Cool…apartment redesign

Hong Kong spaces are nothing if not small.  One thing that you have to understand that the listed size of an apartment may not actually be the correct size: when renting or buying  an apartment make sure that you ask what is the ‘saleable’ size, rather than the gross size.  The saleable size takes out the common amenities and actually indicates space.

In Sheung Wan, where the stop is located, even over the last 3 months that we have been here, I have seen the quick gentrification of the area, where locals who have lived here for years are being pushed out by high rents.   I guess it is not the first city where this has happened.    Now, you often see expat faces, climbing the stairs of traditional tong laus.   We are increasingly getting a lot of work from clients who are looking to redecorate these small spaces.   Some forward thinking types have managed to buy whole buildings and are turning them into multi level homes.

The project at 226 Hollywood Road, designed by Ilse Crawford, gives some indication of the possibility of these spaces.   From the glossy charcoal grey tiles to the lush walnut cabinetry that takes advantage of the view of the park (in HK called an ‘outdoor seating area’)  opposite.   Something like this project, does seduce you with the idea of downsizing your life and moving to a smaller and more central, space.

Cool…simple interior apartment design

This interior shows how easy it can be.   A combination of a simple palette, furniture choices that use form as its main adornment. The addition of some natural textures- the wooden bowls and marble  mixed with some great lighting and of course the addition of some natural light &  you have an interior that is stylish and easy to live & with.

Some key pieces that make this interior:vintage Jielde lights, both freestanding and wall mounted.   Eames chairs which are simple & sculptural. The Muuto dots hanging in the bedroom & some great graphics. You can look on Etsy for something similar.

All it needs is some rugs to soften the hard lines.  I think something in black and white would do the trick or a neutral jute. Check out the rugs in our store.      What do you think?  Too  austere or does this interior have a restrained beauty?

Cool…The 9th Muse

Have you visited the cool jewel store, the 9th muse in Lyndhurst Terrace?   They have an varied selection of fashion jewels and accessories for sale and you will love their prices!

The founders ,Charlotte and Jing, have been friends since university days and dreamed of one day starting their own accessories business.   Their store is the culmination of this dream and the research and work they have put into  it shows!

So many of their pieces are unique and original- just the thing to brighten up a dress for Christmas or just to perk you up today.   They cater to lots of different styles too, you will be sure to find something whether you are boho chic or sleek and sophisticated.

They very kindly interviewed me for their blog (you can read it here)  & making me sound much more interesting than I am.  Thanks girls!

Cool… ANYTHING STATIONERY BY MICHAEL SODEAU

How messy are you when you work?

I have to confess my desk always looks like it has just been through a tornado.  Books, camera,computer(or 2), an assortment of cords, pens, tablets, notebooks, tape measures and the ubiquitous cup of coffee (or 2) litter the surface.   However, I have made a vow to live more neatly, inspired by the new range of desk accessories arriving soon instore by Japanese brand, ANYTHING-DESIGN.   Designed by Michael Sodeau, a British designer who has worked for  Modus, SCP, Gervasoni, Wedgwood and other international brands on everything from sofas and lighting to restaurants and textiles, these pared back designs look good everywhere.

Everything in the range is designed for utility,functionality and beauty.   From the easily recognisable  red, yellow and black hands of the clock, to the scissors in a stand and the beautifully tall tape dispenser, your loved one will be able to staple, cut and tape to their hearts content- & make meetings in time!

The range will be online soon.

Cool…New art show in HK

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of contemporary art, make sure you head down to the Grand Hyatt on the 4th to the 7th of October for the Asia Contemporary Art Show.  This is the event for young and emerging artists from all over Asia.    If you are looking for the next big thing or if you are an art show virgin, start here.   The Show brings emerging artists from all across Asia including; Philippines, Myanmar, Tai Wan, Thailand and more, to debut their artwork here and showcase something different and modern. The artwork is priced at a more accessible range than often found in Hong Kong  allowing the Show to be open to more art-lovers.    Entrance for the three days is a very reasonable HKD 100.

In conjunction with the exhibition there is an Art Prize.  With 81 artists submitting works for a cash prize of HKD 50000, they are now in the last rounds of voting.   The winner will be announced at  the Gala, the night of the 4th October.

Opening Hours

VIP Preview: Thursday, October 4th: 5pm to 8pm

Open to the Public:

Friday, October 5th: 12 noon to 8pm

Saturday, October 6th: 12 noon to 8pm

Sunday, October 7th: 12 noon to 8pm

Admission Tickets (for three-day entry)

Online pre-show purchase: HKD100 for two

On the door: HKD100 per person

Cool…Sai Street

Love this street in Hong Kong.   Not only is it the home of  one of my favorite galleries in HK, Sin Sin, but so many interesting things can be found happening in and around there.

Cool…hong kong expattery

Okay, now for a true story.  I was standing in the line at an HK cafe frequented by office workers when I overheard the conversation  between 2 colleagues who were sharing their holiday snaps on their mobile phones.   Colleague 1, an Australian, holds out her phone for  Colleague 2, a HK local, to see.  Colleague 2 peers at the screen, looks puzzled,  and asks ingenuously: “what’s that?”.  Colleague 1 replies, ” It’s called blue sky”.

This is one of the little quirks about the HK I know and love…which is why you have to check out the tumblr blog, Hong Kong Expattery.  I am truly addicted.

Cool..Apple + Pie Shoes

One of my most hated chores is shopping for shoes for my kids.  Due to the lack of shoe options in Hong Kong, a shopping trip usually ends in disappointment.

It seems I am not alone as Apple + Pie founders and HK mothers, Anita Klaus and Shamsa von Keulen joined forces to launch their new kids’ shoe store.    I have to confess that I have not visited the store myself but from what I have seen on the website and having a good look at their brand list, it seems that we will be spoilt for choice.

The range includes school shoe staples such as Startrite together with a large fashion range means your darling will be spoilt for choice.  They are also having a grand opening on November 25  (call ahead for an invite to their  champagne reception from 6 to 8pm)  so try and make it then!

Shop# 206, 2/F One Island South
2 Heung Yip Road
Wong Chuk Hang
Hong Kong

Opening hours

Mon-Sat 10 am – 6 pm
Sun & public holidays 11 am – 6 pm

A Celebration in Honour of Books and Reading

If you have any Aesop products in your bathroom, you may have noticed there pithy little quotes on life and living on the bottles.   To mark their twenty fifth anniversary and underline their literary pedigree, Aesop has launched their new program: ‘Twenty five years of reading at Aesop” .   They are highlighting 25 literary works, beginning with Robert Hughes 1987 epic read, ‘The Fatal Shore ”  .  There is a emphasis on Australian literature as Aesop’s staff have contributed the works that they have found most interesting and stimulating.

You can join in too.   On the 8th September, Aesop, in collaboration with charities Room to Read and SKH St Christopher’s Home are holding an event in their stores in Hong Kong. Both these organizations do a fine job of encouraging young people to learn to read and enhance their lives.  If you have any chinese language books, feel free to donate them in Aesop stores for use in SKH St Christopher’s Home.  20% of proceeds from the day will go to Room to Read.