“Mother knows best” is a mantra that mums around the world love to tell their children. For some lucky mums, it’s a saying that will ring true even as their children become adults, as was the case for Jamie Rogers when he needed help refurbishing his studio home in Sheung Wan.
When Jamie returned home to Hong Kong after completing school, it was time to leave the nest and find a place of his own, to live and do his work as a freelance graphic designer. He sought help and advice from his mother, Kay Rogers, who also designed her own two homes in Hong Kong and Phuket, and another studio for Jamie’s brother. Jamie requested a few things such as an overall wooden and minimalist theme, a fully working kitchen in brushed steel and matte black and lots of storage and dark furnishings. Scroll through the gallery below (Photography: Edgar Tapan; Styling: Anji Connell) to discover more:
That is exactly what he got from his mother, with some professional help from Modern Home Design’s Richard Pang, who translated Kay’s ideas into drawings. “At the time, Jamie was only 23 and insisted on a dark, macho look,” says Kay, “but I think he realises now that some colour wouldn’t be a bad thing.”
In three months, the previously white, clinical space was transformed into a slick, dark den. The door opens into the kitchen and bar dining area – an unusually generous size for a studio.
The open kitchen and bar area, where Jamie often entertains friends.
“The kitchen and bar area does dominate the space, but that is a good thing in many ways,” says Jamie. “It became obvious that the area inside the front door was a large ‘dead space’ that couldn’t be used as the living room; that was when we decided to make the bar the main feature of the home.” The kitchen has all the home comforts that Jamie wanted, too: fridge, full-size oven, microwave and dishwasher. Says Jamie, “I entertain friends regularly and they also enjoy hanging out by the bar.”
Built-in cabinetry runs along one side of the run to the living area, where a snug sofa makes for a comfortable space to crash on and watch films or play video games. To make room for more storage, the bedroom and work area is on a raised, hollow platform, inside which things can be stowed away – items that Jamie doesn’t need on a regular basis.
A wall and door were also knocked down, replaced by louvers that close to provide privacy, or open to let natural light stream into the rest of the studio.
“The studio is perfect for me as I have everything I need all in one space – even a small office that also acts as an extended seating area when friends visit,” says Jamie. “Thanks to my mother and Richard, it’s the perfect place for work and play.”
The bathroom sits behind the frosted glass panel and door.
