This case relate to a decoration design project for a duplex residence with a detached courtyard, the couple owners expect their new home to be perceived modern, with a few changes made more appropriate to their age and identity. To put it simply, they prefer focusing on the form and revealing the atmosphere and functionality of the family, rather than expecting the final result to be overly flashy. Talking a lot with the owners, the design team decided to infuse the Chinese concept as a part of the modernism.

The spatial layout features classic enclosed furnishings, substantially all the placement and storage functions are integrated in the wall cabinets of the living-dining room, including the relatively narrow stairwell and the hallway, where the storage space is properly used. In this way, an adequate layout space is set aside while solving storage problems. The entire living-dining room is accessible to the kitchen and patio, delivering an immense sense of openness in all interior directions. The separate spaces on the first and second floors are generally bonded by the corridor and staircase. Rising and falling spaces are created between the openness and closeness, giving the user a rhythm of staggered, shaded spaces. 

The light color palette consisting of pure white, beige and light grey, properly ornamented by light yellow and grey-blue furniture, gives a surprise in the soothing color changes and enhances the visual perception. Notably the floor tiles and cabinets are not bright as other modern styles, which delivers a sense of firmness in a well-lit and ventilated space, and leads to some changes in line with the owners’ request. The lighting design also follows suit, all lighting angles in the project spaces including the courtyard are intentionally hidden or shifted by 5°~10°, which would be perceived as calm and reserved without compromising the adequacy of lighting source. 

All of the above details are changed within the framework of the same style, and any possible strange feeling is eliminated by the precise control of the scale of change. The whole design may not be visually perceived as luxurious as many cases have shown at the first sight. However, as a living space for a family of four members, it is so pure and warm that brings all functions into use. Once the decoration works are completed, the final result will be gratifying for all participants.