Contemporary design and high-end retail concepts combine to bring perfect order to one couple's Mid-Levels residence.
Rhythm, colour and luxury collide beautifully in the Mid-Levels home of Eddie and Sophie Chow. Although based in Singapore, the Chows are often in Hong Kong and so purchased this 2,800-square-foot apartment a year ago, calling on architect and interior designer Darryl Goveas to reconfigure the space for them.
Goveas, director of Pure Creative International (tel: 2522 9006), is known for his ability to mix modernism and luxury in innovative ways. The man behind a wide range of high-end retail projects, including flagship stores for Dior, Dior Homme and Fendi across Asia, he also designed hip Hong Kong bar-restaurants Alibi and Veda.
The Chows are fans of fashion, film and music, so Goveas worked to create a home that drew on these interests yet was warm, cosy and welcoming. He combined decorative elements, blending style and comfort with eye-catching ideas. 'I used a mixture of cold and warm materials; white lacquer, stainless steel, oak and zebrano wood combined with bold stripes,' he says. 'I like the contrast of old and new elements, mixing and matching everything.'
To make everything work together, Goveas structured the space using vertical proportions (floor to ceiling stripes, tall slim cabinetry, wood panels and stainless-steel trim) to enable the elements to 'float' and provide a light, airy feel.
After completely gutting the apartment, reconfiguring the space and closing in the balcony to provide an extra open-plan reading room, he created a large living and dining area, which has a corridor leading off into a sumptuous dressing room, master bedroom, guest bedroom and study.