White-walled designer flats look great but an active family is better served by a softer style that allows plenty of room for personality.
Designer apartments are super-stylish but when it comes to everyday living, most of us prefer a comfortable, relaxed home rather than a pristine showcase.
When David and Gabby Ellis purchased a 3,000 sq ft flat overlooking the sea in Pok Fu Lam, they were relishing the challenge of decorating it. On recommendation from a friend, they asked architect Johnny Li of Li & Co (tel: 2526 8326) to undertake the renovation.
'I don't believe in creating a show flat,' says Li. 'I really like the client to participate. For every project I like to have the client inspire me, and to learn about their lifestyle and expectations.'
For the Ellises, a busy family with two children - Josephine, eight, and Benjamin, three - it was vital the house reflected their tastes. Says Li: 'Here it's all about mixing and matching different things and if some things are not absolutely perfect then that simply adds to the beauty of it.'
The Ellises' brief to Li was simple, but the 1970s apartment had not been touched for 15 years and there was a lot of work to be done. They wanted Li to open up the space and introduce as much light as possible. They sought an east-meets-west style (a reflection of their family unit) and wanted warm wood flooring. What they didn't want was white walls everywhere.