An Opulent Chinese Mansion Straight Out of the 80s

The beauty of interior design is that no matter what the current trends, the best spaces take inspiration from current styles and marry them to retro or vintage looks to create something that's ultimately unique. This opulent house with a clearly modern exterior and structure uses interior elements that have a distinct feel that is quite far removed from the more minimalist spaces we tend to feature. Indeed, much of the home feels like the home of a wealthy widow with exotic tastes from a 1980s show like Dynasty. Either way, it's certainly fun to glimpse around this design from 爱 设计 (Love Design).

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The exterior has a modern gothic feel to it, with different levels stacked haphazardly on top of one another and jutting out in different directions. It’s as if the Addams Family had to buy a new house and no turrets or widow’s walks were allowed.

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Inside the home, those levels become tall, decadent spaces with massively high ceilings. To take advantage of this vertical space, dangling chandeliers that seem inspired by paper cranes and cherry blossoms hang down to fill the volume.

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The materials of the home have their own indulgent aura as well. Along with those satin pillows are polished marble floors, driftwood carved into a bar, and lots of stone – both inside and out.

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Unlike so many homes featured here, everywhere you turn in this house is another large piece of furniture or display of some sort. Folding screens, sofas, heavy coffee tables, suspended shelving and shiny satin throw pillows really fill up the large space.

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Although the home is stuffed full of furniture that seems to shout about the owner’s desire for things to put on display, there are still tucked away spaces for private relaxation, including an inviting bedroom for a teenage boy, a pretty pink bathroom with a deep porcelain soaking tub and, of course, a lot of private closet space.

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Shanghai Apartment With Modern Minimalist Flair

There are few cities more modern than old Shanghai . . . there are few cities more built-up. In such a dense, historic, metropolis this house is revered by the Chinese Interior Design Alliance as a modern oasis. 'Qi,' more than just the smallest high scoring play in Scrabble, is fundamental to the integrity of this style of interior design. It is not ostentatious. It is unassuming and uncomplicated. Its philosophy is not lofty, but attainable. It is not 'everything that opens and shuts.' There are no trapdoors, revolving bookcases or hidden high-tech features. It clearly demonstrates that qi need not be an existential ideal revealed only through over-analysis or intense scrutiny. Qi is something that can, and should, contribute to homes on a global scale. These images depict exactly that.

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Mingling wood grains set the bar for integration within this, the elemental heart of the greater space. It projects a certain warmth, in part, because it is expertly offset by the ice-blue choice in soft furnishings. Subtly down-lit with pendant lighting featured in the living space, and repeated in dining, the modern pièce de résistance is a fish tank that not only acts as a partition, but also serves to link all those accessories: living and green. In fact, a challenge is extended to anyone who can think of a better way to divide a space than with an aquarium, in all its, illusory, reflective, tranquil glory.

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The office, minimalist, even in an interior expression such as this, is a place that fosters clarity of mind, save for the familiar paper lantern that has been adopted by the global community, holding a place in many hearts and many more homes.

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East meets West: An Exercise in Interior Adaptation [100 Images]

This flawlessly executed selection of interiors may seem mysteriously miscellaneous. The collection of living, dining, bedroom and the odd office space, is clearly influenced by competing continental styles, such as Art Deco, Rococo, Versace and Renaissance, but they have more than one fundamental element in common. Obvious is the precision with which each of these interiors has been constructed, the perfect balance achieved within, and the harmony exuded by the individual spaces. Review of the interrelated concepts of precision and the even interchangeable: balance and harmony, reveals a clue as to their origin. The design philosophy central to all of these images is intrinsically linked to the culture that produced them. They are of course, Chinese.

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The previous images reflect a definite Chinese tradition in their unmistakable oriental woodwork, ornately bordered tiles, architraves and skirting, the representation of deities, the presence of dynastic mementos, the creative incorporation of calligraphy and the use of floral silks. However, perusal of the images that follow sees a descent into increasingly classical styling, albeit, with an oriental twist. One may notice a Persian rug, a Fleur de Lys print, Italian marble tiles, a plastered ornamental ceiling, a preference for shaded chandeliers and a distinctly Art Deco mirror or lamp. Modern styles begin to feature also: heavy carpeting replacing woven mats and ceramic tiles, pendant light-boxes where lanterns once hung and sheer curtains in the place of bamboo blinds.

