https://www.scmp.com/rss/320224/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com If you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space in Hong Kong, you’re probably making do with an itsy bitsy balcony, petite patio or shared roof space. Whatever comes with your flat, you can do more to maximise the space. Here’s how to create a stylish pocket garden without breaking your back … or the bank. 1. Grow plants that won’t die If your outdoor space is sunny for most of the day, get a fiddle-leaf fig and put it in a medium-to-large pot that is turned around regularly so that all sides... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1941521/7-tips-hongkongers-improve-how-their-balconies-look-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1941521/7-tips-hongkongers-improve-how-their-balconies-look-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 May 2016 00:31:39 +0000 Whether your home is vast or small, it will look and feel better neat and tidy. Bring out your inner Marie Kondo and start putting your wares in order. 1. PUT YOUR WALLS TO WORK WITH A PEGBOARD Pegboards are the ultimate organising tool because they can be used to display just about anything, and save space. They can also be styled in super cute ways and personalised with plants and pictures. 2.GET CRAFTY WITH CRATES This simple storage solution saves time, money and space. Get friendly with... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1937676/seven-simple-ways-organise-your-stuff-home-and-keep-it-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1937676/seven-simple-ways-organise-your-stuff-home-and-keep-it-way?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 22 Apr 2016 04:30:15 +0000 There is a famous scene from cult fashion flick The Devil Wears Prada that highlights why trends come and go. If you haven't seen it, google "blue sweater scene" and witness Meryl Streep's cutting delivery of how a colour trend (it's cerulean, not blue!) started by Oscar de la Renta filtered down through department stores, winding up filling the discount bins of mass market retailers. Whether a by-product of socioeconomics, pop culture or fashion, interior design trends evolve in much the same... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1853075/five-interior-design-trends-its-time-revive-right-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1853075/five-interior-design-trends-its-time-revive-right-now?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Aug 2015 23:30:15 +0000 Oversized, distressed faux-antique Chinese furniture Before you gasp, "How could she!" I'm not saying get rid of it all. But if you've gone overboard with the cupboards or chests as many expat newcomers do in Hong Kong, perhaps it's time to rethink and modernise. Squeezing oversized sideboards into tiny apartments doesn't make sense. If yours is badly made, with doors not closing properly or drawers that refuse to slide out, swap it for a 21st-century version, finished in white, other neutral or... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1847097/how-declutter-your-cramped-hong-kong-apartment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1847097/how-declutter-your-cramped-hong-kong-apartment?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Aug 2015 17:30:30 +0000