Private collection

Open-plan interiors create a seamless flow between living areas and are well suited to modern lifestyles. With large, airy spaces and expansive walls, such interiors can also take on an art gallery feel, as this project illustrates.

Designer Ken Leung of Original Vision in Hong Kong says creating a suitable backdrop for the owner's extensive collection of contemporary art was a priority for the design of this remodelled semi-detached house.

"It was also essential that the backdrop would make a design statement in itself," he says. "We needed to create an exciting yet comfortable home, where the spaces would flow seamlessly from one to the next and connect, wherever possible, to the view and outdoor living areas."

Leung says the interior of the four-level, semi-detached house was totally gutted and rebuilt. The new layout ensures there are large walls for artworks, and plenty of natural light. All the walls, including the stairwell, are painted off-white.

"Limiting the palette of finishes and materials ensured the interiors would harmonise and allow the artwork to resonate," he says. "An added benefit of limiting the materials is an enhanced feeling of space and continuity."

The main entrance to the house, on the second level, opens directly into the open-plan living area. A split-level design means the family living area is slightly lower than the dining space and kitchen. The lowered floor increases the height of the room, creating a more spacious feel. Sliding glass doors open up the entire end wall to a large terrace, flooding the interior with natural light. The split level also ensures the view from the kitchen and dining table is not interrupted.

To further define the different functions within the space, the designer introduced a large, dark-stained walnut storage cabinet that sits behind the sofa. As well as providing visual separation, the unit displays sculptural pieces. An asymmetrical bookcase on a side wall is built from similar dark-stained walnut.

The wall adjacent to the dining room features a changing artwork, in the form of a large integrated and illuminated fish tank, which contributes to the tranquillity of the space.

The calm, uncluttered look is further reinforced by the contemporary Italian kitchen, where most of the appliances are concealed with a sleek wall of cabinets. Stainless steel countertops enhance the streamlined look.

The island countertop extends to form a table for casual eating. Bright red bar stools add a punch of colour and provide a visual link to the red sofa.

Leung says the open stairwell was remodelled and additional natural light introduced to illuminate key sculptural pieces. The stairs lead to a rooftop garden, which features an outdoor kitchen, soaking tub and dining area. A retractable awning provides shade, ensuring the rooftop garden can be enjoyed throughout the day as well as at night.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes