The Hong Kong beachfront apartment whose style four chinoiserie lamps inspired, and why the Christmas tree had to match the decor

“We missed out on a Christmas tree last year: by the time my husband got to Mong Kok Flower Market, they were going for about HK$8,000 (US$1,025) each,” says a still-shocked Lily Smithson, recalling the price gouging that went on as families grounded by the coronavirus pandemic rushed to secure a noble fir or Douglas pine for the holiday. “There was no way we were missing out this year.”

Adding to the desire for a beautiful Christmas 2021 is baby Ella, who had her first birthday a few weeks ago and is an adorable bundle of just-walking curiosity. Following their recent move to a 1,600 sq ft (149 square metre), beachfront garden flat in South Lantau, the Smithsons – Ella, Lily and Australian financier Travis – knew who to call: interior stylist Flavia Markovits, who had helped Lily decorate their three-bedroom, three-bathroom, split-level home earlier in the year.

Opting for a fake fir that can be used time and again, Smithson and Markovits headed to Decor8ion, a Christmas decoration company in Kwai Chung, to stock up from its vast array of samples. They picked out silver and gold tree decorations to complement Smithson’s favourite blue-and-white chinoiserie.

“I am obsessed with navy,” she admits. “The inspiration for the whole scheme for the flat was my Ginger Jar Lamp Co lamps – blue-and-white bases, and pink shades. I have four of them.”

It was not her first idea. “Initially, I wanted really bright colours – pinks, oranges – but Flavia talked me out of it; she said we would get tired of the clashing colours. And she was right.”

Smithson had contacted Markovits after seeing photographs of a home she had styled on a Facebook group. “We are both Brazilian, so we have that in common, but it was those pictures that really inspired me – there was a hammock in the living room … I loved that,” Smithson says.