Hong Kong Arts Month: home makeover ideas for art buffs

With the Hong Kong Arts Month coming up, events like Art Basel and Art Central are set to land in the city. Art lovers, are you inspired to add an aesthetic touch to your living space? Displays of art and favourite photos can help make a house feel more like a home. When living space is tight though, and walls are few you’ll want to be judicious about how it’s hanging.

If you’re a fan of contemporary art works, we suggest a minimalist décor so you can let your art piece take centre stage and be the conversation starter.

Choosing which part of the house to put your art work is important too. This clean and simple design allows Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans, one of the most famous pop art pieces in history, to shine. Choosing which part of the house to put your art work is important too. Here, Clifton cheekily placed the ‘soup cans’ in the kitchen, so that not only are your olfactory and gustatory senses tantalised, you can also have a feast for the eyes. For a more cohesive design, pick a colour from the art piece and add it to a piece of furniture. Here, the bar table features a whimsical pinkish red shade inspired by the bright and lively reds and pinks in the art work.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/repulse-bay-garden-south-hk-island/


If your kitchen has dark tones and a minimalist design, liven it up with a colourful painting like this one. Despite having a traditional theme, the painting is modern and bright, with lots of colour, strokes and movement.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/healthy-garden-east-hk-island/


If you have a complex art piece like this one—the Aboriginal painting by Gloria Petyarre, we recommend keeping the layout open and furniture simple. Here, the sophisticated lines and movements of the art work can come through and not become too overbearing.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/babington-house-mid-levels/


The entrance area of your home is perfect for an art piece, which gives you and your guests a perk-me-up every time you walk into your living space. Complemented by only a small shelf designed by Clifton and a statement lamp from Flos, this atmospheric painting by Paul Kenton is allowed to shine and get you thinking. Inspired by the wing of a stealth fighter jet, the shelf is contemporary, matches the travel theme of the art work, and provides a convenient pick-up/drop-off place for small items.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/repulse-bay-garden-south-hk-island/

If you’re a fan of the classics and traditional art pieces, it’s important to make sure your décor goes with them, even their frames.


Here, the delicate flowers in the Chinese painting are brought out by displays with a Chinese theme, such as floral and bamboo displays, vases and an intricately designed tea set. Meanwhile, the wooden frame of the painting is complemented by the brown colour scheme of the furniture and flooring.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/hanking-court-a-east-hk-island/

Similarly, the traditional paintings here—including the framed painting and scroll—are incorporated into the living space with a Chinese-themed design, featuring shades of brown and Oriental ornaments, including tea pots, vases and a wooden screen.



If you don’t want your art pieces to be too conspicuous and in-your-face, make sure they are complemented by your room’s décor.



Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/constellation-cove-new-territories/


One way to do so is to consider wallpaper art. The hand-painted wallpaper fits seamlessly with the Victorian theme of this bedroom, with shades of gold and intricate designs.



Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/bel-air-residence-c/


The spirit of Ansel Adams’ photograph is brought out with this room’s black and grey colour scheme, featuring a wall with an industrial feel and a chic black lamp.


Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/formwell-garden/


For a touch of the tropics, consider matching textured and colourful floral paintings with wooden furnishings, plants and textured walls.



Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/leon-court-mid-levels/

Here, calming colours of the blue, purple, brown and white are extracted from the painting to into the furnishings and furniture of the bedroom, giving the bedroom tranquility and serenity.



Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/robinson-place-mid-levels/


If your art pieces are three-dimensional like figurines and ornaments, consider having a display shelf to showcase them. Here, a display shelf is designed to conceal a storage unit—perfect for space-starved Hong Kong apartments! With a light at the back of the display shelf, your experience of viewing your art pieces is enhanced. Here’s a tip, if you have a diverse range of art works, arrange them according to different themes. For example, here, the architectural pieces are put together here on the second compartment from the top and works by famous Taiwanese sculptor Ju Ming are grouped together in the middle compartment.



Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/vantage-park-mid-levels/

Turn your bathroom into a luxurious spa

The bathroom is the sanctuary of a home, a place for you to relax after a long day out. So it makes perfect sense to invest in the design of this part of the home, ensuring that it not only feels luxurious, but also light and airy.

A simple way to create a sanctuary in your bathroom is to go for a minimalist design.

