Mid-century modern vibes fill renovated Hong Kong home bought as a ‘mess’ – studio in charge of fixing it called it a ‘golden design opportunity’
- A 1,400 sq ft flat in Tin Hau had multiple architectural problems, such as awkward structural beams and columns as well as leaking windows
- Its new owners saw the potential in it and tasked Clarence Lam, co-founder of INHK design studio, with fixing it up and making it their dream
When James and Olivia Liang first viewed what would become their 1,400 sq ft (130 square metre) flat in Tin Hau on Hong Kong Island, it was a mess. Not only was their future home more than 50 years old, it had multiple architectural problems, such as awkward structural beams and columns as well as leaking windows.
But the Liangs so loved the views and location of the three-bedroom, two-bathroom property that they managed to look beyond its faults and felt that, with professional help, it could be a gem.
Fans of mid-century modern style, the couple sought out interior designers with a similar mindset and landed upon Clarence Lam Chun-ho, co-founder of INHK design studio.
“We had to solve and fix the apartment’s functional problems before we could even think about the interior design,” says Lam, who began work on the flat 18 months ago and took half a year to complete all renovations.
“This included demolishing everything, waterproofing the property and replacing all the windows. We tried to make the windows as large as possible but the glass size was hindered by the lift’s dimensions.”
With three young children, the Liangs wanted open, flexible spaces that would work for the entire family. Lam combined the living and dining areas and borrowed space from what had been an oversized utility room to enlarge the kitchen.
