This Olympic equestrian's small apartment has gentle nods to her love of horses

Jul 31, 2023

The transformation of this Hong Kong apartment into a characterful, light-filled space meant removing furniture, opening up walls, and bringing a very personal theme into the mix

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The requirements of modern living pose numerous challenges to our homes. The need to live, host, work, and rest in one space that often has its spatial limitations requires creative thinking and a robust design vision to achieve a space that is as multi-functional as it is beautiful, and as welcoming and suitable for guests, as it is private and a personal sanctuary for calm and relaxation.

When a Team Hong Kong equestrian was looking for a permanent abode after years of traveling to train and show-jump in Europe, the need to create a home base that showcases the owner’s love for horses and is suitable for entertaining, as well as growing a family became prevalent.

The apartment located in Hong Kong’s prestigious Regent On The Park estate went through a transformation that involved opening up the space to allow for the natural light to flow and make the best use of the stunning views, while the equestrian-themed artworks created a truly personal space for the owner. The result is a modern home suited for city living that tastefully showcases the owner’s love for horses.

The apartment featured impressive city views and big windows that allowed for natural light. They only needed to be enhanced and a pathway created for light to be bounced throughout the space for a pleasant flow. London and Hong Kong-based architecture office Kasawoo, in charge of transforming this home, started by opening up the holed-up kitchen by introducing a concealed pocket-door detail which creates an open, connected space perfect for cooking and serving. By opening up the back wall and connecting the kitchen with the rear utility/storage area, Kasawoo was able to introduce natural light and views into the kitchen, enhancing the quality and usability of the space.

Darius Woo, Kasawoo's Managing Director, decided to bring in engineered oak wood flooring in a Herringbone pattern and whitewash finish in the living room, complementing the white walls and creating a light and airy palette that beautifully frames and highlights the skyline view seen through the large window. The accent wall is blue, a color loved by the owner, but that is also seen in the distance from the windows of the outside buildings, in this way creating a visual indoors / outdoors connection, that further adds to the illusion of space and lightness.

The scheme of white walls and a deep blue accent was carried through to the master bedroom, where the fitted wardrobes are in the same custom shade of blue as the feature wall in the living space. In the guest bedroom, old fitted wardrobes were removed to create more space and airiness that accommodates an open studio space and piano room for the owner, when she needs privacy. Throughout the home, Kasawoo’s material strategy was to pair neutral palettes with a pop of color/pattern in every room, while making the best use of the spectacular, famous views of the housing estate seen from the 23rd floor. It’s safe to say this was a mission accomplished.

The owner, a Team Hong Kong Olympics equestrian, wanted her home to reflect her lifelong passion. Kasawoo made a strong point of therefore incorporating artworks and design elements that would celebrate it. ‘Given her lifelong passion for horse riding, Raena loves anything horse-related. As such, over the years she would collect decorations and memorabilia that she finds interesting,’ Darius tells me. Some of the highlights in the home include a saddle in the study room. ‘This is the owner Raena’s favorite riding saddle. It was the saddle she used at the World Equestrian Games 2014 where she was the first ever representative from Hong Kong in the show jumping category,’ adds Darius.

And it doesn’t stop there. Like a living museum of collected personal memories, the home is a celebration of a life-long passion. ‘The artwork in the study room is of Orphee du Granit, Raena’s favorite and most successful horse. She rode this horse at the World Cup Finals 2013, World Equestrian Games 2014, Asian Games 2018, and Team Gold and Individual Bronze medallist at the Asian Championships 2019. The artwork was painted by Ming Chow, a friend of her father, as a gift to commemorate Raena’s and Orphee’s achievement together.’ What a joy and an example of the real purpose of a home, to be a sanctuary where we surround ourselves with the things we love most.

The look of this modern home is an example of minimalism, but by no means does it lack warmth. The space was created with a feeling of comfort in mind and a welcoming atmosphere, where the owner could host. I asked Darius what his secret was to ensure that a minimalist space stays inviting and warm.

‘We think the secret to making sure a minimalist space stays warm and welcoming is to always pair clean lines and neutral colors with a pop of ‘surprise’, be it a complimentary contrasting color, a subtle change of texture, or an interesting pattern. The trick here is to ensure the application of the special material or color does not overwhelm the space. A general rule of thumb for us would be to maintain a ratio of 80% neutral and 20% surprise.’

I love this concept of applying a ‘surprise’, which is so well executed in this space. Keeping the 80/20 ratio ensures that these elements of surprise are highlighted and don’t get lost amongst other pieces of decor. They have room to breathe, get noticed, and be admired. The architecture practice further enhances a welcoming feel by applying subtle personal heritage nods to their design. Darius explains: ‘For example, the green porcelain triangular profile wall tiles we used in the powder room which resemble a bamboo forest not only enhance the experience and visual interest of the space but are also a subtle nod to the Chinese heritage shared by us and our client.’

Kasawoo managed to take a space and transform it into a truly modern home where light flows freely, impressive views are highlighted almost like art, and made an integral part of the design. Most importantly they have created a very personal space where heritage and history are celebrated within a perfectly balanced minimalist design.

Price: $1,495

Recreate the look of this apartment's living room with this floor lamp. It's minimalist in design but its oversized shape will make a statement.

Price: $798

This chair is perfect for placing next to your oversized floor lamp, in front of your window with gorgeous views. Minimalist enough in its design that it won't distract from the skyline outside.

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Use a white rug to complete your minimalist decor and create a sense of light. Make sure the material is comfortable enough to create a warm, cozy feel.

For style leaders and design lovers.

Raluca is Digital News Writer for Livingetc.com and passionate about all things interior and living beautifully. Coming from a background writing and styling shoots for fashion magazines such as Marie Claire Raluca’s love for design started at a very young age when her family’s favourite weekend activity was moving the furniture around the house ‘for fun’. Always happiest in creative environments in her spare time she loves designing mindful spaces and doing colour consultations. She finds the best inspiration in art, nature, and the way we live, and thinks that a home should serve our mental and emotional wellbeing as well as our lifestyle.

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