A warm Mid-Levels home centred on a single marble fireplace.
Fireplaces have quietly found their way into Hong Kong homes. Once considered unnecessary in a subtropical city, they are now being reinterpreted as architectural centrepieces, less about heating and more about atmosphere, identity, and the way a space brings people together. In this Mid-Levels residence by Haven Design, the fireplace is not an addition but the starting point.
Designed for a couple whose three children now live overseas, the home is shaped around moments of return rather than daily routine. Christmas has become the emotional anchor of the year, a time when the house shifts from stillness to something fuller, warmer, more alive. That idea of gathering informed the design from the outset.
“I’ve seen an increasing trend in recent years in Hong Kong homes where people are using fireplaces,” says Mary Wong, founder of Haven Design. “Here, the entire communal area is designed around it.”
The fireplace is an ethanol model, chosen for its suitability in Hong Kong apartments. It delivers the ambience of a real flame without the constraints of a traditional chimney system. Wong cautions that proper fuel is key: “Use only the pure ethanol supplied by the fireplace provider, rather than sourcing it independently, to avoid potential damage and ensure safe performance.”
Positioned between the entrance, dining area and living space, the fireplace sits exactly where paths intersect. It does not interrupt the layout, but quietly holds it in place. The marble, defined by expressive veining, introduces contrast within an otherwise soft, tonal palette, enough to draw attention but not to overwhelm.
Around it, the space is intentionally held open. A large Christmas tree can be placed beside it during the festive season, turning this part of the home into a focal point for celebration. At other times, the area shifts again, reflecting the homeowner’s habit of reworking decorative elements throughout the year.
This sense of movement is reinforced not just through furniture and styling, but through the architecture itself. Rather than relying on walls to define each area, Wong uses ceiling lines to shape the space. Subtle curves sweep across the living area, softening transitions and guiding the eye from one zone to another.
“I like to define spaces through the ceiling instead of enclosing them,” she says. “It keeps everything connected, but you still feel a change in atmosphere.”
The curved ceiling introduces a sense of fluidity that balances the more structured elements below. It also works in tandem with the lighting, which is layered deliberately throughout the home. Wall lamps, floor lamps and table lighting create pockets of warmth and allow the mood to shift as daylight fades.
Above the fireplace, alabaster wall lamps cast a gentle, diffused glow, while a walnut-framed vintage mirror reflects light back into the room. The effect is subtle but transformative, adding depth and calm without drawing attention to itself.
Elsewhere, materials are handled with the same level of restraint. Marble is repeated across the fireplace, entrance and bathrooms, creating a quiet continuity. Herringbone timber flooring introduces rhythm underfoot, while textured finishes on walls and ceilings catch light in a way that feels almost atmospheric.
The layout remains open. Fluted glass partitions enclose the piano room, allowing light to pass through while maintaining a sense of privacy. “I gave the glass door a corner feature to visually expand the space and let it flow more naturally,” Wong explains.
There is also a clear shift from the homeowners’ previous residence, which featured darker tones and more ornate detailing. Here, the palette is lighter, and that change is reflected in the furniture selection. Italian pieces from Minotti and Poltrona Frau bring refinement and proportion to the main areas, while bespoke hardwood furniture by local craftsmen introduces a more personal, grounded quality in the private rooms.
Small interventions, such as wallpaper, material contrasts and changes in light, add variation without disrupting the overall calm. Even the more expressive elements feel measured and are integrated into a larger, cohesive language.
Wong concludes, “I want this home to give the homeowners a sense of ease and happiness, and the feeling that they can set aside everyday worries as soon as they walk in.”
Tips
Use decorative wall lighting
Layer wall sconces with floor or table lamps to create a warm, gallery-like glow in the evening. Mix heights and bulb temperatures (warmer than general ceiling light) to add depth and highlight artwork or textured walls.
Layer textured glass partitions
Use textured or fluted glass panels as room dividers to share daylight with darker areas while still providing privacy. They soften sightlines and help define zones without making the space feel smaller.
Add statement wallpaper accents
Add wallpaper to introduce colour, pattern, and tactile texture that paint alone can’t achieve. Use it on a feature wall or in smaller spaces (like back of wall shelves) to create a strong focal point without overwhelming the room.
Invest in high-quality furniture
Investing in well-made pieces elevates your home with better comfort, long-term durability, and a more polished look that holds up over time. In this project, we work with Italian brands like Minotti, Poultrona Frau and locally made hardwood pieces to create this timeless design.
Haven Design
Email: info@havendesign.com.hk
Tel: 852 67759788
Website: http://havendesign.com.hk/
Address: 20D Tak Lee Commercial Building, 113-117 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
