Downsizing Hong Kong empty nesters mix the old and new
A riot of colours and textures ensures a couple of empty-nesters in Ap Lei Chau have plenty to smile about, writes Catherine Shaw
Downsizing doesn’t have to mean a change of style. When Jeff and Debbie Blount relocated from their 4,200 sq ft family home in Tai Tam to a four-bedroom, 1,500 square-foot apartment in Ap Lei Chau, the couple simply adapted their colourful and eclectic style to suit the smaller setting.
The decision to downsize a year ago was led by two major lifestyle changes: the couple’s two daughters had left home to attend university and Jeff had a change of career, from practising law to running a property company investing in Myanmar.
Their must-have checklist was simple: the new home needed to have a sea view and be within walking distance of Jeff ‘s new office, in Wong Chuk Hang.
“The apartment has a wonderful view, so even though the balcony is relatively small, it still feels light and airy,” says Debbie, who added comfortable wicker chairs and a collection of blue-and-white plant pots.
The couple travel extensively, but even though it’s an empty nest Debbie wanted the apartment to retain a strong sense of home. She decided to decorate using furnishings and artefacts repurposed from their previous home – including items from her blue-andwhite porcelain collection, mementos from family travels and contemporary paintings by their favourite artists – combined with new furniture selected to fit into the space.
The downside of downsizing – deciding which items to ditch – was avoided by shipping their remaining possessions to their holiday home in the United States.
New furnishings in the Hong Kong home include a pair of bright emerald green sofas from Ikea, to which Debbie added a pair of intricately woven cushions to add a touch of luxury and extra comfort.
