The family wanted their abode to feel airy and bright. They weren’t too fond of black-white-grey tones and anything that feel heavy-handed,” says designer Brian Chan, founder of Facade Interior Design, of the recent project he did for the family of three.
For six months, Chan worked with the couple and their young son to remake their 2,000 square foot house at Mount Regalia in Kau To Shan into a comfortable and classy home with a luxurious, yet approachable vibe, turning the original four en suites into three, along with a study.
“The challenge was pulling off a luxe look that feels rich without too much opulence,” Chan says. For the designer, that entailed choosing the finest materials and fabrics, and letting them speak for themselves; layering, contrast, tactility and colour, were key to the approach.
Chan went for a warm nature-toned palette, swathes of browns, yellows and oranges, to bring instant cosiness to the residence. But even the lightest and earthiest of colour schemes require small tactile punches to ground the space.
“Marble flooring, brass details, and the leather sectioning emblazoned on the cabinet, sideboards and upholstered pieces, are decorative accents that work wonders,” he explained.
“The leather is barely noticeable from a distance but when you look up close, it offers some interesting contrast to the overall theme of the house.”
Except for the sofa from T&D, the majority of furniture pieces were custom- made to fit specific conditions, including the TV board and floor cabinet. By the time everything fell into place, it struck Chan that something was missing in the living room – a certain accent – something striking and distinctive to take it up a notch.
“The first time I visited the apartment, I was impressed by the extraordinary surroundings. Rolling hills, beautiful mountains and cool blue waters – you don’t get views like that often.”
It inspired the designer to commission an artist to pay homage to the natural premise of Kau To Shan with a feature wall mimicking the gorgeous outdoor scenery with its aquamarine bluish and golden strokes.
“An accent wall with artistic coating is a sure-fire way to draw the eyes without overwhelming the space. I’m happy with how well it goes with the rest of the house.”
For Chan, layering is much more than the addition of throws, shades or cushions. Which is why he integrated a dropped ceiling in the main living area. It not only adds a subtle demarcation of the space, but makes room to play around with light.
“Nothing changes the mood of a room quicker than different layers of lighting. It’s a tried- and-tested means in interior design and without it, the space can come off rather dull and uninspiring,” he says.
Now, decorative table lamps create a soft evening glow; a statement crystal pendant casts a cosy glimmer atop the dining table; spotlights and flashlights around the suspended ceiling illuminate the various installations and furnishings; with abundant sunlight shining through the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.
The display shelf is a special request from the lady of the house. Painted in a warm colour tone, the curved showcase blends discreetly into the decor, carrying the family’s precious globetrotting memories in snapshots and collectibles.
If there’s a place in the abode where it feels like Chan has indulged his creativity, it’s the son’s ultra-modern bedroom that looks like something straight out of the set of Blade Runner.
“He wanted something futuristic in his personal space so I used neon lighting and a black- and-white contrast to craft a cyberpunk atmosphere.”
In contrast, the master bedroom boasts serene decor and furnishings on par with the main living area – a quiet respite away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Inside the study with a back-to-back design, two handy desks accommodate the work-from-home lifestyle of the family.
Brian Chan, Founder of Facade Interior Design
