Innehållsförteckning för Spring 2023 från Home Journal

At the start of a new year, it’s almost a ritual for people to seek some form of self-renewal or change. It often begins with a social media post announcing our resolutions, with a list of bad habits to break, or new goals to pursue. Some aspire to lose weight, some to pick up a new language, others look for career advancements. But how do you know the goals that you set for yourself will bring you what you genuinely want? Years ago, I had visiting Cuba down as one of my goals. The Caribbean archipelago, I was told, had preserved the alternate beauty of decay from its distorted building structures, faded paints, rugged facades and broken-down doors that made it one of the last frontiers on the wish list…

As we usher in a new year confronted by continuing challenges – a global energy crisis, surging fuel prices, inflation, and pandemic uncertainty – we are all in need of a dopamine rush for a happier and brighter 2023. That’s why feel-good colours and statement-making will reign in the interior world this year as a catalyst to delight your eyes and uplift your mood. Command your home with softer shades of bright colours that radiate warmth, such as mustard yellow and blush pink, and pair them with jewel-toned accents to channel an energising vibe to your home. One of the jewel-inspired must-haves is Viva Magenta, a nuanced crimson tone named by Pantone as the “Colour of the Year 2023”. Described by the colour authority as a “power colour that celebrates…

Located in Lisbon, Portugal, within a new residential development with landscaped gardens, cool cafes, and a bicycle path, this 2,388 square foot apartment with a large balcony was inspired by the idea of a river houseboat. “The apartment is on the edge of the Tagus River, with breathtaking views all around, so we drew inspiration from the blue and the serenity of the river. Being in this house feels like being on a boat in the middle of the river,” says Lisbon interior designer Joana Aranha, who designed the apartment for a young Portuguese and Swedish couple with a three-year-old son. Her clients wanted a comfortable and inspiring family home that harmonised Portuguese and Scandinavian aesthetics, where they could entertain guests. Other than that, they gave Aranha absolute creative freedom through…

Like many Hongkongers, the owners of this apartment, William and Ella, are fascinated by all things Japanese; so much so that they spend a few weeks in Kyoto every year. “They love traditional Japanese architecture with its wooden sliding doors and tatami mats, but hoped to incorporate a modern element into the style,” says Mary Wong, design director at Haven Design. “The homeowners bought the Wan Chai property in December 2021 with plans to convert it into a Kyoto-style apartment.” “They wished to transform this gloomy apartment in a 45-year-old low-rise building into something bright and spacious. There should be a separate living room and dining room, two bedrooms, and his and her bathrooms.” “The couple had differing ideas of what they wanted in a bathroom, making it difficult to find…

LOCATION: Manhattan, New York Condominium Located just off Fifth Avenue, 7W57 is a private collection of 15 full-floor residences offering smart home features and exceptional privacy. Spanning an entire floor, the homes feature high-ceiling heights, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural finishes, and discreet smart home technologies, including automatic lighting, shade, and temperature control that deliver occupants the greatest comfort and convenience. The kitchens, designed as a creative culinary workspace and a casual entertaining space, flaunt white oak flooring and a clean-lined elegant appearance. The custom Bulthaup kitchens feature bronze-finished cabinets, white marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances by Gaggenau, which include vented hoods by Faber, and wine refrigerators by Thermador. All residences come with a primary en suite, secondary bath and powder room, all finished in Statuario Venatino marble with heated floors and…

LET THERE BE ART Whether it is a gallery exhibition, an outdoor installation or popup spots, Hong Kong has no shortage of exciting art events this year. Leading the calendar is the 2023 edition of Art Central, between 22-25 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Now in its eighth rendition, Art Central 2023 will be joined by 70 galleries from around the globe, representing Hong Kong, Busan, Johannesburg, New York, Madrid, and Tokyo. Hong Kong-based independent curator Chris Wan will be the event’s curatorial advisor, overseeing a programme of immersive installation art at the fair. SMALL SIZE, BIG STYLE The Loop side table by Italian furniture brand Bross is the perfect small-space solution with style. Conceived by award-winning furnishing designer Victor Vasilev, the table is composed of…

On the night of the Home Journal Awards, a special bespoke lifestyle corner allowed guests to experience the latest personalised design trends. The well-appointed living lounge was curated by Samsung and the global award-winning Grande Interior Design team. It ingeniously combines decoration and personalised home appliances to create a modern living room-like exhibition area. This artful corner is inspired by the design ethos of the venue, Chinese Library. It embraces different wood tones to echo the original wooden floors and window frames of the heritage building it resides in and complement the home appliances from Samsung’s Lifestyle series, which can be customised according to personal preferences. At the fore of the Samsung corner is The Frame TV. It’s designed to look like a picture frame with slim and interchangeable bezels to…

London-based, family-run British wallcovering brand de Gournay is known for its exquisite hand-painted wallpaper, so it’s no surprise that the home of the company’s director, Hannah Cecil Gurney, showcases the brand’s gorgeous wallcoverings or upholstery in every room. Located in Battersea Park, not far from de Gournay’s London showroom, the house is a well-proportioned, three-storey, south-facing Victorian that Cecil Gurney – who also happens to be daughter of the brand’s founder Claud Cecil Gurney – shares with her husband Eddie Harden, their four children, and two dogs. “You can have form and function, and I wanted people to see that” The mouldings and architraves within the property had been removed by the previous owner, and upon first seeing the house, Cecil Gurney described the rooms as being “like bland shoeboxes”. She…

