile materials bring minimalist living into focus.
To suit the owners’ minimalist way of living, this 680 sq.ft flat at Grand Promenade in Sai Wan Ho has been completely reworked by Afloat Studio, under the banner of “minimalist sensibilities”. Through re‑planning the layout and layering a restrained mix of materials, the project builds a monochrome home with real depth, where form and function sit very comfortably together.
The original two‑bedroom plan has been opened up, with the wall between adjacent rooms removed to create a single master suite with a walk‑in wardrobe. This move gives the owners a larger sweep of floor area for sleeping and storage, and, just as importantly, tidies up the daily circulation. The expanded bedroom feels less boxed‑in, while the walk‑in clearly anchors a dedicated system for clothes and belongings.
Storage, here, is treated as part of the architecture rather than an afterthought. Instead of freestanding pieces slicing up the rooms, built‑in cabinetry is folded into the walls to keep the lines running clean. With the practical volumes absorbed into the shell, visual noise drops away and the flat sits much closer to the pared‑back lifestyle the owners were aiming for.
On a largely monochrome base, it is texture that does the heavy lifting. Rather than rely on bold colour, the designers play perforated metal, cork spray, concrete finishes and stainless steel off one another. The warmth of cork nudges against the cooler, industrial draw of steel; rougher concrete surfaces contrast with the lightness and perforation of metal panels. That push and pull between soft and hard, warm and cool, brings both tactility and a quiet tension to the rooms without ever shouting for attention.
To tweak the flat’s proportions, vertical elements are introduced as a deliberate theme. Subtle striped wallcoverings and linear detailing draw the eye upwards, nudging the perceived ceiling height and helping the compact footprint feel more open, while also setting up a clear sense of order in the elevations.
Ultimately, minimalism here is as much about experience as it is about appearance. Clean lines, uncluttered walls and a tightly edited material palette work together to cultivate a calmer backdrop to everyday life. By stripping away unnecessary visual distractions while keeping everyday functions fully catered for, the apartment offers its owners not just a practical base, but a place to slow down and reset at the end of the day.
Tips:
Let texture lead in a restrained palette
A monotone palette can feel rich and layered when texture becomes the primary design driver. By combining materials such as perforated metal, cork, concrete, and patterned surfaces, the space gains depth and tactility.
Contrast tactile and industrial finishes
A balanced interior often emerges from the contrast between soft, tactile materials and harder, industrial finishes. Pairing elements like cork or textured coatings with steel and concrete introduces sensory variation and visual tension.
Use vertical elements to enhance perception of height
Vertical design elements, such as striped wall finishes or linear details, can subtly draw the eye upward and enhance the perception of height.
Afloat Studio
Tel：(852) 9029 6309
email：contact@afloatstudio.com
Website：https://www.afloatstudio.com/
Address：Flat D, 13/F, So Tao Centre, Kwai Sau Road 11-15, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong
