Eight years of living in a New York studio-loft gave graphic designer Gloria Wong plenty of ideas for set- ting up home in Hong Kong on her return in 1997. Three years ago, those ideas were put to the test when she moved into a 450 sq ft studio flat in Sheung Wan.
'Four hundred and fifty square feet means it's probably only about 350 sq ft really but then I lived in a similar-sized place in New York,' says Wong.
By unlocking every inch of space and pressing certain features into performing double duties, Wong has made for herself a functional and comfortable home. The smart bachelorette pad doubles as the base of operations for Wong's graphic-design company, Gee Design, so, with clients visiting for presentations, making the space look professional and clutter-free was a priority.
A pale hardwood floor and spotlights have been teamed with clean white furnishings in a loft-inspired setting but the most eye-catching feature is the wall- to-wall whiteboard panelling that lines the multifunctional main room. Glossy and bright, the panels reflect more light into a space already suffused with sunlight and serve as presentation aids. To complete the studio's professional look, a white curtain screens off the bed.
A simple white table for two fits on to end of the main desk area while the pale-wood floor gives the studio its spacious ambience.
Trained in communication design, environmental graphics and mural-size painting, Wong designed museum shows during her time in New York.