When an avid art-collecting couple invested in a 2,500sqft Tai Tam residence for themselves and their children, they had in mind an elegant, captivating space that doubles as a place to display art pieces as well as a thoughtfully integrated social hub for family and friends. To realize this vision, they commissioned Hong Kong-based interior designer Max Lam to curate a charming environment that ticks all the boxes.

“The clients requested a contemporary sanctuary blended with a sense of understated luxury,” Lam explains. “While we had to conceive a functional yet sophisticated layout to mirror the homeowners’ affinity for art and collecting, it’s crucial to prioritize generous spaces where they can enjoy precious family time, and designated areas for whiskey and cigars.” To accommodate the family’s must-have list, Lam came up with the idea to juxtapose a timeless canvas with textured stones, brass and wooden accents to show depth and layers. For the heart of the home – the living area with a sleek balcony, Lam and his team took advantage of the scenic views of Tai Tam Bay and complimented the picturesque surroundings with a custom-built rose-gold fireplace for added warmth and coziness.

Meanwhile, the structural pillars posed a creative challenge to the team. “To minimize the obtrusiveness, we transformed the existing structures into design elements with tactile grey terrazzo stone finish and extended them with new additions composed of wood and brass on both sides,” says Lam. “This way, the integrated design now becomes an organic divider between the entrance and the living area where a seamless flow is realized.” Outfitting the inviting room are a sumptuous L-shaped sofa from Minotti, Roche Bobois’ Dolphin Pivoting swirl chairs and a stainless-steel coffee table. On the other hand, an artistic ink silk carpet from Fort Street Studio subtlly resonates with a wall art by artist Sun Guangyi acquired from Sin Sin Fine Art to imbue multiple patterns and colors to the whiskey bar.

Moving into the dining room, Lam and his creative team made it clear that it was more than just a place to eat. “We wanted to curate an immersive dining experience by incorporating handpicked appointments, such as the Concorde dining table and Grace dining chairs from Poliform, all elevated by the soft glow exuded from Tom Dixon’s Spring pendant lamp,” he continues. “Underneath the elegant setting is the Seraphinite rug designed by Eduardo Dente for Roche Bobois that adds an alluring touch to the space.” An equal amount of effort was poured into the transformation of the kitchen too. Boasting a set of state-of-the-art German-made kitchen cabinets set against exquisite tiles and floorings, the semi-open area is now every home cook’s dream.

Such subtle glamor is evident in the master bedroom. Of all the beautiful designs (including the velvet bed, headboard and bedside tables from Minotti) and objects seen in the suite, the private quarters come with an adjacent exclusive area, where a delicate stand is embedded to showcase the Cherries sculpture by Lothar purchased from a London gallery, is the jewel of the crown. To achieve the lure of understated luxury and resonate with the curved light troughs, the creative team embedded graceful arched profiles to wall edges and door frames for a fluid, smooth transition throughout the private quarters. A snug window reading nook that boasts a sea view is realized for another indoor hideaway where the homeowners can curl up with a good book or simply unwind with a fine sip.

To address the busy couple’s longing for unrivaled enjoyment at home, Lam crafted another immersive experience with a fully equipped master bathroom. “We outfitted the spacious area with two sinks upon an elongated vanity top, a Japanese-inspired shower area mimicking a designated spot to rinse before going into the onsen, and a freestanding oval bathtub for ultimate relaxation,” Lam continues. “Due to a penchant for hot baths, we suggested to install a bench for resting after bathing. A water fountain shower option is also available for the clients to enjoy massages whenever possible.” Completing the atmospheric scene are moody decorative accents such as dark-toned tiles, ambient lighting, top-notch sanitaryware and accessories in rose gold, elevating the traditional Japanese bathing experience.

The son’s and daughter’s rooms are respectively furnished in two entirely different aesthetic approaches. The former is serene and sophisticated, decorated with curved wooden panels seamlessly approaching the ceilings, while the latter is energized with a dropped ceiling complete with delicate illumination for a crisp, modern look.

The painstaking work didn’t stop there. “To cater to the modern family’s needs, we conceived a smart living environment complete with home automation systems, fully integrated air conditioning, advanced lighting solutions, electrical curtains and more.” The holistic creative approach genuinely echoes with one of Lam’s design values: Every detail counts.