Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, the House of Great Treasure transcends the boundaries of a traditional showroom. It is a curated space where design meets functionality, culture blends with craftsmanship, and kitchens are reimagined as the soul of modern living. Created by Ann Chan, CEO of Hero Design Group, this two-story showroom showcases seven distinct kitchen styles, offering visitors an immersive journey into the possibilities of European-inspired living.

At its core, House of Great Treasure embodies a philosophy that transcends aesthetics. For Chan, design isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces—it’s about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who experience them. Her guiding principle, “design with purpose,” serves as the foundation for every element of this two-story showroom in Causeway Bay. “Design with purpose begins with layered empathy,” she explains. “It’s about creating spaces that serve not just the immediate client, but all who will experience them.”

Hero Design Group CEO Ann Chan

Hero Design Group CEO Ann Chan

House of Great Treasure is located in the heart of Causeway Bay

House of Great Treasure is located in the heart of Causeway Bay

For Chan, the kitchen is the heart of every home, and the House of Great Treasure reflects this deep connection. “Designing seven distinct kitchens wasn’t just a project; it was a symphony of possibilities,” Chan shares. “My approach harmonised three key movements: First, establishing unique visual identities for each space. Second, crafting detailed user personas, imagining the home chefs, entertainers, and families who would bring these kitchens to life. Finally, meticulously integrating appliances and ergonomics to create not just beautiful spaces, but truly functional culinary experiences.” Each kitchen tells a unique story while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the showroom, transforming the space into what Chan calls “a gallery of livable art.” By imagining the lives of home chefs, entertainers, and families, Chan has created kitchens that feel personal and accessible, yet aspirational.

Adding to the immersive nature of the showroom, the wall next to the staircase is adorned with 200 colour swatches, providing visitors with endless possibilities for customisation. As guests ascend to the second floor, they are invited to marvel at the vibrant palette and imagine how their own kitchens could reflect their unique personalities, allowing guests to take flight with their creativity as they ascend.

The private kitchen, a collaboration between Hero Design Group and Brazilian designer Juliana Vasconcellos

The private kitchen, a collaboration between Hero Design Group and Brazilian designer Juliana Vasconcellos

Giraffe Chair

Giraffe Chair

One of the most personal and striking spaces in the House of Great Treasure is the private kitchen, a collaboration between Hero Design Group and Brazilian designer Juliana Vasconcellos. “I was immediately drawn to Juliana’s bold design sensibility and rich cultural perspective,” Chan recalls. “Our partnership is built on mutual admiration and a shared vision for unbounded, cross-cultural design.”

Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Brazil and Hong Kong, the design incorporates organic textures, fluid lines, and Juliana’s stunning furniture collection. The result is a deeply personal space that serves as both a showcase and a gathering place. “Our design narrative draws from the shared natural beauty of Brazil and Hong Kong. Mountains and oceans became our guiding motifs,” says Chan. The result? A deeply personal space that reflects both of our design languages, a fusion of Brazilian vibrancy and Hong Kong’s dynamic energy. “Today, this room serves as a showcase for my curated collection of Juliana’s pieces and a gathering place for cherished friends and family. It’s not a commercial space but rather a private sanctuary, a testament to the power of collaboration, culture, and heartfelt design.”

Artemest brings centuries of Italian craftsmanship to life in its curated collection of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and decor

Artemest brings centuries of Italian craftsmanship to life in its curated collection of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and decor

“Each curated piece serves dual purposes: functionally enhancing the showroom while silently telling stories of Italian manufacturing legacy."

“Each curated piece serves dual purposes: functionally enhancing the showroom while silently telling stories of Italian manufacturing legacy."

A key element of the House of Great Treasure is its celebration of Italian craftsmanship, showcased through a partnership with Artemest. Known for its curated collection of handmade furniture, lighting, and décor, Artemest brings centuries of Italian artisanal heritage to the showroom. “My meeting with CEO Marco Credendino in Milan revealed a shared vision: we both believe spaces gain soul through handcrafted details,” Chan explains. 

From glassmakers to silversmiths and woodworkers, Artemest’s artisans bring authenticity and depth to the space. Their handmade pieces complement the premium Italian kitchen brands on display, such as Steel, Fulgor Milano, and Yalos, transforming the showroom into what Chan describes as “a living gallery of European craftsmanship.” “Each curated piece serves dual purposes: functionally enhancing the showroom while silently telling stories of Italian manufacturing legacy.”

Ann Chan's "Design with Purpose" philosophy serves as the foundation for every detail of this space

Ann Chan's "Design with Purpose" philosophy serves as the foundation for every detail of this space

Chan’s belief in the power of design to uplift and inspire extends to her commitment to nurturing emerging talent. This is exemplified in the tile design challenge, an initiative inviting local students to create bespoke tiles inspired by Brazilian and Hong Kong cultural elements.

“Emerging artists need both visibility and practical mentorship,” Chan emphasises. “While art schools excel at teaching creativity, the real-world journey from concept to execution is often overlooked.”

Mural by Henry Ho Fung acts as the backdrop of the Cloud Table, capturing the natural beauty of both Brazil and Hong Kong

Mural by Henry Ho Fung acts as the backdrop of the Cloud Table, capturing the natural beauty of both Brazil and Hong Kong

The winning design, created by Henry Ho Fung, now adorns the wall of the private dining area within the showroom. “Having Henry’s work permanently installed in this space does more than validate his talent. It creates a tangible connection between education and professional practice,” Chan explains. “When we learned he aspires to study architecture at HKU, it confirmed exactly why initiatives like this matter – they provide the real-world experience that can shape young careers.” This initiative also reflects Chan’s broader mission through Aether Incubator Academy, a non-profit she founded to mentor and empower the next generation of creative talent.

Perfect combination of design and functionality

Perfect combination of design and functionality

The Trapeze Sofa, Geo Table, and Manuelina Table Lamp

The Trapeze Sofa, Geo Table, and Manuelina Table Lamp

Looking ahead, Hero Design Group is focused on deepening its commitment to education, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural collaboration. “We are developing initiatives that will connect international artisans with emerging talents, creating a dynamic exchange of craftsmanship and innovation across continents,” Chan shares. Beyond physical spaces, the team aims to scale their “design with purpose” philosophy through digital platforms, making exceptional design more accessible. New residential and commercial projects are also in the pipeline, each telling its own compelling story through space. “The journey ahead is about deepening our commitment to education, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural dialogue,” Chan says.

Photography: Natalie Dunn
Hair and Makeup Artist: Ginno Alducente