Known for its privacy and stunning ocean views, the tranquil Deep Water Bay Road is a popular address among the rich and famous who have a taste for the finer things in life.
Each house in this exclusive block is unique in its own right, and among them, is a 2,700 square foot, three-storey villa which is a rare artistic treasure. The couple, both art aficionados, wanted to weave their substantial collection of art into the home while allowing each item to stand out, and they commissioned 3mm Studio for the task.
3mm Studio founder Mike Choy says: “The owners wanted more space in the home to exhibit their eclectic art collection, but in a subtle, effortless manner, in order for the space to remain comfortable and homey.” Spanning three levels, the villa features a spacious living and dining room, and a kitchen on the ground floor, with the private area located on the upper floors. All areas are soothing, and elegant, with spectacular art weaved throughout.
When it comes to displaying art at home, much like curating for an exhibition, more is not necessarily merrier. With this in mind, Choy kept just the right amount of artwork for each area to avoid overwhelming the space. “Since the collection of art is very diverse, and it includes paintings and sculptures, the biggest challenge when tackling the installation issues was to put together different types of art pieces harmoniously,” he says.
Taking cues from the beauty of the natural surroundings, the dining room features earthy colours with a mix of natural elements such as light-coloured wood and cave stones. The walls are clad in French grey, while bronze details shine amid Pandora Nebula marble ornaments, giving off a calm and soothing atmosphere.
The living room features a Chester Line curved grey sofa by Italian furniture brand Poltrona Frau, accompanied by a Pantographe Arc floor lamp by Hermès, overflowing with a French touch. The dining room boasts an Infinity collection dining table from Italian furniture brand Porada. Its curvaceous branch-like table base made of Canaletto walnut wood echoes perfectly with the soft silhouette of Lip chairs, creating a structural flow in the space. The simple use of colours extends to the upper floor. The transitional space between the staircase and the bedroom has been kept pared-back as a canvas for artworks to take centre stage. This area is meant to be flexible for the owners to host art events.
Designed around tranquillity and comfort, the master bedroom features textured fabric and wallpaper, with the wardrobe and floors finished in oak and walnut that together bring about a sense of serenity with class. Here, a whimsical abstract painting by French-Chinese artist Lalan hangs proudly in a corner, with the artist’s soft brushstrokes, and use of colours, adding an air of calm and peace to the sleeping space. “The colours and the stories behind each displayed work have also been taken into consideration in the design process in order to tie the art pieces even further with the furniture and décor,” Choy adds.
Apart from sizeable art pieces, the home has other thoughtful details such as the handmade liquid metal finish and the bamboo handle of the cabinet, as testaments to the owners’ refined taste. With an eye for art and details, 3mm Studio accomplishes an elegant and timeless home where museum-worthy art is well integrated in the owners’ everyday life.