In a city of exciting contrasts, designers get creative with craft and culture, merging styles and solutions, writes Angela Hui

Organic materials and lines at M.R. Studio’s 1111 Ones Restaurant & Lounge. Photograph: Steven Ko

Every March, the global art fair Art Basel takes over Hong Kong, bringing together collectors, travelers, designers and artists from around the world—and highlighting the city’s unique creative identity. Hong Kong is one of the world’s best examples of the confluence between east and west: where old meets new, temples stand alongside skyscrapers and tong lau walk-up tenement buildings live next to shiny penthouses. For decades, it has held the reputation of being the gateway to Asia, also known as “Asia’s World City,” becoming a center for major banks, hospitality, retail and home-grown talent.

“Hong Kong’s creativity is deeply tied to its role as a global commerce hub, making its design scene highly commercial,” say Dilara Kan Hon and Bodin Hon, the husband-and-wife founders of Yellowdot, a multidisciplinary studio based between Hong Kong and Istanbul that makes colorful lighting and furniture. “But there’s also a growing appreciation for more experimental, artistic and sustainable approaches, fuelled by a younger generation of designers and makers looking to push boundaries.”

While Dilara was raised in Istanbul and Bodin grew up in Hong Kong, the couple met studying product design at Milan’s Istituto Europeo di Design. Together, they challenge and complement each other, combining Dilara’s artistic flair with Bodin’s technical precision, resulting in useful yet playful designs. One project that embodies this is Hatch, a collection of light pendants, cabinets and room dividers that uses eggshells collected from local homes and bakeries. The eggshells are cleaned, with each shell delicately split and hand-arranged to form a patterned texture that creates a warm, unique light-scattering effect.

Yellowdot designers Dilara Kan Hon and Bodin Hon with items from the Hatch collection. Photograph: Yellowdot

“We have always been fascinated by eggs—their shape, the biology behind them, and the science involved in their creation. They exemplify natural design and connect to the rich tradition of Asian egg-related art, such as egg carving and eggshell lacquer,” they explain. “Hatch has allowed us to merge this cultural heritage with modern design techniques, creating pieces that are both functional and artistic.” 

Hong Kong’s design scene is still emerging, but the city is quickly gaining recognition as one of the art world’s major capitals. With the spotlight on the city through Art Basel, there is hope that design will soon follow in art’s successful footsteps. Across architecture and product and interior design, the city’s aesthetic has evolved organically, shaped by practical needs rather than a particular creative movement, but designers continue to innovate, while reflecting Hong Kong’s identity.

A view of the Hong Kong skyline over the dining table in a Kowloon penthouse designed by Hintegro. Photograph: Keith Chan

Keith Chan, founder of Hong Kong’s Hintegro interior design studio, is behind some of the most stylish residential homes, bars and coffee shops in the city. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Chan is grateful to have lived through the 1980s and witnessed the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from the U.K. back to China. This history has shaped the city’s creative landscape, he says, but it’s also fuelled a shift toward speed—fast fashion and fast production—which has, at times, impacted the quality of design. “That’s why I incorporate local craftsmanship into my projects, particularly in residential designs,” says Chan. “Featuring local carpenters allows me to showcase their skills and remind people that artisans and handmade work are still valued in Hong Kong.”

He approaches each project like a doctor, diagnosing clients’ needs to weave their stories into personalized designs. To create effective solutions, Chan imagines himself in his client’s shoes and utilizes every inch of space to its full potential. “I reflect on how they will spend their time, from the moment they wake up, and how their habits influence their routines,” he says. 

Keith Chan, founder of Hintegro: “Artisans and handmade work are still valued in Hong Kong.” Photograph: Hintegro

Within the city’s unique ecosystem, creatives must often navigate an unconventional path. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world, but the scarcity of space can, in fact, be a chance to push boundaries and think outside the box. For Myron Kwan, founder of architecture and design firm M.R. Studio—specializing in hospitality, commercial, residential and office spaces—limited space is an opportunity. “Functionality is always our foremost priority; it serves as the backbone of our designs,” he says. “To navigate this constraint, we focus on thoughtful, thematic concepts and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring we maximize the potential of each project.”

At the studio’s 2021 project Bar de Luxe—a Japanese speakeasy cocktail bar in Central, a district packed with skyscrapers, malls and restaurants—Kwan designed a luxurious atmosphere by combining traditional Japanese craft with contemporary elements such as raw timber, handmade turquoise tiles and velvet drapery. There is even a ceiling light above the bar inspired by wagasa, the traditional oil-paper umbrella used in tea ceremonies and kabuki theatre. 

The Japanese speakeasy Bar de Luxe, designed by M.R Studio. Photograph: Steven Ko

Hong Kong is a city of two halves. On one hand, it’s a whirlwind of energy, with a constant buzz of activity and an undeniable drive. On the other, there’s a serene escape—lush forests, tranquil beaches and peaceful islands are just a stone’s throw away. It’s no surprise that designers here draw inspiration from this duality as a way to thrive in the city’s vibrant pulse, while reconnecting with nature to escape the chaos. “Observing patterns, textures and moments of beauty in ordinary life often sparks ideas,” say the Yellowdot co-founders. “We’re inspired by contrasts—the old and new, the traditional and innovative—and by experimenting with materials and techniques to discover something unexpected.”

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