How a Hong Kong family home became an art-laden haven

Few spaces are as captivating as those belonging to passionate collectors, where every piece tells a story. Yet what happens if you enjoy collecting but aren’t sure how best to display your treasures?

The four-bedroom, three-bathroom house had been built in the 1980s and, although habitable, was dated. Planning to create a long-term home that indulges their love of art and entertaining while accommodating children, the Chungs opted for a full makeover but with minimal construction.

Wong, who grew up in Australia and Hong Kong, and worked in the Netherlands and Britain before settling back here in 2021, established her eponymous studio last year. The Chungs’ home, which took seven months to complete, is her inaugural project.

“Matt and Jess studied overseas and travel extensively, especially to Europe, and they have built up a massive collection of art and antiques,” says Wong. “My role was to design each room with an understanding of their collections as well as incorporate current lifestyle habits and future plans.”

On the ground floor, Wong added glass door panes to lighten up a dark entrance, and on the first floor, alongside a guest room, she crafted a versatile study from a former bedroom. Here, Wong designed a dedicated wall space behind a 1950s Ico Parisi desk to showcase a selection of Matt’s smaller paintings, many of which had been propped up on the floor of his former home.

Adjoining the study is a sanctuary Wong nicknamed the “library”. Layered with global heritage, muted colours and textural warmth, this room features built-in walnut veneer cabinets with staggered shelves and gentle lighting for the couple’s sculptures and crystals. A Moroccan rug and a collection of mid-century modern vintage chairs were brought out of storage so they could be used and admired.