[Rhonda]

Hello,
We are moving to Hong Kong in less than a month. Our apartment is about 74 square meters. I have never lived in a place this small with so little storage and need help. Has anyone used a decorator that was really good at small spaces?
Thanks,
Rhonda

[Siuli]

Hi Rhonda,

I'm an Interior designer (french), I've been in Hong Kong for 9 months now and I just have finished a flat (350sqf).
If you want I can show you some of my work or if you have any questions first?

Regards,

Siuli

[fly]

Hi Rhonda,
Welcome to HK! There's a few things you'll need to consider if you haven't yet already, namely if the apt may have storage built-in already, if you're allowed to perform alterations or not, what your preference / style is, what your lifestyle in hk will be, etc.

All that will help to determine how you use your apartment and what you are likely to like living with day in/day out.

PM me if you would like to discuss further, many of us have been there/done that and can save you time and grief.

cheers!

[tstexpat]

Do not hire a designer. I recommend going directly to a contractor. Designers are a total rip off especially the expat ones.

[Yupi]

hey be careful, we are many expat designers on geoexpat ...
it is not because you had a bad experience with one of us that you can say that on a public forum ...

n importe quoi desfois j vous jure ...

[nivantj]

Originally Posted by Yupi

it is not because you had a bad experience with one of us that you can say that on a public forum ...

Why not!!!! After all this is a public forum and everyone is sharing own experiences... It should not matter as long as the post is not pointing to an individual...

[Rhonda]

Thanks for your good advise and warm welcome. I will take your advise. Rhonda

[tstexpat]

Sorry Yupi..I am an expat who has been in HK for 14+ years and has had numerous dealings with designers & contractors over the past 14 years. This is my opinion as I buy, fix and rent out or sell flats here in Kowloon for a living.

IMO contacting a contractor direct saves 40% and you end up getting a better job done. I have worked on numerous projects with designers and contractors directly. I find that the best way is to test and purchase all the fittings yourself at Mongkok or Wanchai and get a contractor to do all the work for you. The contractors are the people who do the work and are much more experienced that the "Designers" who IMO do nothing more that hike up the price and piss off the contractors.

It is very easy to find contractors and designers in the Pace magazine available in any 7-11. Although the mag is in Chinese you can call up any of the people listed and most of them speak English. Another option is to contact the labor department and ask them to recommend a Sifu or Foreman. These guys are connected and can put together a team for you in no time.

[Yupi]

Originally Posted by tstexpat

Do not hire a designer. I recommend going directly to a contractor. Designers are a total rip off especially the expat ones.

Especially expat ones ...
I am sorry but I feel being pointed


I have a friend, interior designer, did a flat in HK, and the contractor did not repect the plan. 10 mm or 20 was the same for him, the finishing is not good, I think it would had be better done by the designer (because a designer can also build it by their own hands, we learn it at school)

Monsieur, you have a lot and a lot of experience, ok.
But I think we do not have the same vision of design.

If you want to live in a Ikea flat, ok no problem, contact a contractor directly.
If you need to rethink about the space and the functionnality of a flat, contact a designer.

[Yupi]

and why especially expat ones ???????????
we are all doing the same job !