How a Tiny Hong Kong Flat Got a Vibrant Mexican-Madeover

Drawing inspiration from the relaxed vibe of the renowned Mexican resort destination Tulum, a residence in Tseung Kwan O was revamped using curvaceous designs, organic elements, and smart storage ideas.

The fast-paced life in Hong Kong stands in stark contrast to the free-spirited coastal atmosphere of Tulum, Mexico. However, when tasked with adding a casual charm to a compact 461-square-foot Hong Kong flat, designer Frankie Leung found inspiration in this tranquil town known for its simple whitewashed buildings and elegant Romanesque archways.

Famous as well for its Mayan archaeological sites,
Tulum
has become synonymous with a style that is presently popular within specific luxury interior design communities.

It’s not just Leung’s clientele, the ones who own the two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments,
Tseung Kwan O
The south-facing apartment needed no introduction; its charm was well-known. For Kenneth Lau, who works as a property manager, and his partner Helen Leung, a regulatory affairs manager for finance, it offered a serene retreat designed for both relaxation and companionship with their feline friend, Simba.

Are you curious about the most significant issues and global trends? Find out here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our latest platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.

“At first, I wasn’t sure about the style I desired, so I shared many reference images with Frankie, showcasing various styles,” explains Helen.

Frankie Leung, the founder and creative director of House of Forme, favored curved designs, textured finishes, and earthy, natural tones. She believed that incorporating the Tulum style would unify the couple’s concepts.

Helen adds that storage was crucial as well. “But I wasn’t keen on having numerous cabinets throughout the home.”

Drawing inspiration from the natural elements characteristic of contemporary Tulum interior design, Leung created a rounded Italian-plastered wall that extends from the entryway to the living space.

A graceful curved niche along the main axis of the space boasts brass-edged walnut cabinets below and exposed shelves above, offering storage for shoes and tableware while showcasing the proprietors’ keepsakes from their travels. Helen mentions that she particularly loves the arch design.

She expresses her affection for it as it captures the core of the flowing curves seen all over the house,” she explains. “This elegant artwork welcomes visitors upon their arrival.

A crescent-shaped cabinet above the TV and a coffee table designed like a tree stump near the couch maintain the sculptural theme of the furniture. The light fixtures feature brass and glass elements.
woven rattan
Helen and Kenneth value the varied temperature options in the lighting plan suggested by Leung, which includes a soothing yellow hue for tranquil areas and vibrant, functional white light for the kitchen and bathroom.

The glass partition added by a former homeowner to create something akin to an enclosed kitchen was unnecessary, so Leung took it out and replaced it with a counter-like island that seats four people. This practical element made from terrazzo serves multiple roles: It functions as both a dining table and a workspace for working remotely, and also acts as a gathering spot when friends come over, thus stabilizing the spacious layout of the area.

The hand-applied glaze on Moroccan Zellige tiles adds a luminous touch to the kitchen, which otherwise features a muted color scheme with rustic walnut cabinets, marble countertops, and a cream-colored travertine island.

The hallway connecting the two bedrooms and the bathroom was designed by Leung as an arched gateway. He aimed to offset the home’s limited size by giving visitors the sense of entering a separate zone. “Since it’s a confined space, we avoided adding numerous doors to keep the atmosphere intact,” he explains.

At the distant end, your gaze is caught by two arched steps and slim open-shelving units that lead into the primary bedroom area.

The bedroom already featured a partly elevated floor, which Leung tore down and replaced with a more practical platform offering ample storage space beneath. Additionally, he installed a weathered-looking wicker-embedded wardrobe along with open-woven bedside lights that emit a soft, lantern-like radiance.

The distinctive architecture found in Tulum stands out as a major draw for visitors to the bustling Mexican resort destination. However, according to Leung, this architectural approach goes beyond fleeting fads. He explains, “This design embodies a lifestyle that emphasizes sustainability, harmony with nature, and genuine cultural heritage. Such elements are not typically seen in Hong Kong, which makes this compact apartment truly remarkable.”

And despite
having never visited Tulum
, Helen and Kenneth get to enjoy its atmosphere indirectly, each day.

Living and dining area

Curved cabinet crafted and assembled by House of Forme (houseofforme.com). The sofa, area rug, brass wall sconce, and wicker hanging light fixture were all tailor-made at manufacturing plants located in Guangdong province. Meanwhile, oak wood floors along with a smooth Venetian plaster for the walls were provided by an independent contractor.

Living area detail

The arched wood detailing above the television, along with the short cabinet beneath it—both offering ample storage—are creations of designer Frankie Leung. A decorative candle from Zara Home (zarahome.com) adds an extra touch of style.

Kitchen

Quartzite countertops paired with wood cabinets adorned with brass trimmings and decorative frosted glass above them, crafted by House of Forme. Handmade beige glazed zellige mosaic tiles sourced from Zellige-Tiles.com via Etsy. The Corston brass fixtures were obtained from Archetypal. Additionally, a customized rattan dining chair was produced in Guangdong Province.

Corridor to bedroom

Island dining table, designed and built by House of Forme. Wall lamp, custom made in Guangdong.

Main bedroom

Curved plaster-completed steps, showcase cabinet, bed frame, and storage platform—all crafted and produced by House of Forme.

Entrance

The curved entry niche features a matte Venetian plaster finish applied by the contractor. The mirror is from Zara Home. Additionally, two decorative wooden stools, customized in Guangdong, serve dual purposes as seating pieces.