Beyond the Blueprint: How One Self-Taught Designer Mastered Small-Space Living on a Budget
HONG KONG – Imagine turning a dated, un-renovated 1990s apartment into a beacon of tranquil design, all while working with a challenging layout and a shoestring budget. That’s precisely what self-taught interior designer Daphne Ho achieved in her Hong Kong home, proving that brilliant design isn’t just for large spaces or limitless funds.
A Vision of Tranquility on a $5,000 Budget
Daphne, who shares her 40 square meter (approximately 430 sq ft) apartment in Kowloon, Hong Kong, with her husband, faced a significant challenge. The apartment, located in an iconic industrial area turned business district, hadn’t seen a renovation since its last owner moved in back in 1990, leaving it looking “very aged and worn”.
Her mission was clear: create a tranquil, cozy, and bright space with ample storage, a neutral palette, and soft curves to counteract the apartment’s irregular, diamond-shaped layout – a common feature in large-scale private housing estates in Hong Kong. The most remarkable part? She undertook this ambitious transformation with a budget of just $5,000.
Masterful Space-Saving Strategies
Daphne’s approach was a masterclass in maximizing every inch. To open up the space, she demolished the bedroom walls, which also expanded the bathroom. All doors were swapped for space-saving sliding doors.
The entrance features a small foyer with a platform and shoe cabinet, subtly separating it from the living room – an idea inspired by the Japanese custom of not bringing dirt inside the home. Behind the door, a full-height pegboard keeps everyday essentials organized and out of sight.
Her custom-made, angled sofa is a brilliant example of multi-functional design. Its deep seating allows it to double as an “afternoon bed,” making the space feel both spacious and comfy. Below, integrated drawers provide crucial additional storage. Even an existing beam above the sofa was cleverly integrated by building a niche for decor.
Ingenious Storage and Flexible Living
Storage is paramount in small spaces, and Daphne’s home delivers. The kitchen, with its challenging pentagon shape, retained its original sink and stove placement, but Daphne rebuilt it with full-height cabinets to maximize storage, even adding a narrow vertical drawer specifically for brooms and mops. Full-length bars above the counter keep drying racks off the limited working surface.
The main bedroom, designed solely to fit a king-size bed, features a custom-built elevated bed with hidden storage underneath for less frequently used items. A three-panel fluted sliding door serves as a full-height storage closet, also functioning as a dress-up and daily care station, with the fluting cleverly disguising the door gaps.
The second bedroom is designed for ultimate flexibility. Currently serving as a dressing room and multi-functional space, it features non-fixed furniture settings, an adjustable hanging system, and storage boxes behind a curtain to hide clutter. Even the bay window area was optimized with a custom desk that has two shorter feet on the window ledge, making it light and easy to move. A foldable ironing board installed on the wall and a hidden full-height cabinet with stackable shoe boxes further demonstrate her commitment to organization.
A Harmonious Blend of Aesthetics and Function
Daphne’s design choices extend beyond mere practicality, embracing aesthetic principles that enhance the living experience. Arches and curves are implemented throughout to soften the irregular shapes of the space, notably a central arch transitioning into the bathroom and bedrooms. Natural sunlight floods the apartment through a window, creating a perfect spot for plants.
The walls and ceilings are coated with Shikkui, an ecological and non-toxic Japanese lime plaster, adding to the bright and neutral palette. In the bathroom, the separation of dry and wet areas, another Japanese inspiration, is evident. The flooring and ledge around the bathtub are made of Japanese Aomori Hiba wood, known for its strong anti-molding and antibacterial properties.
Feng shui principles also informed decisions, such as the must-have circular dining table, a symbol of uniting the family. The dining area, a step down from the living space, features booth seating that wraps around the corner, maximizing seating and using the same materials as the sofa for cohesion. Two foldable rattan chairs provide additional seating for guests.
The Power of Patience and a Mood Board
Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of Daphne’s journey was her commitment to furnishing the apartment with secondhand pieces, a process that took almost 60 months (five years!) to complete. She emphasizes patience as key.
To maintain consistency and organize her inspiration throughout this extensive process, Daphne relied heavily on a mood board created with MillerNote. This tool allowed her to create professional-looking mood boards easily, using templates, a friendly interface, and a Web Clipper to save new ideas with a single click.
Daphne’s apartment is a testament to the idea that thoughtful design, patience, and a clear vision can transform even the most challenging spaces into a personalized, beautiful, and highly functional home, all without breaking the bank. It’s a powerful reminder to be open-minded about the possibilities of every corner, even while remembering to spare some “blind space” for balance.