Furnishing a home in Hong Kong can present a very particular set of variables to work with. The team from TREE share their top tips on how to make your new house or apartment feel like home.
#1 Practical pieces
When it comes to compact homes, every little inch of space can help towards achieving that open, airy appearance. Double-duty furniture allows you to maximise a petite space without having to give up on any pieces you wish to incorporate into your home. The Circa17 bed, for example, not only comes with integrated drawers underneath, but also has a panel that can be lifted and locked into place for a slim yet supportive bedside table. Floor-length mirrors are another quick and simple solution to combat small spaces. Position your piece across from your source of natural light and it will instantly brighten your room and make it seem much more expansive.
#2 Super sofas
As an expat, you’ll be sure to have friends and family from overseas paying you a visit. A stylish sectional sofa offers plenty of surface space and ensures there is room for everyone to be comfortably seated. Sofa beds are a clever solution for those who don’t have an extra room to spare for guests. Designed with a foam filling and pocket spring mattress, these versatile pieces provide your guests with the same support and comfort as a real bed would, and transform from sofa to sleeper in just a few effortless steps.
#3 Creating cohesion
Flooring can vary in colour in Hong Kong apartments, making finding the right furniture to create a cohesive look tricky at times. Experiment with different woods to see which best suits your space. Creamy hues of oak pair best with lighter floors, and work especially well for smaller homes as they brighten up a space and create a seemingly roomier appearance. If the flooring of your home is difficult to live (and coordinate) with, cover it up! An area rug gives you an opportunity to decorate from the floor up, and can give your home a textured, lovingly layered look.
#4 Adding accessories
If you’re renting in Hong Kong, chances are you’ll be restricted in terms of decorating your space. But with the right selection of furniture pieces and finishing touches, you can still fill your abode with your unique personality. One-off pieces, antiques, and weathered, natural pieces all lend authenticity and character to a space. Finishing touches such as throw cushions, handcrafted ceramics and woven décor are also a wonderful way to give a space some added personal flair, and can be easily updated to suit new seasonal trends or your evolving style.
TREE
• 28/F, Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau | 2870 1582
• Shop 101-102, HomeSquare, Sha Tin | 2841 8844
• Shop A305, YOHO Mall II, Yuen Long | 2791 2802
tree.com.hk
See more in our homes section:
Inside a chic beachside home in Repulse Bay
Where to buy carpets and rugs in Hong Kong
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2018 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.