In Hong Kong’s picturesque Repulse Bay, a family of four lives in a serene, impressively-renovated abode. Alongside them are their energetic Shiba and a furry feline companion, enlivening their already vibrant home.
The family initially owned a modest two-bed, two-bath, 1,400 square feet unit before they expanded their territory by procuring another flat directly above. This move resulted in a spacious 2,800 square feet, open-plan, three-bedroom, three-bathroom domain. But now came the tricky part – they needed help connecting the two levels, factoring in every little detail of the space and functionality on both floors. And so, they enlisted House of Butler for professional guidance and design expertise. The initial plan was a simplistic, pared-down aesthetic, but the family decided on a different direction after seeing the design firm's creative proposal.
The designer, Amy, had a clear vision for the home design from her first visit. She knew that the stunning views had to be the central feature. Her primary focus was to create interiors that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding scenery while lessening the apartment feel. Amy worked her magic and transformed the place into a breathtaking beach house that still feels dreamy even when the weather is bleak and rainy.
The client expressed a desire for a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic. In answer to this, House of Butler curated a palette of neutral hues and natural textures, creating an inviting, tranquil refuge. As the team got to know the client better, it became evident that the client had an elegant and sophisticated taste. Consequently, House of Butler incorporated some more formal furniture into the project.
The project involved a complete overhaul of both levels to enhance the spatial layout. The building had no straight walls, so the design cleverly made the walls appear straight through large porcelain tiles from Gigacer Italy that cover the entire ground in a staggered, angled formation. The kitchen was relocated to a sunnier spot and opened to the back terrace for outdoor dining, while a second closed kitchen was created for Chinese cooking. Italian kitchen cabinets from Cesar, lighting from Lasvit and sliding doors with black painted glass cladding were implemented.
To maximise the stunning views, the designer moved the living and dining rooms to the front of the property. The living room was designed with a floating cabinet and a Samsung The Frame TV, which doubles as an art display when not in use. Soft, rounded furniture complemented the cosy, welcoming feel of the space. The dining room featured the designer's personal favourite, the Eva lamp from her previous company, Foster and Partners. The lamp added a personal touch to the design and completed the aesthetic of the room.
The first floor was transformed into individual personal sanctuaries for the family, with the master bedroom accessible through a walk-in closet leading to a luxurious spa-like bathroom with a soaking tub and separate shower. Both sisters’ rooms offer a charming view – one facing the sea, the other facing the mountains – and their shared bathroom is adorned with delightful pink subway tiles. Exquisite large-format ceramic tiles from Anta, handcrafted-looking mosaics from Casa Dolce Casa and texture tiles from the Mutina Dechirer Collection by Spanish designer Patricia-urquiola adorn the various bathrooms, adding to the allure of the home.
The previous units have undergone an extraordinary transformation, now boasting expansiveness and breathtaking visual appeal, accentuating the raw beauty of its surroundings. The home is a tranquil oasis that enables the family to flee the clamour of daily life and indulge in the lovely calm of their neighbourhood.
