Working with a stylist and to a tight deadline, a newcomer to Hong Kong created an attractive home in next to no time. When Lucy Sutro arrived in Hong Kong, it was imperative she hit the ground running. Like many professionals, the British financier had a busy schedule and wanted to set up her new home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Sutro rented a bright and airy 2,000 sq ft apartment, high on The Peak, with expansive sea views. 'I chose the apartment for the sense of space and the view,' she says. 'I spend most of the week in an office in Central so for my home I wanted to see the sky and trees, rather than buildings.' Leaving a fully furnished apartment in England, Sutro chose to bring just a few items with her - hence she was back to square one when it came to creating a home. 'Ultimately I wanted a style that complemented the view but which would also be comfortable and practical. I also wanted a reasonably contemporary feel with some Chinese and Asian influences, and not just a copy of my flat in London.' Rather than hiring an interior designer, Sutro commissioned stylist Lucie McCullough of Clapp McCullough Styling (tel: 6409 3434) to help create a home that was functional and aesthetically pleasing. McCullough, who has a fashion background, works on styling projects across all disciplines, from interiors to events. 'I find the demand for interior styling is greatest among people who live in rented accommodation and are in Hong Kong for a few years. I come in and help them furnish their home when they don't have the time - a kind of friend in a professional capacity if you like,' she says. For McCullough, the personal touch is key. 'I spend a lot of time finding out what people like and what they don't like, from cuisine to their favourite continent. I do this in the form of a questionnaire and from this can build up a good idea about people's tastes.' For Sutro's home, McCullough suggested a classical white palette, which would best accentuate the airy, light-filled home, and which would also show off Sutro's collection of silver and glassware. 'The room proportions are good and the big windows take full advantage of the natural light,' says McCullough, adding that the space required no structural remodelling. In the living room, simple white chairs and a white sofa flank a white display table filled with collectables. A pair of dark-wood Chinese cabinets stand either side of a fabric panel, in front of which hangs an oversized birdcage. Coupled with a modern mirrored side table running along the back of the sofa and a pair of Egyptian side tables sourced through eBay, the effect is elegant, feminine and fresh. The white theme continues in the dining area, where the chairs, table linen, a custom-made lampshade with teardrop beading and Roman blinds all match. When combined with Sutro's collection of silverware and porcelain it makes the ideal setting for entertaining. 'My design is not very structured,' says McCullough. Rather, she selects items on their own merits and works them into an interior. Her technique is reminiscent of the way a homeowner might accumulate items over time, although she quickly creates a cohesive whole. In doing so, she draws on a diverse collection of suppliers: 'I try not to work with only a few because each flat is different. Each project adds new suppliers to my list.' For Sutro, favourite zones include the sitting room and the balcony. 'On a clear, sunny day I can sit out there either reading or just watching boats travelling through the Lamma Straits.' In her eyes, the 10-week refurbishment has been a big success. 'Lucie is a pleasure to work with and has helped create a flat that is beautiful to look at and a great place to live in.' 1 The light and airy living room benefits from floor-to-ceiling windows running along one side of the flat. Creating a focal point at the far end of the room is a pair of reproduction Chinese cabinets made of antique elm (HK$8,000 for two from Hing Cheung, Hang Fai Building, 28 Rua De Sao Paulo, Macau, tel: 853 2835 8050). Hanging between them is a large wall panel covered in Florence Broadhurst fabric (HK$2,890), which was sourced in Australia (see www.signatureprints . com.au). In front hangs an oversized birdcage (HK$2,000 from the Birdcage, 22/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, tel: 2580 5822). The mirrored side table (HK$7,500) behind the sofa is from Artura Ficus (109 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, tel: 2527 2893). The collection of crystal decanters and silverware on top was inherited. 2 In the entrance hall stands a Chinese-style side table (HK$3,300 from Hing Cheung). Above hangs a set of 16 black and white etchings of various London scenes. They were framed by Arco Framers (105 Queen's Road East, tel: 2866 8848). Beneath the table is a set of three black and white Chinese vases, sourced in Macau. 3 In the centre of the room stands a simple white table (HK$1,790 from Ikea, various locations; www.ikea.com.hk ) with a clear glass top providing display space for tenant Lucy Sutro's collectables, sourced during global travels. To the right is an Egyptian dark wood and marble-inlay table (HK$3,970 a pair) sourced on eBay ( www.ebay.com ). 4 The all-white scheme adds a glamorous, feminine edge to the living and dining rooms. The white sofa (HK$4,790) is from Ikea and is made luxurious by the collection of subtle printed cushions, including a red and beige cushion made from a tapestry made by Sutro. 5 In the bedroom, a basic white dresser (HK$2,290 from Ikea) serves as a display space for Sutro's collection of silverware and collectables. Above hangs a painting - Summer, Stracathro - by artist James Morrison, from The Scottish Gallery (16 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, tel: 44 131 558 1200; www.scottish-gallery.co.uk ). 6 The master bedroom is dominated by white and blue. The red lacquer bedside table cost HK$7,500 from Chine Gallery (42 Hollywood Road, Central, tel: 2543 0023; www. chinegallery.com). On top is a blue and white table lamp bought in Macau. The overhead white fabric lampshade is from Hing Cheung; the floor rug (HK$1,990) is from Ikea. 7 In the guest powder room, a semi-circular countertop worked best. The orchids are from P and F Garden (50 Shui Choi Tin Village, Victoria Road, Pok Fu Lam, tel: 2812 0948). 8 Above the long dining table hangs a lampshade designed by stylist Lucie McCullough that incorporates crystals bought in Cat Street Market. The lampshade (HK$880) was made by Soong Art Lampshades (6 Square Street, Central, tel: 2549 0615). Surrounding the table are a set of 10 high-backed dining chairs (HK$7,600 for the lot, from MK & Co, 123 Queen's Road East, tel: 2527 2340). The windows are shaded by floor-to-ceiling Roman blinds, which cost HK$15,400 from Wai Kee Curtain & Furnishing (105 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 2544 3730). The set of three candelabras on the table are from the Conran Shop (Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, London, tel: 44 20 7589 7401; www.conranshop.co.uk ). 9 The spacious kitchen has been designed with user-friendliness in mind. Wood veneer doors and white tiles provide a simple backdrop to the space. tried & tested the perfect complement A group of coloured glass spheres on top of a sideboard in the living room attract the eye, as does a cluster of candle holders on an entrance-hall table. 'I'm a bit of a symmetry fan,' says stylist Lucie McCullough, who enjoys assembling groupings, such as a set of 16 black and white pictures or three identical Chinese vases. The key to success is in the look of the objects, not the cost. As long as the objects complement each other visually, a flea-market find can hold its own alongside a valuable antique. styling Esther van Wijck