A move from Shanghai to Hong Kong offered an expatriate couple the chance to make a stylish but comfortable home for themselves - their way.
When living as an expatriate, the concept of home takes on a new meaning. After three years of residing in a rented furnished home in Shanghai, Melissa and Keith Welsh welcomed the opportunity to set up their own space when they learned they were relocating to Hong Kong.
'We saw 10 places and knew we wanted this one the minute we walked through the door,' says Melissa of the 2,500 sq ft Mid-Levels flat they leased. 'It was very central, though surrounded by green so it didn't feel crowded.' The fact there was only one unit on each floor of the recently completed building was another attraction.
The private entry hall holds prodigiously filled custom-made shoe cabinets; Imelda Marcos would be proud. It also serves as a point of transition from public space to home sphere. To the right of the spacious living-cum- dining room is the entry to the kitchen; to the left is a balcony with sweeping views of Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. The family quarters, which include four bedrooms (two with en suite bathrooms), are off the living room.
'This place was pretty neutral in terms of finished style,' Melissa says. 'It was not used or tired looking, overly ornate or specific to anyone's taste. It was quite a change from our enormous Shanghai home, which came with a hotel-style chandelier in the lounge.'
The couple, who were downsizing from a five-bedroom, five-bathroom home, knew the space would work for them. After deciding which bedroom they would sleep in, they dedicated the other three for use as an office, a dressing room that would contain Melissa's rotating wardrobe and an exercise room. 'We like visitors,' explains Melissa about their designation of space, 'but not overnight guests.'