In the heart of Hong Kong’s Mid-Levels, a new residential icon has emerged: 33 Kennedy Road. STUDIO ELLA has completed the interiors of this sophisticated project, developed in collaboration with The Development Studio ("TDS"). The result is an art-infused interior narrative that balances urban connectivity with a profound sense of tranquility

STUDIO ELLA’s comprehensive vision for the project spanned interior architecture, bespoke design, and meticulous art advisory and procurement for the entire building, including public areas, the duplex, and typical residential show apartments.

A central pillar of the design ethos was the championing of local artistic talent. STUDIO ELLA commissioned a vibrant, site-specific collection, underscoring the project’s connection to its locale. Twenty-seven bespoke pieces by emerging artist ARROW LAI Siu-Wai (黎小威) inject color and dynamism into the lift lobbies, with each work subtly evolving in palette to reflect the building’s vertical progression. Further enhancing the common areas are six evocative artworks by acclaimed local artist Kanny Yeung, which celebrate the rhythms of nature and Hong Kong’s unique landscape.

Ella Bridgland, Founder of STUDIO ELLA, details the studio’s approach: "We were determined to challenge the typical notion of a ‘show flat’ and create spaces with a distinctive character that conjured a strong sense of ‘home’. It is important to us that our projects have a relationship to their context, and we were deeply inspired by the area's verdant landscapes and rich heritage, which played a huge role in defining the interior aesthetic and spatial arrangement. We approached each show apartment with a personality in mind, ensuring the spaces felt like genuine homes with character and warmth. Thoughtful, creative joinery solutions were crucial in maximising a sense of space, whilst providing functional storage that elevated everyday routines. This, paired with the careful integration of art, achieved an atmosphere of warmth and refined elegance which enhanced and celebrated the attributes of the impressive property."

Bridgland further elaborates on the bespoke art collection, stating: "33 Kennedy Art Collection was conceived around themes of 'The Rhythms of Nature' and 'Recollections & Reveries,' creating a dialogue between art, people, and place. With a strong emphasis on championing local talent, we had an idiosyncratic approach to selecting artworks, with the intention that the collection felt like it had been acquired, naturally and organically over time."

The collaboration’s success was echoed by the developer. Keith Kerr, Chairman of TDS and President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong, reflecting on the partnership: "33 Kennedy Road represents our commitment to delivering exceptional quality through thoughtful design and attention to detail. Working with Ella and her team was truly rewarding. Her passion for integrating art and architecture brought depth and authenticity to the project, creating spaces that resonate with discerning modern homeowners. These spaces will make for excellent homes for individuals and families alike.”

Alex Leung, Partner & Executive Director at TDS, compliments the meticulous design process: “Our aim was to offer contemporary residential experiences that respond sensitively to their context. The studio’s creative direction and meticulous approach to interiors perfectly aligned with this vision, resulting in spaces that are functional yet emotionally engaging - enhancing daily living. Few buildings can boast this many commissioned and site-specific artworks, and we owe this incredible feat to Ella and her team. Ella’s visionary design, coupled with her meticulously selected accessories and artwork, elevated the entire space into a sublime home, harmoniously blending sophistication and warmth.”

The interior concept for the three distinct show flats - a 355-sqft one-bedroom studio, a 663-sqft two-bedroom apartment, and a spacious 1,047-sqft three-bedroom unit—prioritizes creative joinery and smart storage, maximizing a generous sense of space without compromising usability. Each apartment was given a unique identity tailored for diverse resident personalities and refined lifestyles.

Bridgland concludes on the emotional resonance of the spaces: "The interiors transcend simple aesthetics. They embody narratives, emotions, and memories. Our design strategy was rooted in authenticity, crafting homes that feel alive and personal from the moment residents step through the door, allowing potential buyers the opportunity to have a real sense of what their future life could feel like, and leave inspired and excited by the prospect."