A comprehensive 10-month renovation has transformed a cramped 1,000-square-foot flat in Pok Fu Lam into a spacious and cohesive living environment, integrating a previously overlooked terrace as part of the overall design. The project was led by designer Nicole Cromwell of Nicole Cromwell Interior Design, working with Rachel Tong and her husband Paul, who had lived in the one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment for over a decade.

The couple initially considered relocating but ultimately chose to redevelop their existing flat to better suit their needs, particularly with two large dogs in the household. The original layout was characterized by a poorly positioned wall near the entrance that obscured the kitchen and created a cramped feel. The pathway to the bedroom required navigating around seating arrangements that focused on a wall-mounted television, and a reading nook received little natural light.

Cromwell's design approach focused on opening up the floor plan to enhance light, flow, and function. She removed unnecessary partitions and reoriented furniture placement to facilitate better spatial connection throughout the flat. Wide timber flooring replaced laminate, while a carefully selected material palette and meticulously arranged furnishings contributed to a unified aesthetic.

Given the couple’s passion for cooking, special attention was paid to revamping the kitchen. Functional upgrades included the installation of a tall wine refrigerator, ample storage, and a large island clad in fluted timber. The kitchen features high-end appliances such as a Quooker tap providing instant still, sparkling, or boiling water, an oversized sink and drying space, and a Gaggenau oven and hob. While Paul Tong initially favored a traditional wood palette, Cromwell persuaded him to adopt a deeper, contemporary dark blue, lending the kitchen a strong architectural presence. This color choice was extended into the adjacent reading room, visually linking the spaces.

In the study area, previously underutilized due to poor lighting, Cromwell relocated the desk beneath a window and incorporated a Japanese-inspired slatted timber panel to allow light while providing privacy. Custom shelving was tailored to the couple’s extensive book collection, with a mixture of heights influencing the design. Additional features include low marble-topped cupboards with integrated backlighting, and furnishings that define the study as a distinct zone within a larger space.

Lighting throughout the flat was designed to be dimmable, aligning with the clients’ preference for subdued environments, including on the terrace. Although initially focused on the interior, the renovation was extended to the outdoor terrace after recognizing the stark contrast between the renovated flat and the worn outdoor area. The terrace received new floor tiles, freshly painted walls, custom-built planters preserving existing palms, and a built-in barbecue station. Practicality for the couple’s dogs was also factored into the layout. Cromwell collaborated with a landscaper from Sai Kung to introduce complementary low-level greenery, enhancing the sense of an outdoor living extension.

The final result is a modern, interconnected home that balances aesthetic refinement with functional adaptability, reshaping how the residents experience their space. Rachel Tong expressed satisfaction with the outcome, endorsing the collaborative process and the substantial transformation of their longtime residence.