How wellness and design met in the revamp of a 1970s Hong Kong flat

Unexpected expenses can test the resolve of any home renovator. When Canadian Ashley Tang and Australian Troy Martin found defects they hadn’t counted on when buying their 1970s Mid-Levels apartment in 2023, the then newly engaged couple decided to have all faults remedied during its subsequent remodel. “This was to be our first home together, and we wanted it to be perfect,” says Tang. “We saw this as a foundational way to start our lives together.” When a friend of a friend introduced Tang, an investor relations professional, and Martin, who works in finance, to the three-bedroom, three-bathroom 1,640 sq ft apartment, they instantly fell for the expansiveness of the living room, large dining area and adjoining open kitchen – a layout more akin to the houses of their birthplaces than a typical Hong Kong apartment. Initially, they had planned to make cosmetic changes only. “We were happy that it was an older building, and would keep the layout the same,” Tang recalls. Later inspection revealed that the electrical wiring, hardwood flooring and some windows needed to be replaced before redecorating could begin. Searching online for a designer, the couple found that the Liquid Interiors’ contemporary style resonated. The wellness focus of its design director, Rowena Gonzales, turned out to be a bonus for Tang, who is sensitive to chemical cleaners. To optimise air quality, low VOC paints and natural finishes on wooden furniture were used. Gonzales, who champions the reuse of existing resources, was pleased to incorporate existing furniture and furnishings into the redesign. Among other items, Martin’s dining chairs were reupholstered and a handmade vintage rug was re-coloured and restored. Tang’s request for an ambient fireplace, reminiscent of her childhood home in Calgary, was met by Gonzales with a mantelpiece custom made in white sandstone, inset with an artful arrangement of candles. Beside the fireplace, Gonzales designed a glass-and-metal display cabinet to complement Martin’s cherished capsule-shaped Timothy Oulton Biohazard bar cabinet, one of the first big purchases of the former Sydneysider after moving to Hong Kong in 2019. For dietary health and to counter the couple’s long working hours, Tang enjoys home cooking. The apartment’s extra-large kitchen enabled the provision of long work benches above ample storage, with a full complement of appliances including steam and convection ovens, a double-drawer dishwasher and a wine “fridge/cellar”. Because sleep quality was especially important for the couple, Gonzales specified not just blackout curtains (which also help with acoustics) but also lighting attuned to the body’s circadian rhythm. The en suite for the main bedroom was refurbished in luxury hotel style, featuring a large walk-in shower. Mindful that children might one day join the household, the second bathroom is fitted with a bathtub. Even the helper’s quarters were remodelled to accommodate a domestic helper comfortably in the future. “As we attempt to grow our household with kids, we want them to be in a space that is environmentally safe, and cleaner to grow up in,” says Tang. Especially when it comes to health and well-being, Gonzales, who on this project used an all-women team (including assistant project manager Mendy Lau Hio-lam and contractor Maggie Lau Fung-yi), believes women bring a “unique edge” to residential design. “Their intuitive understanding of family needs, attention to detail and focus on teamwork can transform a space into a warm and functional home,” says Gonzales. “They often show special care for the needs of small children and pregnant women, ensuring that spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and toxin-free.” Tang and Martin, who plan to get married this year, couldn’t agree more. Living room Nest sofa, armchair and bookcase, all from Timothy Oulton. Travertine coffee tables, from Wool. Carv Carrara occasional table by Formar, from Archetypal. Rug, from Jaipur Rugs. Triptych Three Sisters Power, by Charlie Easton, from Mountain Galleries in Banff, Alberta, Canada. Light fittings, from Mullan Lighting. Drinks cabinet, by Timothy Oulton. Glass cabinets, designed by Liquid Interiors. Wall lights, from Forth Furniture. Faux fireplace in white sandstone, custom made by Master Land Professional (12/F, New City Centre, 2 Lei Yue Mun Road, Kwun Tong, tel: 2318 0023). Remote-controlled faux candles in fireplace, from Amazon. The Frame TV, from Samsung. Main bedroom Belsa bed in sage velvet, matching Willis bench and Marius bedside table in Arabescato Corchia marble, from Soho Home. Lucia Rise and Fall wall lamp, from Hector Finch. Wainscoting, by Liquid Interiors. Vintage rug, restored by Jaipur Rugs. Dining room Solid wood dining table, from Forth Furniture. Timothy Oulton dining chairs, reupholstered by Standard Curtain (10A Kimley Commercial Building, 142 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 6736 0180). Bench, custom made by Hardwood HK. Pendants and spotlights, from Mullan Lighting. Artwork River Rapids, by Robert E. Wood, from Mountain Galleries. Buffet in wood veneer, designed by Liquid Interiors. Bassano parquet flooring, from Karlian International. Kitchen Cabinetry with Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble benchtops, by Royal Kitchen. Kronos Ceramiche porcelain floor tiles, from Anta. Xstone wall tiles from Anteric. Visual Comfort wall lamp, from Forth Furniture (Terry Chung; tel: 9209 7320).

How wellness and design met in the revamp of a 1970s Hong Kong flat

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The new owners opted for natural finishes and sustainable materials when turning their Mid-Levels property into a stylish sanctuary

The new owners opted for natural finishes and sustainable materials when turning their Mid-Levels property into a stylish sanctuary