Forget the traditional white air conditioners you're used to - leading air conditioner brand Daikin has just unveiled the FTXJ R32 inverter cooling and heating wall-mounted split unit (risora XJ series), which redefines the concept of air conditioning with its unparalleled style and customisation options. With an impressive palette of 10 panel colours to choose from, users can effortlessly tailor their air conditioner to match their unique taste and décor. Its sleek, slim profile makes it a decorative piece that elevates any room's aesthetic.

The most anticipated design of the all-new risora XJ split-type air conditioners is undoubtedly its vibrant array of panel options. Users can choose between two body colours — black or white — and mix and match from an impressive selection of 10 different panel colors and materials. This includes Frosty White, Glowing Black, Maple Brown, Brushed Gold, Spring Green, Serene Blue, Honeydew Mint, Dusk Beige, White Oak and Titanium Copper. This standout design has garnered multiple international design awards. Customers can select colours that best reflect their personal taste and complement their interior design style, creating a truly customised living space.

Another standout feature of the series is its slim indoor unit design. Available in 1, 1.5 and 2 horsepower models, the units boast a remarkable thickness of just 185mm—about the length of a palm. This sleek profile not only saves installation space but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the room, making the air conditioner a stylish home accessory that matches a variety of living spaces.

In terms of functionality, the risora XJ air conditioner features an R32 eco-friendly refrigerant, which reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions, significantly enhancing its energy-saving performance. The series also integrates innovative technology and human-centric design, allowing users to remotely control the air conditioner through a dedicated mobile app, enjoying a more convenient user experience. For air quality enthusiasts, the risora XJ series comes with DryShock antibacterial cleaning technology, which utilises condensed water to thoroughly clean the heat exchanger, eliminating bacteria and odours to create a cleaner air environment. Moreover, in consideration of Hong Kong's notorious humidity, the risora XJ air conditioner is equipped with Hybrid Cooling technology, expertly regulating both temperature and humidity levels to provide a more comprehensive and thoughtful solution for optimal indoor comfort.

To showcase the versatility of the risora XJ series, we've collaborated with three esteemed Hong Kong interior designers, each of whom has handpicked two panel colours to create a bespoke home design that highlights the series' ability to blend with diverse interior styles.

Galaxy Interior Design — Dusk Beige and Frosty White

When it comes to interior design, the placement of an air conditioner requires careful consideration. According to Hin, a designer at Galaxy Interior Design, "When setting up an air conditioner, we need to think about its configuration and positioning in relation to the surrounding environment. For instance, the presence of lighting fixtures, false ceilings or cabinets can all impact the air conditioner's airflow." Hin praises the risora XJ air conditioner's interchangeable panel design, saying, "In my design, I've used a warm, dusky pink tone to create a cosy atmosphere. I've also incorporated metallic elements, such as pendant lights and door handles, to allow homeowners to easily switch up the look to fit different themes in the future."

He continues, "The slim 185mm profile of the risora XJ air conditioner makes it easy to install without requiring significant modifications to the false ceiling. Unlike traditional air conditioners, which often come with installation constraints, such as needing to create a duct for the air outlet, this model's slim design allows for seamless integration into the original design."

The Dusk Beige panel introduces a gentle sophistication to the space. In this thoughtfully curated living and dining room, designer Hin selected a creamy white as the foundation, harmoniously paired with light wood flooring to cultivate a refreshing ambiance. He explains, "The overall design centres on purity and simplicity. The living room features predominantly white walls, with a delicate pink accent on the feature wall. The pendant lighting and metallic elements—ranging from wall lamps to faucets—are tastefully rendered in gold and rose gold. This is precisely why I opted for the Dusk Beige air conditioner panel, to infuse the room with a warm, inviting essence."

Another option, the Frosty White panel, is remarkably versatile. In this design, Hin employs a palette of white and natural wood tones, complemented by understated grey stone textures on the walls and flooring, which together create a rich visual depth. He elaborates, "The walls feature a minimalist grey stone pattern, which is why I selected the Frosty White air conditioner to resonate with the accent wall, while also harmonising with the colour of the staircase cabinetry."

