How Built-In Furniture Helped Transform This 352 Sq Ft Hong Kong Apartment

Step inside a 352-square-foot Hong Kong apartment transformed by Ada Wong and Eric Liu of littleMORE. This compact home uses natural light, smart planning, and built-in furniture to create a bright and functional living space.

In Hong Kong, where compact apartments are a familiar part of city living, making the most of every square foot can completely change how a home feels. For one young couple, the goal was simple: refresh their 352-square-foot apartment with more natural light and create a home that better supported the way they live and work.

To bring that vision to life, they turned to interior designers Ada Wong and Eric Liu of littleMORE. The result is a bright, functional apartment that uses smart planning, built-in furniture, and subtle design choices to make a small footprint feel much more generous.

A small entryway packed with smart storage ideas. Built-in cabinets, a bench, and wall hooks show how even the smallest spaces can work harder without feeling crowded.

A Welcoming Entry That Makes Use of Every Inch

The apartment opens into a compact entryway that immediately introduces the home’s practical approach to design.

Storage cabinets line the entrance, providing a place to tuck away everyday items and keep clutter out of sight. A built-in bench creates a convenient spot to sit while putting on shoes, while coat hooks mounted above add another layer of functionality without taking up valuable floor space.

Although modest in size, the entry area helps establish an organized and efficient home from the moment you walk through the door.

A small entryway packed with smart storage ideas. Built-in cabinets, a bench, and wall hooks show how even the smallest spaces can work harder without feeling crowded.

An Open Layout Designed for Working Together

One of the biggest priorities for the homeowners was creating a space that supported working from home.

Like many couples, they spend a significant amount of time working throughout the day. However, they didn’t want separate offices that would leave them isolated from one another. Instead, the apartment was organized around an open-plan layout that allows both people to work independently while remaining close by.

Designed for two people working from home, this open-plan apartment balances flexibility and connection while making a compact footprint feel larger and more inviting.

This arrangement creates flexibility throughout the home. One person can settle into the living area while the other works at the desk, making it possible to focus on individual tasks while still sharing the same environment. The layout helps the apartment feel more connected and spacious, with fewer visual barriers interrupting the flow of light and movement.

This built-in desk takes advantage of multiple windows and abundant natural light. Open shelving and hidden storage help keep the workspace organized and efficient.

A Light-Filled Workspace Built Into the Home

A standout feature of the apartment is the built-in desk area positioned beside multiple windows. Natural light floods the workspace throughout the day, creating an inviting place to work, read, or browse online. By integrating the desk directly into the architecture of the apartment, the designers avoided the need for bulky freestanding furniture and freed up valuable floor space.

Storage was also a key part of the design. Open shelving provides room for books, decorative objects, and frequently used items, while cabinets beneath the desk keep everyday essentials neatly hidden away.

A black-framed glass wall separates the bedroom while allowing sunlight to flow throughout the apartment. A simple design feature with a big impact on openness.

A Glass-Enclosed Bedroom That Keeps the Light Flowing

Separating the bedroom from the rest of the apartment presented a challenge. Traditional walls would have reduced the amount of natural light reaching the interior spaces.

The solution was a black-framed window and door system positioned beside the desk. This creates a distinct bedroom while allowing sunlight to travel freely between spaces.

The dark frames introduce a subtle architectural detail that adds character and definition to the apartment. At the same time, the transparent enclosure helps maintain an open feeling throughout the home.

A black-framed glass wall separates the bedroom while allowing sunlight to flow throughout the apartment. A simple design feature with a big impact on openness.

A Raised Bedroom Filled With Warm Wood Details

Inside the bedroom, wood becomes one of the defining materials. The bed sits atop a raised platform that incorporates built-in bedside tables, eliminating the need for additional furniture.

Near the windows, additional wood platforms provide flexible spaces for seating, displaying plants, or simply enjoying the natural light. These layered surfaces add warmth and texture while giving the homeowners more ways to use the room.

Raised wood platforms, integrated bedside tables, plant displays, and built-in storage create a warm and practical bedroom that makes the most of every inch.

At the opposite end of the bedroom, a bookshelf and closet provide essential storage without sacrificing functionality. Every element serves a purpose, helping the compact room remain organized and comfortable.

Raised wood platforms, integrated bedside tables, plant displays, and built-in storage create a warm and practical bedroom that makes the most of every inch.
Raised wood platforms, integrated bedside tables, plant displays, and built-in storage create a warm and practical bedroom that makes the most of every inch.

A Compact Kitchen Hidden Within an Alcove

Back in the main living area, the kitchen is neatly tucked into an alcove. The design embraces simplicity, with minimalist white cabinetry creating a clean and uncluttered appearance. A grey backsplash adds subtle contrast and texture while maintaining the restrained palette used throughout the apartment.

Despite its small footprint, the kitchen includes all the essentials needed for everyday living, including a washing machine integrated into the space.

Tucked into an alcove, this minimalist kitchen combines white cabinetry, a grey backsplash, and integrated appliances for a clean and efficient design.
Tucked into an alcove, this minimalist kitchen combines white cabinetry, a grey backsplash, and integrated appliances for a clean and efficient design.

A Concealed Bathroom With Everything It Needs

One of the apartment’s most discreet design features is the bathroom. Located between the kitchen and bedroom, it sits behind a door that nearly disappears into the surrounding wall. This concealed approach helps maintain the clean visual lines seen throughout the apartment.

Inside, the compact bathroom includes a toilet, shower, vanity area, window, and storage. Every element has been arranged to maximize functionality while working within a limited footprint.

Hidden behind a nearly invisible door, this compact bathroom includes everything needed for daily use while maintaining the apartment's clean and streamlined aesthetic.

Through an open layout, built-in furniture, abundant storage, and an emphasis on natural light, Ada Wong and Eric Liu of littleMORE have created a home that feels bright, practical, and comfortable for modern living.


Photography by Michael Perini