In this bathroom in a Guangzhou house, a spacious layout is complemented with a simple palette of shades of white, cream, grey and brown, which allows luxurious materials like marble to shine. As such, the design is luxurious yet not overpowering, creating a clean and airy look for a tranquil mood.

The toilet bowl might not be the most aesthetic, but you can enhance its look by using a beautiful piece of marble to create a feature wall behind the toilet bowl.


Luxurious and minimalist do not mean you have to be boring. You can incorporate bits of your personality in your bathroom, like this other bathroom in the same house in Guangzhou. The owner is a fan of the relaxing feel of tropical resorts, so Clifton added a Southeast Asian-inspired steaming bucket, which not only allows the owner to have a comfortable steam, but also adds character to the bathroom.

Check out more about the Lake Dragon project in Guangzhou: http://www.houzz.com/projects/1298000/the-dragon-lake-the-pursuit-of-simplicity


Lighting also plays an important role in achieving the dream bathroom.

In this bathroom of a Mid-levels apartment, a cosy atmosphere is created through the use of indirect blue lighting. The soft blue lighting creates a muted, spa-like mood. This unique feature is complemented with a minimalist design, which allows stylish décor pieces such as the Nefertiti gold patterned vase from Lane Crawford, the gold candleholders from The Candle Company, and the candle dish from House, a Melbourne brand, to take centre stage.

Another highlight of the bathroom is a sunken bath, which doubles up as a showering facility.

Check out more about the Babington project: http://www.houzz.com/projects/64791/the-babington-house-interaction-of-contrasting-elements

The owner of this apartment sure has a taste for the finer things in life when he chose to get a flat with stunning views of Victoria Harbour. To ensure the stunning backdrop is not wasted, Clifton used smart glass technology, which allows occupants to be able to see the sea views and the adjoining living room. But when the occupants need more privacy, they can switch to a frosted glass mode.

The beautiful views are also complemented by a luxurious and relaxing design, which features a rainshower from Gessi that comes with a unique blue LED light feature.

Another unique feature of the apartment is the use of indirect lighting, not only for the ceiling, but even the bathtub, which is from TOTO.

Check out more about the Habourside project: http://www.houzz.com/projects/366473/the-harbourside-les-maisons

From a single man’s digs to a sleek bachelor pad

A big difference between a single man’s digs and a bachelor pad is the attitude its occupant. The former is home to a man who ended up single because he does not know how to use his personality to charm the ladies, or simply has given up on love, while the latter is for the one who is simply enjoying the life till he finds the love of his life.

The key to creating the perfect bachelor pad is to let your character shine through the apartment. But just pause for a moment if you’re thinking of Christian Grey’s pad in Fifty Shades of Grey. While it is certainly stylish, its overly luxurious feel can be intimidating to the ladies you invite over.

As such, balancing between style and an inviting mood is of utmost importance when it comes to designing the dream bachelor’s pad.

This apartment in Happy Valley exudes masculinity with raw finishes, including concrete flooring, a concrete bench that runs through the apartment, and industrial-style kitchen units, such as a stainless steel table designed by Clifton Leung Design Workshop and stainless-steel bar steels from Apartment. But to prevent it from being too cold and impersonal, Clifton balanced it with clever, indirect lighting, giving the apartment a warm atmosphere.

Check out more about this project: http://www.houzz.com/projects/309370/yu-fung-building-an-open-concept-with-zero-walls

Drawing inspiration from a New York loft, this apartment in West Kowloon Cultural District brings out the character of its owner, a stylish man with refined tastes, through the use of state-of-the-art system and appliances, including kitchen appliances from Miele, audio equipment from Bang & Olufsen, refrigerator from Sub-Zero, rainshower from Gessi and bed from Hastens.

But to make sure the owner of this pad is not going to be a bachelor for long, Clifton added thoughtful small touches to the apartment so that ladies that come here will feel at home too. A “smart glass” is used for the partition between the bathroom and the rest of the apartment. Flick a switch and the partition turns opaque, giving the occupant and guests privacy.