Grande Interior Design’s Maggy Cheung opted for a vintage European aesthetic when designing this home, one that’s reminiscent of grand medieval castles infused with a modern-day sensibility. A neutral colour scheme of white, beige, and wood reigns throughout the home, with some navy accents on the entrance door, bathroom and study room. Taking advantage of the high ceilings in the original structure, the designer positioned a row of full-height glass doors in the living room to frame panoramic views of concrete buildings scattered among lush hills. Cheung used various flooring materials to create a sense of separation and transition in an open floor plan. Unique tiles, and marble, form patterns on the dining room floor, while wooden floors by Joyful Sky make up the living room for a more inviting atmosphere.…

A black and white design may evoke visions of a stark and unwelcoming home, but this debonair residence in Tsuen Wan’s seaside neighbourhood, Sham Tseng, is none of those things. When the client, a family of three, sought the help of Danny Cheng Interiors to design the 1,200 square foot flat, their main objective was to create a place that would be their forever home. Danny Cheng, founder of Danny Cheng Interiors, opted for a monochrome style that adds sophistication, contrast and character to the home. “The couple wanted a clean, crisp minimalist design for their home,” says Cheng. “And since they often have guests over, it was important for the place to look spacious. Additionally, they desired to have sufficient space throughout their home so they could display art…

Location: London, UK Residential Situated on Great Portland Street between the Marylebone and Fitzrovia neighbourhoods, the W1 Place by Concord London will offer a collection of 37 one, two and three-bedroom luxury private residences, along with 3,000 square foot of ground floor retail space, upon completion, which is slated for the end of this year. Designed by Simon Bowden, of E8 Architecture, the building will boast a bright, natural limestone façade, coupled with bronze-coloured French windows and balustrades inspired by the distinctive glaze of Japanese porcelain, melding the old and the new that echo to the distinctive architectural history in both Marylebone and Fitzrovia. Famed for a cosy vibe and independent shops, Marylebone is filled with characteristic cafes, boutiques, restaurants, bars and galleries, whereas Fitzrovia is an eclectic district that…

Ever wonder why your bed is so irresistible, even when you are not that tired? There is the plushness and size that make it look so comfy, but the attraction also has a lot to do with the textiles that furnish it. Textiles and fabrics play a pivotal role in building a comfortable home. While patterns, colours, textures, and durability, are key measures for quality textiles, what is equally important is the environmental impact that comes with it. To mitigate its ecological footprint, the industry is looking into ways to provide textiles, fabrics and surface materials that fit better not only into your home, but also into the environment, as shown at the international trade fair for home and contract textiles, Heimtextil 2023. Taking place in Frankfurt in January, this…

In the post-pandemic era, a good office should be designed to provide a healthy workspace to help employees to be happier and more productive, and this vibrant, playful office in Kwun Tong hits all the right notes. To go in line with its recent rebrand, GUM, a boutique consulting firm in the health and wealth industry, commissioned local interior design practice Starz Pasha to turn its traditional office into a dynamic workplace with the employees’ welfare at heart. To improve the emotional and physical wellness of the staff, as well as to enhance the client’s new corporate identity, Jay Leung and Maggie Mo, founders of Starz Pasha, have created an agile and energetic work environment inspired by the firm’s philosophy of “Give U More”. It also showcases how an interior…

It is not uncommon to see a Georgian property in Surrey, United Kingdom, but a Grade II-listed Georgian house renovated in a sustainable approach is a jewel in the city. Built in 1750, this 9,000 square foot two-storey house ingeniously combines historic charm, architectural grandeur, and contemporary details, which has helped it stand the test of time. “Both function and style were the top priority. We have carried out extensive restoration works with carefully considered modern updates to perfectly balance the past and present,” says Maria Lindgren, co-founder of London-based interior design studio Covet Noir. The homeowners are from France and Sweden and they wanted a mix of Parisian luxe with a Scandinavian design twist. “This grand Georgian house was built with a great sense of symmetry and elegance, creating…

Located in an area known as Mora at the foot of the Serra da Estrela mountain range in cenMulti award-winning South African-born British interior designer Kelly Hoppen has collaborated with Chinese property developers Longfor Group to design the interiors of this two-level apartment in Upper RiverBank – a new residential and commercial development in Hong Kong’s Kai Tak district. Staying true to her elegant and timeless contemporary style, the interiors of this apartment are serene and sophisticated with bedrooms that have multi-functional dressing and work nooks. The aesthetics of the apartment subtly echo the interiors of luxury yachts. “Listening to the needs of users, understanding the city where they live in, and creating surprises to reflect these are key to my interior design approach. It was really important to understand the…

LOCATION: Boston, US Condominium Developed by Fortis Property Group, The Parker is a luxury condominium located at the convergence of the Back Bay, Beacon Hill and Theater District neighbourhoods with stunning views of Boston Common. Named in honour of Sarah Parker Remond, whose activism led to the integration of the Old Howard Theater, The Parker offers some 168 residences ranging from studios to two-bedroom homes. With its architecture by Stantec, and interiors by Linda Zarifi, of Zarifi Design, each of the residences features nine-foot ceiling heights, oversized panoramic-view windows, five-inch-wide oak flooring, and other custom design details. Turnkey residences are also available, which are furnished with a custom, limited-edition furniture collection designed by Linda. Residents can enjoy exclusive access to a suite of club-like amenities, which include a fitness centre…