Lap of Luxury
Design studio FAK3 imbued a Tai Tam apartment with elegance and comfort, creating the perfect personal retreat for a sophisticated couple.
Design studio FAK3 imbued a Tai Tam apartment with elegance and comfort, creating the perfect personal retreat for a sophisticated couple.
We focus on functionality and wellplanned spaces,” said Johnny Wong, co-founder and creative director of design studio FAK3 regarding his firm's approach. “‘Elegance' is the result of the design process through careful articulation and material considerations discussed closely with our clients.”
FAK3'S philosophy definitely shines through in this 2,500-square-foot apartment in Parkview, Tai Tam, which is defined by its understated luxury. Fine materials and details, a comfortable vibe, and a thoughtful layout combine to create a sanctuary that fits the clients' lifestyles perfectly. The design concept was the product of extensive discussions with the clients, Polly Wong and Tony Lo. “The clients read an article about our design studio a long time ago,” Wong recalled. “They invited me to visit their home and the commission was confirmed instantly.”
The couple were drawn to the apartment for its peaceful, rural surroundings, beautiful views and close proximity to the city centre. The apartment itself, however, required a bit of work. “A key problem we noticed was the redundancy of some of the spaces, which we had to redo in a more functional and optimised way,” said Wong. “The original flow, planning and proportion of the spaces did not appropriately cater to the clients' needs, so we started with a clean slate; we totally demolished the whole apartment's internal walls and re-planned.”
The result was a home with equally generous living and private areas. The foyer leads into the living and dining area with a cosy terrace beyond. To the left is the kitchen and laundry area. Past the dining room is the master bedroom, complete with a walkin closet and ensuite bathroom, and a music and TV room, which is fitted out with a stateof-the-art entertainment system and even a concealed wine cabinet. “Although our clients enjoy gatherings with family and friends, the foremost concern was to provide a home in which they could relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while surrounded by their personal luxuries,” explained Wong. Hence the sumptuous materials—leather for the music room cabinetry doors, beautiful black striated marble in the master bathroom— and refined touches throughout. Half the furnishings and accessories were taken from the clients' former home, such as a white onyx chandelier from Paris by Mathieu Lustrerie hanging in the dining room, Minotti furniture and Lalique glassware in the living room and artworks by Mark Kalan and Hirota Minoru.
Wong complemented these pieces with selections such as an oak lacquered dining table and black lacquer dining chairs upholstered in peach velvet created by the firm's bespoke furniture company R34i. “Our clients are keen travellers, and from time to time they would send us images of artworks or furniture to see if they would be suitable for the new apartment,” Wong said. He also provided plenty of cabinetry for the couple's growing collection of cherished personal belongings. “Curatorship of our clients' art pieces, family photos, and ornaments is part of our design process,” Wong added. “It takes a bit of time to understand the items and provide a canvas or opportunity for clients to display these personal belongings, which is an important aspect that makes people feel at home.”
The consideration given to the couple's personal needs and belongings, as well as a comprehensive design approach that encompasses texture, temperature and scent, has resulted in a true palatial retreat that's bound to please through the years to come.
Curatorship of our clients’ art pieces, family photos, and ornaments is part of our design process.