A Pastel Playground

Gradated pastels and sinuous curves characterise this retro-futuristic Hong Kong apartment by Nelson Chow of NC Design & Architecture

Design Anthology: Can you tell us about the client and their lifestyle?

Nelson Chow: The client has been a good friend of mine for years. He lives by himself and spends a lot of time at home, so he wanted a cheerful, airy space. He’s very into fashion, art and architecture, and he likes things that are fun, colourful and futuristic.

What was the brief to you for the project?

The client asked me to design a space that is ‘fun, colourful and futuristic’, and the 70-square-metre apartment also needed a huge amount of storage and closet space for his clothes and belongings. The home was to feel uncluttered, with dedicated areas for various functions.

Please tell us a little about the material choices for the space.

The main living, dining and sleeping area is finished primarily in warm white plaster, and the work desk, bathroom and kitchen (hidden behind panels) are finished in metallic silver to create a bold contrast. The off-white plaster in the main room provides a soft white canvas for the candy-coloured furniture pieces.

Which of the pieces are custom designed?

We customised a four-poster bed in coloured gradient glass and placed it in the centre of the home. We think of this feature as a sculpture in a gallery, and it gives the project its name — Candy Cube. We also designed the matching orange resin sconces, which are in line with the rest of the colourful resin furniture and lighting by Sabine Marcelis.

Do you have a favourite element or design detail in the architecture or interiors?

We like the curved metallic ceiling — it makes the low ceiling feel higher and more fluid, and its lines are echoed in elements like the sculptural door and its wave-like handle. We also like the concept of the panelled screens that open up to various function.

Images / Harold de Puymorin