Cover The marble fireplace makes a striking statement in the living area, and is paired with ribbed ceramic tiles that conceal the TV

Like an experienced conductor leading an orchestra, multidisciplinary design studio Cream harmonises a beautiful interplay of forms, patterns, and materials with a resonant sense of luxury in this villa in Hong Kong

Sensual forms and rich textures define the spaces crafted by Hong Kong-based multidisciplinary design studio Cream—its rigorously designed and elegantly layered settings project a sense of old-world luxury and sophistication. This aesthetic is grounded in the background of the Hong Kong-based firm’s founder, Antony Chan.

Prior to setting up Cream, one of the firms he worked at was the namesake studio of acclaimed French interior designer Andrée Putman. Today, Cream regularly collaborates with a long-established network of fabric, marble, metal, leather and wood master artisans from England, France, Asia, and the US.

The interior design of this three-storey detached house in Hong Kong’s Deep Water Bay is a fine showcase of Cream’s ethos. The 3,767 sq ft property belongs to a well-travelled couple that enjoys the joie de vivre of Europe. “The clients came to us because they wanted a home that is a fully orchestrated work of art rather than a blend of different tastes and opinions,” says Chan.

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Above A close-up of the Murano glass divider specially created for this home
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Above An elegant dining table designed by Romeo Sozzi holds court in front of the mirrored walls with an antique-effect finish
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Above The ribbed motif is repeated on the marble tiles applied to the staircase balustrade
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Above An overhead view of the villa’s tranquil pool area

He likens it to a Japanese-style omakase fine dining experience, where the guests entrust the chef to decide on the dishes of a meal that features the finest seasonal ingredients available. “You will get a better and more satisfying experience if you leave it to the chef to orchestrate rather than adding your own suggestions to change the menu, although the chef can accommodate likes or dislikes.”

In the living room, the European influences come through in the leather sofas, backed by a custom bronze wall panel. The latter is composed of illuminated Murano glass elements reminiscent of candles, evoking the ambience of an Edwardian-era gentlemen’s club. “But the loose, organic pattern of the custom-designed carpet and the angular legs of the chic glass table are completely contemporary,” says Chan, emphasising the avoidance of kitsch in this elegant tableau.

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Above A custom bronze wall frame fitted with Murano glass tubes serves as an elegant backdrop in the living area

The transparency of the panel reflects the sun’s rays, which shine in through floor-to-ceiling windows to create a “visual feast that is particularly breathtaking at sunset,” says Chan. He adds: “Cream sees lighting as an important vehicle of expression. Bespoke lighting is created to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that is vernacular to the project.” Indirect lighting is preferred to spotlights, and luminosity is created from various sources, such as the wall sconces flanking the travertine fireplace, which displays an equally arresting play of textures and patterns. Above it, a panel of ceramic tiles with asymmetrical ribbing conceals the TV. 

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Above A sculpture is displayed on a textured pedestal in the junior master suite
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Above Crafted in leather, the Louis Vuitton Diamond screen by Marcel Wanders Studio is among the eye-pleasing fixtures in the master bedroom
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Above This powder room features a marble basin that brings a beautiful contrast to the travertine wall that features a pattern inspired by water ripples, and accompanied by the Gessi Equilibrio faucet
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Above A zebra rug adds a dose of fun while mirroring the wavy lines of the marble feature wall

This ribbed pattern is repeated in the grey-green marble tiles that clad the solid marble staircase balustrade. “While it has a soft, textured look, the use of marble makes for a very elegant backdrop to the dining area,” says Chan. For functionality, the staircase walls are designed such that they can be dismantled to accommodate the moving of larger pieces of furniture upstairs.

In the dining room, organic lines are evident in the robust legs of the Romeo Sozzi-designed table. A full-panelled stained-glass mirror handmade by a local artisan expands light and space. The line of wall sconces from the living room continues into the dining area, uniting the two spaces visually.

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Above Wooden carvings on the wall add textural interest to the family room

The original house came with four bedrooms—the design team created a den from one of them and allocated one whole floor to the master bedroom, making it large enough to house a lounge area with a sofa.

Here, panels with hand-painted reeds channel a touch of nature and diffuse light softly around to facilitate quiet afternoons reading and listening to music. “Our main source of inspiration is nature, which we try to incorporate where possible,” says Chan. This comes through in the firm’s preference for soft forms and tones, rather than harsh and contrasting shapes and colours.

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Above Sheer panels painted with reed motifs bring an element of nature into the lounge area of the master bedroom
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Above The master bathroom features wall sconces with refined metalwork and round mirrors designed by Cream

The spaces of private contemplation and cleansing are no less considered. In the off-white master bathroom, a strategically placed bespoke circular metal-framed mirror plays on perspective, and the marble bar for hanging towels is a luxurious touch.

The standalone bathtub and washbasin stand are like pieces of furniture or sculptures, accentuating the crafted nature of the interiors. In the junior master bathroom, the design team replaced a wall with glass panels for a more spacious feel; the gridwork design is inspired by the paintings of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. Around the washbasin counter, a portal made from metal tubes works as a subtle space divider.

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Photo 1 of 3 The Piet Mondrian influence is also present on the glass doors that separate the bathroom from the rest of the junior master suite;
Photo 2 of 3 Another view of the bathroom in the junior master bedroom
Photo 3 of 3 he master bathroom features a calming off-white palette, as well as bespoke door handles and a mirror

While the home features multiple textures and patterns, there is a strong sense of harmony; the entire renovation took a year to complete. The design team achieved this beautifully cohesive interior with a rigorous control of the colour palette “so that nothing is jarring”.

Says Chan: “The design of a home is like a piece of music. There can be different sounds and instruments but overall, it must be calming and harmonious. It’s an intuitive process, really.”

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Photo 1 of 2 The junior master suite features gridwork inspired by Dutch painter Piet Mondrian
Photo 2 of 2 This bedroom features a cosy study area clad in warm oak tones in contrast to the light scheme and Carrera marble used in the ensuite bathroom

Credits

Photography  

Courtesy of Cream

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