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

Studio apartment: solution to space-starved Hong Kong flats

There is a Chinese saying that goes: “Even though a sparrow is small, but all its vital organs are present”. In design terms, a sparrow is a well-designed studio flat, which is functional and trendy, and meeting all the needs of its owner despite its small size.

To achieve this, there are three considerations—openness, flexibility and a minimalist design.

Knocking down all the walls might be a risky move to take, but with the right ideas and design, you can turn your apartment into a cosy and sleek pad.

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.

Minimalism - Less is More

As many Hong Kong apartments are small in size, interior designers nowadays often strive to maximize usable space when designing clients’ homes. Recently, Clifton has designed the interior of a flat in a Sheung Wan project for a foreign couple. In hope to create a spacious home environment for the couple, Clifton uses a few tricks in keeping the design minimal and simple.

By using smaller size furniture and light colors like beige and white from sofa to walls and floors, the interior space looks tidy and neat. Moreover, he transforms the kitchen to a semi-open cooking space which makes the living areas more integrated and spacious. Besides keeping the décor simple, Clifton also succeeds in creating more storage space by installing wall cabinets and raised platform under the bed. The couple is pleased with the final result as the interior space is redesigned to promote simplicity as well as functionality.

Project reference: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/cherry-crest-mid-levels/

Breathing Space

For interior designers, redesigning layouts that help owners make the best use of their house is their main goal. In a recent project for a Mid-Levels home, Clifton has applied the open- design concept to a boxy home to create a warm and open living area for the owners. The original boxy layout minimizes the penetration of natural light into most of the rooms which makes the space look dark and gloomy. To solve this problem, Clifton knocks out many of the non-structural walls and uses glass dividers to let in the light and create an open living area. He also removes the corridor and makes more storage space for wardrobes in the bedrooms. Besides adding walk-in wardrobes, creating bespoke storage boxes on wheels underneath the cabinets also provide more storage areas without wasting space.

The owners of the house also prefer simple home design that reflects their own identity. By juxtaposing the white-and-wood décor with the owners’ existing furniture and lighting, Clifton creates a laid back and relaxed ambience to the interior and personalizes it to fit the owners’ styles. While attempting to make the most of natural light, Clifton also adds in some spotlights and indirect lighting to give an airy feeling to the clean and calm atmosphere of the rooms.

With various high-end home appliances and furniture, such as the fridge from Siemens, wine fridge from Vintec, the pendent lamp over the dining table from Zodiac, sanitary ware from Villeroy & Boch and tub from Gessi, this is a home-sweet-home where everyone can find their private space to invigorate and indulge in.

Related project: http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/tregunter-tower/

Storage Design Ideas

There is never going to be enough storage in the average Hong Kong home. In a recent interview, Clifton has suggested a few useful tricks in conjuring storage when interior space is tight. By utilizing the floor and adding lift-up plywood lids above the platform or steps, we can make extra storage space for clothes and bags. This under-bed storage idea not only offers extra storage, it also gives easier access to things that was hard-to-reach before. As people won’t use storage if it is hard to access, this idea provides a solution that works well. Moreover, Clifton recommends adding a foot-operated light switch and an LED strip on the platform steps to light up the under-bed closet. Besides bedrooms, the platform treatment can be given to living rooms as well as the kitchen areas.

Check out related projects at The Harbourside, Vantage Park and Lechler Court:

http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/the-harbour-side-kowloon/

http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/vantage-park-mid-levels/

http://www.cliftonleungdesignworkshop.com/project-residential/lechler-court/

More about the City Transformer Home!

More about the City Transformer Home!

CLDW Books Travel around the World

Our books are in the bookstore Kinokuniya in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. We are so happy that we can share our ideas “from minimalism to maximization” far beyond Hong Kong and spread the ideas all over the world!

Clifton talked about his insight in putting traditional Hong Kong style in his design during the ATV’s show “Money Talks”

Are you a fan of old Hong Kong style? Do you believe that Da Pai Dong, Dim Sum steam bucket and old letter box can be design elements of interior design? Clifton talked about his insight in putting traditional Hong Kong style in his design during the ATV’s show “Money Talks”. Let’s get inspired on what you can do to bring back those treasurable memories of Hong Kong.

Perspective has featured our residential project – Red Hill Peninsula at their facebook

Perspective has featured our residential project – Red Hill Peninsula at their facebook. Check the spark of colour in interior space at:
https://www.facebook.com/cliftonleungdesignworkshop/posts/876223015763918

由 Clifton Leung Design Workshop 留言。

An Unconventional Oasis with a Spark of Color

The beauty of this apartment is the abundance of living areas, with the right touch of contrasting hues to make a bold statement which the owner loves. The blue/ white designer combination sofa - Confluences by Ligne Roset and pendent lamp over the dining table - Felt Shade by Tom Dixon adds character and personality to the entire space. 

one2free Flagship Store Design - Thinking Beyond the Apple Store

A thrilling day for me, as I just received the official announcement from UK’s International Property Awards that my design for one2free Flagship Store has won the top honor of the World’s Best Retail Interior Award 2013-2014.

My memories flashed back to the day when we received the pitch presentation invitation from CSL Limited.  I’ve never done design for any telecommunications brand, but that doesn’t mean I cannot create something unique for CSL.  I did a lot of research in what other telecom competitors are doing.  I looked at the success of Apple Store, the brand has inevitably raised the bar for customer experience benchmarking.

When I started to work on the new concept for one2free  design, I did not want a predictable solution.  I wanted a design that could breathe life into the brand, redefine the customer experience and ultimately bring new business opportunities to one2free.  I took the creative risk to challenge the comfort zone of the CSL management, and I also hoped that they would be brave enough to take my concept and bring the brand to a new level.

No wall of phones display.  No fixed sales counter.  No long queue-up to be served.  Yes, it doesn’t look like a retail mobile shop.   I believe a hip and chic loft design will reflect the aspiration of one2free’s target audiences.  I created a retail ambience with no boundaries, the customers are free to explore and learn all about the latest trends in the telecom arena.   The retail ambience has been transformed into a platform for social networking.

We won the pitch.  A memorable comment from one of the key managements that I would never forget : “Clifton, I voted for your design, because it makes me positively nervous”.  

Yes.  If a brand wants to excel, the management must be brave enough to get out of the comfort zone.  What’s more important, challenge the industry norm, think out of the box and create a design for the brand that will make its competitors nervous.  

I am fortunate to partner with such an amazing and visionary management of CSL Limited.  One small remark, when  we were officially appointed, I asked the CSL management about the proposed design of other pitching companies.  The answer : They all bear similar elements as the Apple store design.

If you have time, I would like to invite you to experience my retail store design of one2free and 1O1O.  From there, I wish you would be able to feel the soul of my creative design.