Tucked away in Tuen Mun, this 800-square-foot sanctuary, reimagined by Dumb Design + Production, elevates Nordic design beyond its minimalist roots.The design artfully marries bold choices with meticulous detail to create vibrant space that mirrors the homeowners' fervour for fashion and contemporary aesthetics.

Founded by Leo Tam, the company's quirky name belies a depth of design intelligence that sets it apart. This richly textured unit serves as a prime example.

Originally featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the homeowners' love for cutting-edge fashion and their passion for sneaker and clothing collections paved the way for them to embrace Tam's bold and inventive vision.

“The design follows the homeowners’ love for Nordic aesthetics, but it doesn't feel simple or austere. Instead, the design is rich and layered, incorporating various details, materials, colours and contrasting lines,” explains Tam. “One of the flat’s standout features is the curved lines on the floor, which mirrors the living room ceiling’s curved design.”

But it’s not just about the big picture; Tam has also put a lot of thought into the details too. Take the stunning oil painting on the living room wall, for instance, which was created by the Dumb team. “Our team crafted the artwork to reflect the homeowners’ perspectives and personal style regarding loungewear. The playful and stylish black-and-white polka dots are a nod to their pursuit of trends and fashion.”

The unit features a predominantly neutral colour palette, accented with green and orange elements for contrast, adding a splash of colour to what is otherwise a wabi-sabi style space. "We used the Italian artistic paint brand Valpaint, extending from the entrance to the kitchen ceiling and into the living room, continuing through to the master bedroom and bathroom. This creates a more cohesive feel throughout the unit, enhances the depth of the walls, and the soft tones also elevate the warmth of the space."

Another key design element is the feature TV wall in the living room. Regarding the wooden column-style TV backdrop, Tam remarked, “We intentionally enlarged the wooden slats to form a semi-circular column that frames the television.” This wooden column not only serves as a backdrop for the TV but also enriches the visual appeal of the otherwise expansive wall.

Given the architectural constraints of the building, a fully open kitchen wasn’t possible. In response, the designer transformed the original guest room into a glass partition, skillfully expanding the visual breadth of the living room. This adaptation compensates for the light and spacious feel that an open kitchen would have provided.

"The guest room doubles as a study and a welcoming space for friends, catering to everyday storage and work needs. Plus, we merged the original two bedrooms into a spacious master suite, featuring a row of wardrobes that flows into a walk-in closet."

"In the master bedroom, we added a curved wall that changes the entryway to the master bathroom. By omitting the bathroom door, this standalone curved wall becomes a striking focal point in the room." From the furnishings to the finer details, every element captures the owner's distinct style and preferences, showcasing Dumb Design team’s thoughtful consideration. This project is a testament to their commitment to innovation and a refreshing approach design.