20.04.2023

about halffull

The name “halffull” is inspired by the classic question, “Is the glass half-empty or half-full?”, where “half-full” represents optimism, a mindset that sees potential even when things get tough. Life, after all, is a blend of highs and lows, and we’re all about embracing it with positivity.

“halffull” is also our core design philosophy - moderation. For us, “moderation” means avoiding extremes, it’s about finding a balance between extremes to create a lifestyle that’s steady, grounded, and fulfilling.

In recent years, a time of upheaval, Hong Kong was shaken by unprecedented social movements and the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid this wave of uncertainty, many Hongkongers faced a difficult choice: stay or go? In 2021, my wife, our three cats, and I moved to Edinburgh, Scotland. By 2023, We launched halffull studio, an interior design studio driven by our “half-full” optimism to tackle challenges..

In our practice, we strive to achieve a balance between functionality and embellishment. Functionality is the starting point of our every work, forming the foundation upon which all design elements are built. It's prehaps shaped by our living environment. Growing up in Hong Kong, a city known for its soaring property prices and minimal residential square footage per capita, has instilled in us the need to optimize every square foot.  Over the past decade, not only in Hong Kong but also in major cities around the world, like Tokyo and London, average living spaces per person have continued to shrink. Minimalism has become a global trend, functionality has become a primary consideration in how we use every inch of our space. Yet, we believe that life needs moments of vibrancy. If every element in a space, every surface, fixture, and furnishing serves only a functional purpose, spaces can feel devoid of character. Thoughtfully chosen embellishments, whether a curated art piece or a sculptural furnishing, act as visual anchors that forge a personal connection and spark emotion. These elements enhance emotional resonance, creating living spaces that feel both purposeful and inviting.

Our mission is to create spaces that are not just affordable to the few but that can be accessible to everyone. We believe that we all deserve a beautiful living space. Design shouldn’t just be about putting up together luxurious materials and furniture. We grew up in compact housing, so we understand small spaces demand both creativity and imagination. Even with a limited budget, it’s still possible to transform a space through thoughtful design. Our goal is to bring a positive change and a sense of joy to our clients, even if it’s just through a single piece of furniture.

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design philosophy I 12.11.2024

I don’t have esoteric theories, functionality is my guide and the core of my design, from which I build outward, thoughtfully integrating form, materials, colours, and other elements.

living with fluffy friends I 18.11.2023

Today, our beloved fluffy friends fulfill roles beyond that of mere pets - they are cherished family members who share our lives. This evolution of our relationship calls for us to rethink how we plan our living spaces.

what we do I 02.07.2023

We hope our studio can be a part of that journey, whether as a designer, a collaborator, or a supporter. This is what we aim to do.