{"id":435,"date":"2025-03-27T14:46:06","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T18:46:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.sothebysrealty.com\/2025\/03\/27\/inside-hong-kongs-unique-design-scene\/"},"modified":"2025-05-08T11:48:26","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T15:48:26","slug":"inside-hong-kongs-unique-design-scene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/inside-hong-kongs-unique-design-scene\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Hong Kong\u2019s Unique Design Scene"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a city of exciting contrasts, designers get creative with craft and culture, merging styles and solutions, writes Angela Hui<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/a>Organic materials and lines at M.R. Studio’s 1111 Ones Restaurant & Lounge. Photograph: Steven Ko<\/span><\/p>\n

Every March, the global art fair <\/span>Art Basel<\/span><\/a> takes over Hong Kong, bringing together collectors, travelers, designers and artists from around the world\u2014and highlighting the city\u2019s unique creative identity. Hong Kong is one of the world\u2019s best examples of the confluence between east and west: where old meets new, temples stand alongside skyscrapers and <\/span>tong lau<\/span><\/i> 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 \u201cAsia\u2019s World City,\u201d becoming a center for major banks, hospitality, retail and home-grown talent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHong Kong\u2019s creativity is deeply tied to its role as a global commerce hub, making its design scene highly commercial,\u201d say Dilara Kan Hon and Bodin Hon, the husband-and-wife founders of <\/span>Yellowdot<\/span><\/a>, a multidisciplinary studio based between Hong Kong and Istanbul that makes colorful lighting and furniture. \u201cBut there\u2019s also a growing appreciation for more experimental, artistic and sustainable approaches, fuelled by a younger generation of designers and makers looking to push boundaries.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While Dilara was raised in Istanbul and Bodin grew up in Hong Kong, the couple met studying product design at Milan\u2019s Istituto Europeo di Design. Together, they challenge and complement each other, combining Dilara\u2019s artistic flair with Bodin\u2019s technical precision, resulting in useful yet playful designs. One project that embodies this is <\/span>Hatch<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>Yellowdot designers Dilara Kan Hon and Bodin Hon with items from the Hatch collection. Photograph: Yellowdot<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have always been fascinated by eggs\u2014their 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,\u201d they explain. \u201cHatch has allowed us to merge this cultural heritage with modern design techniques, creating pieces that are both functional and artistic.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hong Kong\u2019s design scene is still emerging, but the city is quickly gaining recognition as one of the art world\u2019s major capitals. With the spotlight on the city through Art Basel, there is hope that design will soon follow in art\u2019s successful footsteps. Across architecture and product and interior design, the city\u2019s aesthetic has evolved organically, shaped by practical needs rather than a particular creative movement, but designers continue to innovate, while reflecting Hong Kong\u2019s identity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>A view of the Hong Kong skyline over the dining table in a Kowloon penthouse designed by Hintegro. Photograph: Keith Chan<\/span><\/p>\n

Keith Chan, founder of Hong Kong\u2019s <\/span>Hintegro<\/span><\/a> 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\u2019s creative landscape, he says, but it\u2019s also fuelled a shift toward speed\u2014fast fashion and fast production\u2014which has, at times, impacted the quality of design. \u201cThat\u2019s why I incorporate local craftsmanship into my projects, particularly in residential designs,\u201d says Chan. \u201cFeaturing local carpenters allows me to showcase their skills and remind people that artisans and handmade work are still valued in Hong Kong.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He approaches each project like a doctor, diagnosing clients\u2019 needs to weave their stories into personalized designs. To create effective solutions, Chan imagines himself in his client\u2019s shoes and utilizes every inch of space to its full potential. \u201cI reflect on how they will spend their time, from the moment they wake up, and how their habits influence their routines,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>Keith Chan, founder of Hintegro: \u201cArtisans and handmade work are still valued in Hong Kong.\u201d Photograph: Hintegro<\/span><\/p>\n

Within the city\u2019s 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 <\/span>M.R. Studio<\/span><\/a>\u2014specializing in hospitality, commercial, residential and office spaces\u2014limited space is an opportunity. \u201cFunctionality is always our foremost priority; it serves as the backbone of our designs,\u201d he says. \u201cTo navigate this constraint, we focus on thoughtful, thematic concepts and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring we maximize the potential of each project.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At the studio\u2019s 2021 project Bar de Luxe\u2014a Japanese speakeasy cocktail bar in Central, a district packed with skyscrapers, malls and restaurants\u2014Kwan 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 <\/span>wagasa<\/span><\/i>, the traditional oil-paper umbrella used in tea ceremonies and kabuki theatre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span>The Japanese speakeasy Bar de Luxe, designed by M.R Studio. Photograph: Steven Ko<\/span><\/p>\n

