Ganna Design 甘納設計 | A Family Home With A Boutique Hotel Vibe in Taipei

June 27, 2015June 29, 20152 Comments

There are some design studios and interior designers that I will constantly look up for their latest projects because they are always so fabulous. One of them has got to be Ganna Studio 甘納設計 from Taiwan. Ganna Studio is helmed by designer couple Lin Shih-Jie and Chen Ting-Liang. They have a very distinctly stylish contemporary take on design, and their work has always feel original and full of surprises. In this and the next post, I’m going to share their 2 of their recent projects which I really like. This is the Chorus project, an amazing transformation of a 30-year old building into a modern, boutique hotel style home for a family of 4.

Above: The original partitions at the first floor were removed, to create one large open space for the communal area. The focal point of this floor is definitely the large kitchen and the long dining tables extended from the island, with a mix designer chairs in all shades of pink and red. This is the heart of the home where the family gathers most of the time.

Above: To create a more streamlined look, large panels of kitchen cabinets are built for storage and to house the kitchen appliances. The connecting wall of the kitchen cabinets was done in a cement wall finishing to mimic the colour of the cabinets. The 2 opening doors are actually the entrance to toilets at this floor.

Above: The pink armoire is an old piece of furniture retained from the previous home, and given a new life with this vibrant pink colour.

Above: Instead of the conventional media unit or condole, the TV was placed in front of a large wall of bookshelves that hold the collection of books from the couple.

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A Warm and Cozy Family Home in Hong Kong

April 30, 2015May 4, 2015Leave a comment

As the couple preparing for retirement, they decided that it’s the best time to move into a new home to celebrate the next stage in life.

K Design Studio was engaged to give a new life to this apartment they share with 2 daughters in Tin Shui Wai 天水圍 ( Central Park Towers 栢慧豪園 ). In this 698 sq ft apartment, elements of English garden theme were layered with Scandinavian colour palette and furnishings to create a warm and cozy home that the family could really enjoy. Stepping into the apartment, guests are greeted by black and white octagonal floor tiles that demarcates the foyer from the living dining area. This feature is usually seen in larger and traditional homes, but I feel that it works wonder in smaller space, adding more depths and curiosities to any cookie-cutter apartment layout.

On the left of the entrance, is a kitchen fitted with kelly green cabinetry and brass handle that channel a classic English feel (this also reminds me of the ultra glam green kitchen seen in Cameron Diaz’s home designed by Kelly Wearstler).

The walls of the storeroom right after the entrance were demolished to carve a nook for the daughter’s piano.

Lots of wood are used in the living-dining area to introduce warmth the interior.

Like how the animal artwork and colorful accessories adding a touch of whimsy to the living room.

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Small Space Living | I·UniQ Grand 譽 ·東 by Grande Interior Design, Hong Kong

April 3, 2015April 3, 2015Leave a comment

I like the refreshing 小清新 vibe of this little apartment of 637 sqft in Hong Kong, designed by Grande Interior Design.

A minty green wall in the living room for the Bang & Olufsen speaker to sing.

A marble bar counter serves as the dining area for the homeowners. The bird cage wall decals were positioned at an angle to mimic the wind movement. A very relaxing area that feels still feel luxurious with the use of marble.

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Mim Design | Crisp Street Apartment

March 23, 2015March 23, 2015Leave a comment

Can’t believe that I’ve only got to discover about Mim Design now, while reading their project featured on Yellowtrace. Some time in November 2013, I’ve travelled to Melbourne to visit a good friend. While wandering aimlessly at Crown, I remember seeing this shop – the Cotta Cafe, and couldn’t help to stop to admire the beautiful shop front and interior. It looked warm, rustic and unpretentious. And Mim Design, is the talented Melbourne-based creative practice behind the design of this cafe. Browsing through their portfolio, I saw more amazing projects. Like this one, a bright and airy apartment at Crisp Street Melbourne with occasional splashes of dusty pink and coral. Clean and welcoming. Just what I’ve imagined for a perfect home in Melbourne.

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Industrial Meets Glamour | Kensington Townhouse by Suzy Hoodless

March 21, 2015March 21, 2015Leave a comment

Familiar with this wallpaper?

This is the Arizona from the range of contemporary floral wallpapers designed by Suzy Hoodless for Osborne & Little.

Suzy Hoodless is a British interior designer who has spent 5 years as Interiors Editor at Wallpaper* magazine, before setting up her design consultancy in year 2000. Besides creating stunning interiors, she also has her own collection of wallpapers for Osborne & Little, a rug collection for The Rug Company, and cashmere blankets for Johnstons of Elgin. (See more of her collection here)

Today let’s look at one of her many beautiful interior design projects.

This is a 6-storey west-London townhouse done in collaboration with Michaelis Boyd Architects.

It is industrial, it is glamorous, it is sexy. And the book-lined study with the Crittal-style windows and patterned floor tiles is to die for.

While not all of us have the budget to splurge on every designer pieces seen here, I’m sure you will find some inspirations to introduce a little glam and luxe to your adobe :)