All Coming Together
This breezy beach home in Stanley is a welcoming place for family and friends alike.
My personal style can be described as clean lines and easy comfort, but fun and not too serious,” says the resident of this 2,300-square-foot home in Stanley. “I think my home reflects that—it’s comfortable and airy, with lots of natural fabrics and textures, and deep comfortable seating where you can curl up and enjoy the breeze.”
The resident, her husband and their two children moved to Hong Kong from New York six years ago, and have resided in their current home for four, drawn to the area by the property’s large grassy zones and close proximity to the sea, as well as Stanley’s village vibe. “I love the southside because it’s so unique to be able to live on the beach and to have hiking out your back door,” recalls the resident, “while still being so close to a major city centre.”
The shell didn’t require any large-scale renovations save for a banquette added to the kitchen. The resident decided to do up the home herself, with plenty of input from close friends with similar tastes. Upon entering the home, you’ll find yourself in a small hallway, with a home office or guest bedroom that comes with its en suite bathroom on the right. The living room is just beyond, opening onto a terrace and then a communal garden that leads out to the sea. Off of the living room is the dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and bathroom, which connects to a hallway leading to the kids’ bedrooms. The master bedroom opens onto the terrace too, via a fetching French door. “Whenever it isn’t too hot, we have the doors wide open to the terrace,” shares the resident. “In the afternoon, my favourite place to read a book is on the sofa outside.”
The terrace is also where the resident indulges in one of her true joys—entertaining friends. “A shady spot outside, where you can hear the leaves blowing and the birds chirping, is such an enjoyable place to share a meal,” she reveals. “At night, a dinner party can be magical in the open air, lit by candlelight. In Hong Kong, where many of us are often crammed into apartments, eating outside can feel like a bit of an escape.” She made sure to keep this indoor-outdoor connection in mind when designing. “A home with good flow and an easy indooroutdoor transition can be helpful for entertaining,” she points out. Other tips include comfortable, flexible seating—such as her terrace sofa, which is five ottomans combined—and separate areas for adults and children.
Inside, a charming combination of classic and contemporary furnishings are set against neutral whites, creams and browns. “I find neutrals very calming,” claims the resident. “And it’s important to feel serene at home.” A white Jonathan Adler desk and chair sit in the office, while a bed with a plush grey headboard is flanked by two patterned Indian dressers in the master bedroom.
While the resident wouldn’t call herself or her husband serious art collectors, they’re no strangers when it comes to snapping up the occasional interesting art piece at a fair or collecting curios during their travels. “We usually end up finding something that makes us laugh, and so it goes on the shelf,” enthuses the resident, who owns ornaments purchased from Shanghai as well as Tanzania and Zanzibar. “It turns out to be a really nice memento when you see it in a room and immediately remember the trip. I like that the things on our shelves have personal meanings.”