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How a modestly sized Hong Kong flat got a Mexican-inspired makeover

Inspired by the laid-back aesthetic of popular Mexican tourist town Tulum, a Tseung Kwan O home was transformed with curved lines, natural materials and clever storage solutions

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Boho Tulum vibes in a 461 sq ft Hong Kong flat. Photo: Steven Tsui

Published: 6:15am, 25 Feb 2025

The frenetic Hong Kong lifestyle and the boho beach vibe of Tulum, Mexico, could hardly be more different. But it was to this laid-back village, with its rustic, white-walled architecture and graceful Romanesque arches, that designer Frankie Leung’s mind was drawn when asked to infuse a relaxed groove into a typical Hong Kong apartment of only 461 square feet.

Known also for its Mayan ruins, Tulum is now the byword for a look currently en vogue in certain luxury interior design circles.

The kitchen and corridor leading to two bedrooms. Photo: Steven Tsui

Not that Leung’s clients, the owners of the two-bedroom, one-bathroom Tseung Kwan O south apartment, were familiar with the place or its aesthetic cachet. A professional couple, Kenneth Lau and Helen Leung – he a property manager, she a manager at a financial regulator – simply wanted a restful haven to share with their cat, Simba.

“Initially, I didn’t know what style I wanted, but sent Frankie lots of reference photos [of different styles],” says Helen.

Noting a preference for curves, tactile finishes and earthy, natural hues, Frankie Leung, the founder and creative director of House of Forme, felt the Tulum style would pull the couple’s ideas together.

Storage was also important, notes Helen. “However, I didn’t want lots of cabinets around the house.”