Hong Kong is a city of two halves. On one hand, it\u2019s a whirlwind of energy, with a constant buzz of activity and an undeniable drive. On the other, there\u2019s a serene escape\u2014lush forests, tranquil beaches and peaceful islands are just a stone\u2019s throw away. It\u2019s no surprise that designers here draw inspiration from this duality as a way to thrive in the city\u2019s vibrant pulse, while reconnecting with nature to escape the chaos. \u201cObserving patterns, textures and moments of beauty in ordinary life often sparks ideas,\u201d say the Yellowdot co-founders. \u201cWe\u2019re inspired by contrasts\u2014the old and new, the traditional and innovative\u2014and by experimenting with materials and techniques to discover something unexpected.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Explore another global design mecca: <\/span><\/i>the creative desert oasis of Morocco<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":232770368,"featured_media":468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1393,1403],"tags":[1447],"class_list":["post-435","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art-and-culture","category-market-insights","tag-hong-kong"],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pf4gbL-71","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":343080,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/the-benefits-of-living-in-a-creative-city\/","url_meta":{"origin":435,"position":0},"title":"The Benefits of Living in a Creative City","author":"SIR Admin","date":"December 9, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"How the nearby presence of cultural institutions can effect luxury real estate markets Dallas, Texas | Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty American urban planner and theorist Kevin Lynch observed in 1960 that the city should be \u201cmade by art, shaped for human purposes.\u201d This credo has taken on different forms\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Market Insights"","block_context":{"text":"Market Insights","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/market-insights\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/4.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/4.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/4.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/4.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":346128,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/collecting-focus-chinese-art-and-antiques\/","url_meta":{"origin":435,"position":1},"title":"Collecting Focus: Chinese Art and Antiques","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"February 19, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"From headline-making Ming pieces to elegant, accessible ceramics, Chinese art brings exquisite artisanship and a tangible connection to the past to any serious collection, writes Katie Armstrong A rare famille-rose \u201cpeony, magnolia and peach blossom\u201d vase (Tianqiuping), seal mark and period of Yongzheng. Photograph: Sotheby\u2019s When a tiny Ming dynasty\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Art and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/art-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Asian art exhibition featuring various blue and white vases, plates, and bowls","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/031325_Asian_Art_Exhibition_152.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/031325_Asian_Art_Exhibition_152.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/031325_Asian_Art_Exhibition_152.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/031325_Asian_Art_Exhibition_152.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/031325_Asian_Art_Exhibition_152.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/031325_Asian_Art_Exhibition_152.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":345545,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/spotlight-on-bangkok-home-to-a-cultural-and-luxury-renaissance\/","url_meta":{"origin":435,"position":2},"title":"Spotlight on Bangkok: Home to a Cultural and Luxury Renaissance","author":"Natalie Davis","date":"December 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Thailand\u2019s capital is riding a creative and cultural wave, with the world-class real estate and lifestyle to match, writes Lisa Gries Khlong Tan, Bangkok | List Sotheby\u2019s International Realty In the 2025 World\u2019s 50 Best Hotels ranking, two of the top three\u2014the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Capella Bangkok\u2014are in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Art and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/art-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Bangkok tower luxury residence","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bankgok_Porsche2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bankgok_Porsche2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bankgok_Porsche2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bankgok_Porsche2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bankgok_Porsche2.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bankgok_Porsche2.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":348331,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/luxury-lens-what-is-the-true-value-of-luxury-living\/","url_meta":{"origin":435,"position":3},"title":"Luxury Lens: What is the true value of luxury living?","author":"Kate Marburger","date":"October 12, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The wealthy are increasingly seeking homes in multiple jurisdictions. Choosing the right location means understanding the cost of luxury living across leading global destinations. Two new datasets can help with that. First up, the Julius Baer Lifestyle Index, featured in the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 published by Julius\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Luxury Lens"","block_context":{"text":"Luxury Lens","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/market-insights\/luxury-lens\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Luxury waterfront residence at sunset featuring a modern stone-and-glass home overlooking the water. The property includes a manicured lawn, infinity-edge swimming pool, outdoor dining area, private dock, and expansive views across the harbor under a pink and blue evening sky.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sydney.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sydney.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sydney.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sydney.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sydney.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/sydney.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":390,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/inside-the-rise-of-torontos-harbourfront\/","url_meta":{"origin":435,"position":4},"title":"Inside the Rise of Toronto\u2019s Harbourfront","author":"Procurement Admin","date":"January 13, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"From industrial port to livable cultural center, the Canadian city\u2019s lakeside neighborhood has seen a stunning transformation\u2014and the changes keep coming The Harbourfront in Toronto. Photo: Scott Webb via Unsplash A hundred years ago, Toronto\u2019s Harbourfront was a bustling and dirty port full of noise and industrial activity. Ships hauling\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Art and Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Art and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/art-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Header.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":342669,"url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/collecting-focus-modern-and-contemporary-prints\/","url_meta":{"origin":435,"position":5},"title":"Collecting Focus: Modern and Contemporary Prints","author":"SIR Admin","date":"September 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Often mistaken for copies, prints are works of art in their own right\u2014and their popularity is on the rise, writes Florence Hallett Andy Warhol, \u201cFlowers (Feldman & Schellmann II.64-73),\u201d signed, 1970. Courtesy of Sotheby\u2019s Whether it\u2019s pop art or Picasso, opportunities for acquiring extraordinary prints of celebrated artworks to adorn\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Market Insights"","block_context":{"text":"Market Insights","link":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/category\/market-insights\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/009N10999_B8RNF_BI_02_Group-copy-resized.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/009N10999_B8RNF_BI_02_Group-copy-resized.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/009N10999_B8RNF_BI_02_Group-copy-resized.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static-sir-corp-blog-production.gtsstatic.net\/blog-api\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/009N10999_B8RNF_BI_02_Group-copy-resized.jpg?resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/header-8.57.00\u202fAM.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/232770368"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=435"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":472,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/435\/revisions\/472"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=435"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=435"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sothebysrealty.com\/extraordinary-living-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=435"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}