Joyce Wang is an award-winning interior designer based in Hong Kong. I have admired her work for several years now, and recently discovered that we attended the same boarding school in the UK! She focuses mainly on commercial design (F&B in particular) and I find her restaurant work especially inspiring.

Here are a few of my favourites:

1. Rhoda

The light above is made of a cluster of washing machine drums – so creative and unique.

Here’s a shot of the light taken by yours truly when I had dinner at Rhoda recently:

The holes in the drums allow light to seep out softly and create an atmospheric effect.

The “oxidized” concrete walls add dramatic effect. I adore the industrial copper lamps which are built into the bar. Here’s a shot from when I ate there:

Side note: The food is delicious! Rhoda serves comfort food inspired by chef Nate Green’s grandmother’s cooking (the restaurant itself is named after her).

The entrance to the restaurant is cool, modern and industrial.

I love a restaurant that makes me feel inspired and Rhoda definitely did that.

2. Mott 32

My favourite Cantonese fine dining venue in Hong Kong. Nestled in the basement of the Standard Chartered Building in Central, the interior of Mott 32 evokes memories (not mine, I’m too young, hah!) of Hong Kong’s past and hints at the previous occupants of the space (ahem, bankers).

Notice the concrete wall with Chinese characters graffitied on.

The silk panelled walls add an Oriental feel.

The vault-inspired door lends privacy to an intimate corner. Love how the vault ties in with the origin of this space as a bank.

3. Ammo

This light is literally made of a staircase.

Aside from the restaurant design, I also feel compelled to share her beautiful renovations of the Landmark Mandarin hotel:

“The goal was to design bedrooms with an understated but sophisticated luxury where guests could find sanctuary from the city. The palette of soft materials, neutral colours and subtle references to nature, make for rooms that feel light and contemporary – more special than domestic bedrooms, and of course extremely comfortable.” – Joyce Wang

The subtle lines and colour variations in the wallpaper resemble a slab of pastel marble.

For more of Joyce Wang’s work, click to her website (which is so cool in and of itself)