If you’re only as good as those you surround yourself with, these Hong Kong businesses are taking things up a notch with well-designed office spaces. We take a peek in our three-part web series.

In a quiet corner of Sheung Wan is Shing Wong Street – a pedestrian-friendly place where you can take a peaceful neighbourhood walk without worrying about any interrupting cars. Here you can find Common Ground cafe, a popular neighbourhood destination operated by Joshua and Caleb Ng. Right above the cafe, the Ng twins have launched their latest venture: Open House, a furniture showroom tucked away in a half-hidden stairway on the first floor and just one of their many endeavours in recent years. Rather than functioning as an uncomfortable showroom, Open House is liveable and relaxing. The name is emblematic of the people-friendly, open approach the twins take with their businesses.

How did you come across this space?

Joshua Ng: We knew about this place three years ago, because the guy who lived here was a frequent patron of our cafe. We visited several times, and eventually he left for Shanghai. So the space was empty, and we eventually decided to take over.

Caleb Ng: We also always had this concept to do something bed and breakfast related in the back of our minds. Playing with this idea of people living upstairs and getting breakfast at our café downstairs… this was really the initial concept of Open House.

When designing this place, were there any differences of opinion?

JN: We were pretty much on the same page. The project is based on our personalities and passions, which are quite similar. The whole process was kind of organic, and we wanted a space with personality. Nowadays it’s quite rare for a shop to have that quality.

What is your favourite bed and breakfast experience?

CN: I went to Copenhagen two years ago to a place called Central Hotel & Café. It’s a single-room hotel with a tiny café downstairs. When you stay there, getting to know the hotel owners is like getting to know your neighbours. They claim they are the smallest hotel in the world. That was quite an inspiring and unique experience for us!

What’s your favourite part of this space?

CN: The wine section. When we go out with our friends and have dinner, we don’t need to find a place afterwards to drink. We can just pop by here and have a drink or two.

JN: I agree. In Hong Kong, just hanging out with friends is very expensive. So when you have this kind of open space, it’s perfect to spend time with people here.

What’s your favourite breakfast?

CN: Pancakes! And I also love eggs — eggs benedict, scrambled eggs, and poached eggs.

JN: Sometimes I love eating something sweet for breakfast. Pancakes, french toast, or even a simple yoghurt with fruit salad.

Read the previous posts in the series, Life at Studio B and Hatton Studios.

By: Daniel Kong

Photography: Kenneth Wu
Production: Daniel Kong