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

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

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The living room of Ashley Tang and Troy Martin’s Mid-Levels home, designed by Liquid Interiors. Photo: Steven Ko Photography

Published: 4:59pm, 11 Mar 2025Updated: 10:08am, 12 Mar 2025

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.”

Living room. Photo: Steven Ko Photography

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.