Check out more about this project: http://www.houzz.com/projects/366473/the-harbourside-les-maisons

As a bachelor’s pad is only for one occupant, adopting a minimalist design and open layout is not only chic, but also practical. This apartment on Hong Kong Island charms with its simple colour scheme of brown, black and white. To prevent it from being too impersonal, Clifton opted for indirect lightning, giving the apartment a homely feel.

While an open layout is particularly suitable for the owner to invite friends over for gatherings, Clifton also installed sliding doors, giving the owner or guests staying over the option of privacy when needed.

Check out more about this project: http://www.houzz.com/projects/37621/healthy-garden-feel-like-a-stylish-hotel-suite

Any man can tell you that the audio-visual room is his guilty pleasure.

High tech audio-visual can look too harsh, so for this apartment in Redhill Penninsula, Clifton softened the look by cleverly concealing the equipment, and complementing them with painting-like black and blue sound adsorption materials and blue LED ceiling lightning, which gives the apartment a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.

Check out more about this project: http://www.houzz.com/projects/31367/red-hill-peninsula-an-unconventional-oasis-with-a-spark-of-color

Timeless elegance: white kitchen ideas that stand the test of time

Ideas for a white kitchen with a twist

Contemporary or classic: white kitchen ideas that match your personality

Many people might associate having a white colour scheme for your living space with being plain or boring, but with the right design, the subtle colour can turn your home into an open, minimalist and trendy space.

One of the best places to use a white colour scheme is your kitchen. In the words of award-winning designer Mick de Giulio: “White has stood the test of time because it’s clean and fresh.” He further explained: “And those two words — clean and fresh — are classic words for describing a great kitchen. There isn’t a better way to approach design.”

For many, the kitchen is the life of the home, where a family gathers to eat and share about their day. As such, it is important to have a kitchen that is bright and lively.

As the brightest colour, white reflects light, making even the smallest of kitchens seems spacious.

More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/beverly-villa-2-south-hk-island/



Besides the huge windows that bring abundant natural light and fresh air into this apartment, the ceiling skylight design creates an illusionary extension of the natural lighting, offering an inviting space with positive vibes for casual chatting with friends and family.

The skylight also serves as a centrepiece directly above the island, which is complemented by bar stools and bookshelves at the side, reflecting the warmth and cosiness of a home where owners can enjoy reading while having a cup of coffee.


More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/grand-panorama/

Another way to make your kitchen brighter and livelier is with a semi-open kitchen like this one. Here, not only does natural light enter through the window, it also comes in from the living room via the opening between hanging cabinets and the island, making the kitchen more lively and spacious.

At the same time, the hanging cabinets ensure a certain degree of privacy for the user of the kitchen, while providing storage for kitchen tools, ingredients and utensils.

More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/royalton-south-hk-island/

If you are worried about smoke from cooking entering the living room, considering having a semi-open kitchen like this one, which has movable glass panels, which help trap smoke within the kitchen.

By using a transparent sliding glass door, the gorgeous mountain view of the dining room is still visible when cooking or preparing food in the kitchen. The trees and plants evoke a restful, soothing and cheerful ambience.

Another plus point about white kitchens is that they go well with a minimalist design. But minimalism doesn’t mean boring.


More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/robinson-place/

If you like stainless steel appliances, a white kitchen is perfect for showcasing these kitchen tools, such as in the exhaust hood, sink accessories and pot in this kitchen. The tap is from Galaxy Bathroom.

By having a simple white colour scheme, you can play up the accents and details such as the black knobs and details on the cabinets in this kitchen. The countertop and units are designed by Clifton Leung Design Workshop.

If black, white and grey seem a bit boring to you, bring in colourful accessories, such as a plant in the kitchen above, or pots or even fruits in the kitchen below.


http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/ventris-place-wanchai/

If you like flowers, you can even consider placing an Ikebana floral arrangement in your white kitchen, which adds and arty touch to your kitchen.


More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/grand-panorama/

With a simple white colour scheme, you can bring in sharper details such as the cluster of copper lamps in this kitchen, which act character to your white kitchen.


More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/tregunter-tower/

Play with lighting for your white kitchen. In the following kitchens, indirect lighting creates layers, which make your kitchen chic, while not being too fanciful. It also creates a warm atmosphere, for the family to spend precious time together cooking or eating.