Hin finds the risora XJ air conditioner particularly appealing for its sleek profile: "As a designer, I try to avoid any limitations imposed by the environment that could alter either the design or the client's needs. This air conditioner’s slim design allows for greater flexibility during installation. Additionally, traditional units typically come in a monotonous white, but this model offers interchangeable colour panels, making it a focal point in the overall interior design. It integrates into the aesthetic rather than being something to hide or disguise."

Eva Wong Architects — Brushed Gold and Honeydew Mint

The risora XJ air conditioner offers an impressive selection of 10 interchangeable panel designs, allowing for creative mix and match possibilities. Eva Wong, founder of Eva Wong Architects, suggests starting with the overarching theme of your interior design—whether it leans towards understated luxury, minimalism, Scandinavian, or Japanese aesthetics—as different themes influence the choice of colours and materials.

Regarding the unit's sleek design, Eva remarks, "The slim profile certainly benefits interior design projects. In Chinese culture, there’s a strong belief in feng shui, and many buildings in Hong Kong feature numerous beams. Often, air conditioners are installed adjacent to these beams, which can create a visually heavier feel. However, the risora XJ’s slim design makes installation much more manageable, reducing those spatial constraints. Moreover, traditional air conditioners tend to be predominantly white, but this model offers a variety of coloured panels that function like decorative accents. They can be placed in prominent positions rather than hidden away or obscured by other elements, which also enhances airflow. This design is very clever."

In her design for a 700-square-foot open unit, Eva Wong embraces a refined luxury aesthetic, utilising champagne gold and deep wood elements. To accentuate the power switches, she incorporated champagne gold, selecting a Brushed Gold panel to echo the interior's elegant palette. Eva explains, "The intention behind this space is to create a sense of lightness above and weight below. With light-coloured ceilings and cabinetry, the air conditioner's Brushed Gold panel provides the perfect touch of sophistication."

In another project, Eva designed a bedroom for a male client who enjoys practising yoga at home. The aim was to foster a tranquil environment without becoming overly monotonous, leading her to choose the Honeydew Mint panel for the risora XJ air conditioner. She adds, "The client likes softer colours like blue, and this Honeydew Mint tone of green is particularly special—it seamlessly integrates into the interior, almost blending into the entire home." Eva also highlights the allure of the risora XJ’s slim profile: "Not only does it facilitate the designer’s vision, but it also simplifies installation and maintenance. The thin body allows for easier routing of the cooling pipes, eliminating the need for extensive ductwork or additional cabinetry for concealment, which significantly saves on budget. Furthermore, its diverse finishes mean it can serve as a decorative feature rather than merely functional equipment. When us designers present this to clients, it’s well-received, creating a win-win scenario."

L Vogue Design — Glowing Black and Maple Brown

In terms of residential projects, Saipen Ng, founder of L Vogue Design, regards air conditioning units as essentials. He notes that traditional models often come in a standard white, limiting their integration with various interior design themes. However, the risora XJ’s interchangeable panel design offers a newfound flexibility to complement diverse aesthetics. On its palm-sized, sleek body, Saipen comments, "The advantage of a slim air conditioner lies in its size, which creates an illusion of a more spacious environment."

The Glowing Black panel exudes a stylish sophistication, making it particularly effective for creating contrast. Saipen explains, "The overall design aims to establish a play of light and dark. With black elements incorporated, I intentionally chose a black air conditioner to emphasise its presence, challenging the conventional notion that air conditioners must only be white."

In contrast, the Maple Brown panel imparts a sense of luxury and elegance. In another design project, Saipen paired furniture with various shades of light and dark wood alongside brown elements to evoke opulence. The Maple Brown panel aligns beautifully with the brown accent wall, enhancing the overall harmony of the space. He believes that given the risora XJ’s thoughtful design, which allows for colour customisation, there’s no reason to hide the unit; rather, it should be showcased to highlight its design benefits. When asked about his personal favourite panel colour, he reveals a fondness for the White Oak, praising its versatility and aesthetic appeal as his top choice.