Renaissance design meets minimalism in Hong Kong apartment makeover that produces clean but not stark interiors with accent on texture
- Doctor couple who bought a 1,598 sq ft apartment untouched since the 1970s envisioned a minimalist makeover but did not want a home that was stark
- Architect Clarence Lam looked to the Renaissance for inspiration, and designed interiors that marry modernism and classical decoration
There is something soothing about an uncluttered home, but a too-stark space can feel cold. Architect Clarence Lam Chun-ho, co-founder of INHK Interior Design in Hong Kong, believes adding a touch of classical design to minimal interiors can bring out the best of both styles.
“Classic decorative elements tend to be overlooked by the popular modernist movement,” says Lam. “They offer a sense of timeless elegance so I have tried to bring back some of those details and rework them into my interiors with an up-to-date twist.”
This was music to the ears of Lam’s clients, who had recently bought a 1,598 sq ft (148 square metres) flat in the Mid-Levels neighbourhood on Hong Kong Island.
Undeveloped since the 1970s, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom property was in need of a complete renovation. The new owners hankered after a minimalist vibe but didn’t want to sacrifice liveability for the raw aesthetics that often characterise the look. Lam’s design ethos corresponded with what they had in mind.
He looked to the Renaissance period for inspiration and adapted historic, ornamental designs to balance the 21st century’s pared-down style. To add texture and interest, he laid herringbone-patterned flooring in Italian oak, which was first used as parquetry in France in the 1600s, and incorporated thin panel moulding – rather than the more ornate versions of the past – near the edges of walls and cabinets.