More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/new-central-mansion/

More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/coastline-villa-discovery-bay/


More photos on this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/cherry-crest-mid-levels/

Work hard, play hard: Tips for designing your home office

With more and more people opting to work from home, study rooms and home offices are becoming an increasingly important part of a home’s décor. However, in Hong Kong, where space is at a premium, we often couldn’t afford to have a room freed up as a home office or study. Even if you somehow manage to squeeze some space out, you often end up with a claustrophobic, small home office, which might affect your thinking process, creativity or productivity.

Here are some innovative ways to come up with space and create a comfortable and inspiring study area.

Apartments in Hong Kong often come with layouts that are not the most conducive for furniture placement. Here’s an example of how we can turn a flaw into something useful. If your apartment has a diamond layout or corners with slanted corners, considering using these difficult to utilize areas to create a unique home office.




Here, an otherwise redundant part of the apartment is carved out to function as a study. Not only is it functional, the unique layout is aesthetically stimulating. The desk, overhead cupboards, and display case are designed by Clifton, while the chair and artwork from Ikea.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/robinson-place/




In this example, a white wall with the top made of glass is used to separate the study from the living room. The semi-permeability provides a certain degree of privacy for the user to concentrate, while staying connected with what is happening in the living room. The use of glass for the top of the wall also makes the study appear more open and less confined. A shelf that curves around the wall also adds to the continuity of space from the living room to the home office. The desk and hanging shelves are designed by Clifton, the ergonomic desk chair from Posh, and the plastic CD racks from Montparnasse.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/robinson-place-mid-levels/

As a study room is somewhere that is not too noisy, full privacy is not always required. Why not consider a glass door, which opens up the apartment and allows the room to be more connected to other rooms.




Here is an example of a two-in-one bedroom and study. The original wall is knocked down and replaced with a frosted glass door, opening up the space visually and functionally. The user in the home office can have a certain degree of privacy with the frosted glass, while staying connected to those in the bedroom.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/sorrento/



Having the study next to the dining room is useful for parents as they can keep an eye on their children in the living and dining room. The chairs in this design are from Herman Miller.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/tregunter-tower/



If you or your spouse loves to cook or have to spend a lot of time preparing meals, consider situating the study room next to the kitchen. With a glass door, you and your lovebird can check in on each other every now and then, while having separate spaces to concentrate on your work. The use of a glass door also ensures the smoke and oil from cooking don’t enter the study, while opening up the space.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/cherry-crest-mid-levels/

Staring at your computer for long hours can be straining on the eyes. Consider having a window in your home office, such as these designs, so you can look out and feel revitalised.

Stress-free living: Tips to turn your home into a sanctuary

The home is not just a place you seek shelter and sleep; it should also be a place where you can relax and wind down from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy the company of your family.

In creating your dream home, comfort should be of utmost importance. Here are some tips to turn your living space into a cosy and stress-free sanctuary.

Check out more about this project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/bel-air-residence-1-south-hk-island/

Chalk up: blackboard decoration ideas for your home

Mention blackboards and you might remember them being where your teacher scribbled Maths equations or English grammar on. And they are now making a comeback — not as teaching tools, phew

Besides being a unique décor in the house, blackboards are perfect leaving messages for your family, grocery lists and recipes, and even for your little ones to doodle on.

Check out these blackboard ideas.

Aero trolley: space saver for Hong Kong homes

Upgrade your space-starved home with an aero trolley

Bring travel into your home with a meal cart-inspired storage solution

Lack of space is common in Hong Kong, so we have to be smart in picking furniture. An aero trolley is the perfect solution. Not only is it compact, with four wheels, it’s also mobile and versatile.

According to the space saver’s designer, Clifton, the aero trolley is inspired by his passion for traveling. A jetsetter, Clifton was flying when he noted how space-saving and functional meal carts were in the airplane galley. The travel addict then found ways to adapt these meal carts to homes.

Like meal carts, Clifton’s aero trolleys can also customized to feature a cooling system. But they are not just for the kitchen. For example, they can also be used for serving snacks during movie time. The trolleys’ functionality—being compact and coming with many compartments—and chic design also make them suitable for all around the house. Let’s take a look at how to incorporate them into different rooms.

The aero trolley is particularly suitable for a kitchen with limited space. Remove clutter and open up your kitchen by hiding away kitchenware and snacks in the meal cart.