Does height matter? For Inna Rodchenko-Highfield, the answer is a resounding yes. Specifically in ceilings, that is, where height was an imperative factor when considering the qualities she was looking for in her ideal home. “Some of our artworks are very big so we needed a specific height [of ceiling] and a grand staircase to highlight some of them”, she explains, detailing the list of requirements she had in mind for her next home. After living in Mid Levels for over a decade, Inna was also looking for a change in lifestyle and to move closer to nature with her husband, Tucker, three kids and dog. Finding something that ticked all the boxes was no easy feat.
Bright and airy, the living space is bathed in neutrals and peppered with eclectic objects and flashes of colour. A chandelier by Apparatus Studio accentuates the space.
Photo: Lit Ma
“I must have seen 50 houses looking for the perfect home for our family”, she reveals. The creative and philanthropist worked with Victoria Allan of Habitat Properties to eventually uncover the perfect space on the Peak. “All the efforts paid off when we found this house.” Besides the lofty ceilings, the house boasts two outdoor spaces and a grand fireplace at the centre of the house. “Perfect to host or entertain!” quips Inna. Small balconies offer picturesque views overlooking the southern islands, while the home is replete with a refurbished attic that has been remodelled into a playroom for the kids. With the framework all set in place, Inna worked with interior designer Alexis Dupont to bring her vision to life.
Artwork by Tala Madani brings a sense of vibrance, while auburn brown chairs by Gubi and a rug by Rug by Kvadrat ground the space.
Photo: Lit Ma
For the foundations of the space, colour played an important role in its absence. “We wanted to keep the walls quite neutral”, Inna explains. For the most part, furniture follows this same thread, with a creamy velvet sofa by India Mahdavi in the living area and sandy nestling travertine tables placed atop a bespoke beige and white wool rug by Alexis Dupont. This neutral base offered the perfect backdrop for Inna and Tucker’s expansive art collection. The end result is a delightful contrast of calming neutrals and bright pops of colour.
An electric blue artwork by Petra Collins is offset by a serene mural by Pierre Frey. The bespoke bench and dresser is by Alexis Dupont.
Photo: Lit Ma
“The art is the main accent of colours”, Inna explains. “Art played a big part in the design process. It brought colours, playfulness, eclecticism.” The art piece by Tala Madani in the dining room adds some vibrance with shades of pink and green, while an electric blue artwork by Petra Collins adds a more soothing feel to the master bedroom, particularly in conjunction with the “Yunnan Mountains” mural by Pierre Frey. “I wanted to find a relaxing visual when going back to bed”, Inna shares.
Nature, too, was a crucial component in building a sense of calm, while also helping to link Inna’s eclectic travels and flashes of colour with something a little more grounding. “We have plants everywhere and we really worked on recreating proper planted areas – most of them are Mediterranean inspired.” A delightful monstera contrasts with a golden gingko lamp by Alexis Dupont, while a vintage golden floor lamp by Carlo Giorgi also nods to Asia in its leaf shape. One of the first things you see upon entering the house is an antique sideboard by Charlotte Perriand. “It reminds me of Japanese mid-century design”, Inna notes. A Tibetan runner from Altfield gallery complements a painting by artist Shazia Sikander. “Everything creates a story together that reminds us of places we love around the world and reflects our different tastes as we love to collect – from art and design to books and objects.”
Statement art pieces by Roy Litchenstein and Julian Opie and a lounge chair by Frederica draw the eye to this cosy nook.
Photo: Lit Ma
Wearing a Dries van Noten dress, Inna poses on the stairwell in front of art by Eko Nugroho.
Photo: Lit Ma
This makes sense for Inna, as an American with Russian roots who calls Hong Kong home. “I have to find my own [aesthetic] language,” she laughs. “I would say it’s mostly casual and effortless but I’m always ready to party. I love to lounge on very deep low sofas with my girlfriends and then the dining table is ready with tons of flowers and fancy glassware curated by Mrs Chortles. It’s always a question of balance.”
Photography: Lit Ma
Interior Design & Styling: Alexis Dupont
Styling Assistant: Soraya Froissart
Editor
Carina Fischer
