The Harbourside Residential Design: Materials, Construction and Budget

As a landmark luxury development at Kowloon Station, The Harbourside’s curved glass curtain wall and Victoria Harbour views are genuine selling points. But these “features” can also bring design constraints when a flat is renovated. This piece looks at the three most common renovation myths from practical conditions, so you can avoid unnecessary spending.

Myth One: Curved Walls Look Great, But Practicality Comes First

Where the living room’s large windows follow a curved layout, many designers naturally extend that curve into the TV feature wall or ceiling. It looks fluid, but in daily use you will find curved walls are hard to hang art on, hard to build cabinetry against, and they waste a fair amount of usable space. If your household accumulates many belongings, we would suggest dropping the “fully curved” approach in favour of straight-lined cabinetry with just a touch of curved detailing: you keep the character of the space without compromising storage.

Myth Two: Unbeatable Views Through Floor-to-Ceiling Glass? Mind the West Sun and the Cleaning

Plenty of owners insist on skipping curtains or using fully clear glass to preserve the harbour view. But in a west-facing unit, afternoon sun can be strong and rooms may run hot in summer. On top of that, cleaning floor-to-ceiling glass is time-consuming, especially on high floors where you cannot reach it yourself. We would recommend smart motorised curtains paired with heat-insulating film, or a semi-sheer curtain: you keep the view while reducing the heat from the sun. Installing window film or motorised curtains should comply with the building’s management rules, and the electrical work should be handled by a registered electrical worker.

Myth Three: Does a Luxury Home Demand a Luxury Fit-Out? Overdoing It Ages Fast

We have seen owners cover an entire unit in marble, crystal chandeliers, and gold trim, thinking that is what a luxury home demands. But those elements can look dated within a few years, and maintenance costs are not low. In truth, the building itself at The Harbourside is already impressive enough. The interior design should subtract, not add: quality timber flooring, neutral-toned walls, and a few statement furniture pieces to finish the look. It ages far better, and it is easier to resell down the line.

If you are weighing a renovation decision at The Harbourside, please share your thinking with us: together we can find the balance that suits how you actually live.