Houzz Tour: Fuss-Free Hong-Kong Flat

"This family is very fuss free," Leung says. "They have two kids and were adamant about having a livable space that had a contemporary look but still retained a touch of the Orient." Cream-colored and light beige paint swathes the walls, and traditional Chinese furniture in natural wood sits side by side with bucket chairs, modern pendant lamps and contemporary bar stools, creating a mellow but pulled-together space.

Molded plastic chairs: Pedrali Gliss Chair

A sliding-glass panel can extend the kitchen into the dining space, creating a more spacious area for entertaining, and the countertop is roomy enough to also function as a bar area. The couple can simply close the sliding glass to seal off the kitchen once the cooking has begun to keep a separate space.

Ceiling-light troughs create an illusion of a higher ceiling, while troughs above the countertop provide task light for food preparation. "I still wanted to respect the family's priority: creating a clutter-free but still warm and cozy space," Leung explains, "so the lighting was important to get right."

The Oriental table lamp from Altfield, at the far end of the counter, brings the flavor of East Asia to the otherwise contemporary design.

At first glance, it's easy to forget that two toddlers live in this space. But a few steps down the hallway are their rooms, one in lilac and the other in sky blue. A central magnetic board offers a prominent showcase for creativity, while books, art supplies and toys find a home on white shelves. The result is orderly ambiance in a day otherwise packed with playdates, diaper changes, and all the other chaos two toddlers can bring.

The couple wanted an open area in the living room so that the kids would have enough space for laying out their toys, reading and watching television — all while still remaining within visible range from the kitchen and dining area.

Living Rooms You Can Live In

"The Oriental display cabinets and carpet blend well with the contemporary setting of the bedroom," Leung points out. "The chaise has a great vantage point near the curved floor-to-ceiling window, offering a spectacular view of the harbor." The couple also love the view of the Lamma Channel from their bedroom because their son gets to see all the container ships and boats sail out to sea; one of his favorite things to do is count the boats in the water.

Chaise: IKEA Ektorp Chaise
Pair of étagères: Joineur bespoke rosewood bookcases