650 SQUARE FEET... According to Hong Kong!
What do you think? I found this flat on a realtor's website (hence the annoying watermarks stamped across all the images... ugh!) and I think they were asking around US $4,500 per month. No matter how many times you read that sentence, it will say US $4,500. Let's move on. After having viewed many flats myself, I can safely say this open concept is not normal for Hong Kong. Builders typically layout spaces with as many small closets rooms as possible. In many cases, the rooms are unusable once furnished with bedroom doors that can't open all the way and beds that can't be made-up easily because they're surrounded by walls on three sides. But, this designer kept the space open, while providing privacy if needed, but still allowing for long site lines which allows one to not feel so cadged up.
The design is smart and simple. One paint color, one flooring and the color palette of white, shades of charcoal and accented with splashes of caramel all allow the eye to move around without interruption. Notice how the kitchen appliances are concealed, the coffee table and stool color blends in with the rug. The white sofa and bed simply disappear against the white walls. Stopping the eye can make a space feel even smaller than it is. I don't know about you, but I really like this flat.
For the last month or so, I have been checking out realtor sites, reading up on small space planning and pinning like a fool. For the last few years, I have ended each year negotiating a new job contract, re-applying for a new work visa, while also finding and negotiating a new flat rental agreement. And all of this just weeks before my favorite holiday... CHRISTmas! And to my surprise, just weeks after the Christopher Radko cartons arrived from Macys.com (yay!!), this year is turning out to be no different. I'm moving... yes, moving.
Again.
