Innehållsförteckning för March 2016 från Home Journal

1. MASTER WORKS We sit down for an exclusive interview with Taiwanese artist Ting-Tong Chang, who leads Art Central’s newly launched digital media and performance art section opening this month. 2. ABOUT A CHAIR We speak to the mastermind behind BoConcept’s Imola chair, Henrik Pedersen, about his inspiration and the design philosophy of the Danish brand. 3. OPEN DOORS We round up the newest art galleries on the block, adding a wealth of dynamism to Hong Kong’s growing art scene. 4. TEST OF TIME Bouquets are excellent gifts, but they can be a short-lived pleasure. Amber Parry of The Flower Lady gives advice on how to make beautiful blooms last longer. 5. THE ART OF DINING Going out to eat is about so much more than just food. In light…

There’s always a pregnant pause before André Fu answers a question. He thinks deeply, takes his time and then responds in great detail. If you’ve experienced his spatial designs firsthand – which is more than likely, given that his projects range from The Upper House hotel to the Lane Crawford Shoe Library – you’ll recognise that the same level of thought and consideration goes in his projects. Known for redefining luxury through a more relaxed interpretation, André has also developed a unique "modern Asian" sensibility that is rooted in tradition, yet translates globally. "The essence of the experience boils down to universal things – comfort and indulgence – and that’s what I try to bring to every design," says André. In his Hong Kong studio, the recently named Designer of…

Some design trends evolve into classics, while others are dominant for a while before fading into obscurity. Last year, the aesthetic of the Memphis Group was heavily referenced, making the style of this cult ’80s movement seem fresh again. But whether the cool, hip look will still be relevant in the coming months remains to be seen. Indeed, something deemed passé could easily shine again if it’s given a proper refresh. Interior designer Kelly Hoppen says the job of adapting our homes to a pervading design movement is made easy by way of accessories – such as updating a sofa with different cushions or hanging new art on the walls. Creative use of colour in the home is the most obvious way to alter its appearance, and in this year…

THE COOL MONOCHROMATIC PALETTE IS AN IDEAL BACKDROP FOR THE DESIGNER’S BRAZEN USE OF GRAPHIC PRINTS Time was of the essence when designing this spectacular family abode. "From start to finish, we only had six months for concept, design, construction and installation," explains Greg Natale. Luckily for the Sydney-based designer, Greg was already familiar with the family’s needs and tastes, having previously designed a home for them on the other side of the world in Oklahoma – a sophisticated mansion with a bold equestrian theme for the avid horse lovers. Their second collaboration is situated on an upscale, tree-lined residential enclave in Melbourne. The homebuyers were initially drawn to the two-level, seven-bedroom home because of its welcoming red brick shell, which opens out onto a sparkling swimming pool and backyard.…

When encountering the name Munich, one of a handful of images might spring to mind. A pigtailed beer girl wearing a dirndl , serving up one-litre tumblers at a crowded Oktoberfest. Pretzels, schnitzel and weisswurst served on every street corner. Mustachioed men in lederhosen walking through cobblestoned streets against a backdrop of stunning baroque architecture. None of these are completely off the mark – you may easily come across the occasional traditional Bavarian get-up, the beer is especially delicious and there’s definitely no shortage of pretzels. But there’s plenty more to the city than the boozy 16-day festival – Munich has boasted an unshakable reputation as a mecca for art, culture and beautiful architecture since the 19th century, and was voted the most liveable city in the world twice by…

Empty nooks have their ways of becoming mysteriously cluttered with bits and pieces that you don’t truly need. Instead, consider styling bare spaces with these Mirror mobiles from Danish visual studio Elkeland. Composed of minimal yet refined geometric lines, the double-sided acrylic mirror and brass fixtures are hand-assembled from flax string treated with beeswax. Available in three striking shapes – Halfmoons, Ellipse or Stairs – each version lends a subtle play of light to your space, transforming a dull area into an intriguing scene.…

The faucet is a practical object that has a single purpose: to deliver water. We use it frequently, on a daily basis, and think nothing more of it – unless it does not function well, or, in the case of a GROHE faucet, excels expectations by giving the humble device aesthetic and tactile appeal, and extraordinary functionalities that utilise the most up-to-date technologies. This is not surprising, as the German brand has had 140 years of practice in crafting high quality, efficient and eco-friendly sanitary products. What may be of surprise, though, is the myriad steps that go into creating a faucet, from its design and procuring the raw materials, alloys and parts, to polishing, testing and distribution. Each step is closely monitored by GROHE’s Masters of Technology – the…

For some, minimalist design evokes a relatively unfavourable impression of starkness or a barely decorated space. However, rather than micromanaging the number of belongings in a space, minimalism is more about a focus on experiences and passions over possessions. As suggested by Josh Sanburn’s article "Minimalist Living: When a Lot Less is More" for Time magazine, these things are the essence to genuine happiness and satisfaction. Danish design probably illustrates the principle of "less is more" at its best. The aesthetic combines the ideas of simplicity and functionalism – one that focuses on users’ experiences, with attention paid to materials and details. "'Minimalist' does not necessarily equal stripped bare," emphasises designer Henrik Pedersen, the creative mind behind the Imola chair for Danish contemporary and modern design brand BoConcept. "In my…

