Thinking Out Of The Box

This home’s creative redesign gave rise to multiple entertaining zones and luxurious private spaces for its owner.

- Yuen Yi Ying

Entry view

This is the scene that greets you as soon as you step in. Dramatic panels of bronze mirrors expand the space while casting a flattering glow.

Home to a single occupant, this 1,184sq ft home presented its owner with a welcome opportunity many of us would like to have—namely, what to do with a spare room (hint: see p. 44 for ideas). The owner only needed two of the three bedrooms to function as his main bedroom and a guest or study room, so he felt the third could be used as a cozy corner as he enjoys cooking and having friends over.

Working with Ian Lai of Bowerman Interior Planner, a firm known for contemporary and liveable designs, the owner sought help with determining which room would be best used for the flexible space. The home also had limited natural light, so the client wanted to brighten the flat and bring the greenery surrounding the space into the interiors too.

After observing the quality of light throughout the unit and studying the floorplan, the duo felt that a cross-shaped layout for the communal areas could create an interesting visual connection between the various open spaces. Taking down part of both walls flanking the linearly arranged living and dining sections would also fix the problem of this joint space looking “overly long,” shares the designer.