In imagining the new home they would create in their classic Parisian apartment, Alice and Paul Ricard turned some conventions on their heads. They dispensed with a dining room in favour of a multipurpose library and opened up the kitchen, where they often host friends for dinner around a Pierre Jeanneret table. While the couple wanted to retain two distinct zones for themselves and their two young daughters, they also wanted the apartment to be a cosy place where the family could all be together. "I wanted to create a space that really made sense for them – as a family but also as art collectors," says their interior architect, Marion Collard. Paul is part of the Ricard family behind the famous Pastis aperitif and has grown up surrounded by…

“IT WAS EASIER TO COMMUNICATE, AS WE’RE BOTH ITALIAN AND HAVE A COMMON HERITAGE AND LANGUAGE” Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and for homeowner Stefano Del Vecchio, he saw the potential of a cosy, crowded apartment that others may have overlooked. While it didn’t look like much, he envisioned the space being transformed into his dream home – a stylish haven housing an art collection he’d amassed at galleries and fairs across Asia as well as on his travels abroad. Stefano, a furniture designer and manufacturer from Italy, moved his company’s production to Asia 10 years ago and hasn’t looked back since he planted roots in Hong Kong. He lived in a hotel in the beginning, but as it became evident that he’d be staying permanently,…

Six years ago, Kobus van der Merwe left his job as an online editor for a restaurant review website in Cape Town, South Africa. He decided to do something more hands-on with food, so he moved out of the city to the arid west-coast town of Paternoster to live in a beautiful yet spartan cottage deep in the veld. Until his parents moved there permanently, Paternoster was the family’s holiday destination. The Van der Merwes opened a shop, Oep ve Koep – and situated on the same property, spilling out from his tiny kitchen into a small garden, Kobus’s restaurant of the same name has become the town’s culinary drawcard. Kobus is at the vanguard of a new South African pride in culinary heritage. "I’m extremely inspired by the landscape…

Finding art is a bit like falling in love. There’s the initial attraction, the thrill of the chase and the contented glow after finding "the one" – though there’s always more than one love in this case. According to the Financial Times , the art market broke records in 2014 with an estimated global value of 51 billion euros. Putting the price of an art piece aside, the real value of a work of art is in how it moves you, which is why gallerists and curators always say, "Buy what you love." Thanks to the art fairs and the concentration of top galleries in the city, Hong Kong has become the default art capital in Asia, with March dubbed as "art month." The appetite and interest in art seems…

With the multitude of choices that confronts us every day, it must be liberating to know exactly what you want. "We used to live there," says landscape architect-turned-artist Daphné Mandel, pointing at a nearby building. She’s very fond of this part of The Peak – not a surprise given the majestic view and the privacy it offers – so she decided to stay in the area. Her new apartment isn’t exactly new; located in a government-owned block dating back to 1965, it exudes innate charm and character. Living in an older structure has always appealed to Daphné. Older apartments are spacious, bright, and come with efficient layouts and very high ceilings – qualities considered luxuries in Hong Kong – even though they might lack facilities that come with modern luxury…

Pick! GRANDE PAPILIO UPHOLSTERED SEATING GIVES A SOFT AND COLOURFUL TOUCH TO YOUR LIVING SPACE 01. B&B ITALIA Inspired by butterflies, the Naoto Fukasawa-designed Grande Papilio armchair imagines the sitter’s head nestled between two wings. The chair has a swivel system and includes an ottoman footrest. Available from colourliving 02. EOQ Designed by Michael Young, the Shindo chair is both slender and strong – thanks to its 20 layers of carbon-fibre twill weave. High-tech, elegant and as light as a feather. Find it at Archetypal 03. ARMANI / CASA The Butler chair is available in a selection of wood finishings and upholsteries, including the full range of soft-touch leathers and suitable Armani / Casa by Rubelli fabrics. Made in Italy. 04. JIM THOMPSON FABRICS Sub-brand No.9’s Second Dynasty collection offers…

&NEW | andnew.co.uk A A.STYLE | 12 Tai Ping Shan St, Sheung Wan; tel 2803 0642 or 2803 0644, astyle.com.hk AESOP | aesop.com AFSO | Level 06, 8-10 Duddell St, Central; afso.net ALEXANDER CALDER | at Calder Foundation; calder.org ALTFIELD INTERIORS | Rm 1101, 9 Queen’s Rd Central, Central; tel 2524 4867, altfield.com.hk AMANDINE & JULES | amandinejules.com AMELIE & TULIPS | G/F 56 Sai St, Sheung Wan; tel 2291 0005, amelieandtulips.com ANDANTE | Shop D, G/F The Design Showcase, Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell St, Central; tel 2537 9688, andante.com.hk ARCHETYPAL | G/F 15 Moon St, Wan Chai; tel 2320 0580, archetypal.hk ARMANI/CASA | 1/F 111 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay; tel 2882 2239, armanicasahk@davincichina.com, armanicasa.com ARTIFORT | artifort.com AUGUSTINER SCHWALBE | augustiner-braeu.de B BERGWEIN | bergwein.com BOCONCEPT | 73 Wyndham…