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Many Asian cultures are those of master craftsmen and it is no coincidence that the manufacturing sector has its roots in China. The Chinese design industry may take inspiration from long-established European styles but their implementation seems equally long practiced.

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Many Asian cultures are those of master craftsmen and it is no coincidence that the manufacturing sector has its roots in China. The Chinese design industry may take inspiration from long-established European styles but their implementation seems equally long practiced.

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3 Designs by Love Design: A Mad Men Inspired Take

Chinese design firm Love Design offers modern designs with a nostalgic twist. With plenty of clean lines, warm tones, and luxurious materials, there's something both new and familiar about the way they approach interiors. We're taking a look inside three different apartments, each with its own style, but still the same vintage-inspired feel that runs throughout. Totally memorable, we couldn't help but connect each of these three apartments to Mad Men.

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Our first tour takes us into what we’d imagine as a suite fit for the ambitious and creative Peggy. This space, at first glance, may appear more masculine, but upon closer inspection, it’s easy to see why one like Peggy might easily fall in love. Open and bright, this apartment has a feel of length and continuity – there’s infinite possibility as clean lines play with soft curves. What really sold us on this space for Peggy were the luxe quilted details on the dining and living area upholstery, as well as the brushed metallics.

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With a combined living and dining area, this space is ideal for entertaining. Luxurious marble along the wall and floor plays with open shelving of rich but natural woods. Like Peggy’s copy ideas, her furnishings would be carefully curated and collected – each considered in detail for quality as well as beauty and function.

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While there isn’t prominent artwork on the walls, the space still feels very cozy and warm. Strategic lighting and the use of ambient light from the windows keeps this space from feeling sleepy. There is, however, a very striking sense of calm.

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Everything about the common living areas is straightforward and direct, like Peggy, but still with a sense of grace and softness.

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Distinctly feminine, the first bedroom is one we think Peggy would enjoy. Curved end tables sit on both sides of the upholstered bed. No doubt, exquisite textiles in a nice plum shade provide comfort. It’s the textured wall behind the bed that is the real stunner, though.

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The second bedroom reminds us of Peggy’s desire for travel and exploration, as this room is all about utility. While beautiful and modern, it’s kept to the essentials and looks similar to a luxe hotel suite. Ideal for guests, it offers ample comfort with a media center, comfortable bed, and writing desk.

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The third bedroom is an unexpected departure from the rest of the house. It is sensual and exotic, with design elements pulled from multiple cultures and influences. It is a true escape and treat – and it captures perfectly Peggy’s own desire for the new and the unexplored. A master suite we know she would adore.

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Finally, the fourth bedroom is light, airy, and modern with plenty of clean lines and brightness. We could see Peggy using this space for guests or as her own office or reading nook. Imagine copy drafts across the desk or storyboards laid across the bed. This is where Peggy could let her imagination run wild, but in comfort.

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The living area offers ample seating for entertaining and it’s easy to imagine Roger hosting cocktails here before taking a few steps over to the dining area, which showcases a stunning lighting fixture. Along the walls, there’s plenty of space for housing treasured items. We know Roger would likely have a mix of past and present – and most assuredly, a few copies of his memoirs, “Sterling’s Gold”.

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Light spills into the living and dining area from ample windows. And we all know how much Roger enjoys a good view.

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The kitchen area is light and open, with clean white title and a minimalist design. The foyer showcases a stunning set of double doors. Very bold and impressionable. It’s easy to see why Roger might choose an apartment with an open floor plan, sumptuous details, and a bold – but elegant – first impression.

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The dining area is open, with a full view of the kitchen and living room. It’s a great space for parties. One could imagine a bar station off the kitchen buffet, records playing, and laughs being shared.

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The dining area is open, with a full view of the kitchen and living room. It’s a great space for parties. One could imagine a bar station off the kitchen buffet, records playing, and laughs being shared.

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A private room for rest and relaxation is also included in the space, complete with massage table.

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The first bedroom is ideal for guests, showcasing a large and comfortable bed, recessed lighting, large vanity and desk, and media station.

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The second bedroom showcases a TV built into a textured wall opposite the bed, modern (but mid-century inspired) furnishings, and high ceilings – perfect for one’s soaring aspirations, like Roger’s.

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The main living and dining area, while less spacious as the previous two apartments, is cozy and welcoming. One could imagine Don sitting on the sofa, looking over copy drafts. This isn’t a space for parties and entertaining, but for relaxation and reflection. And we all know that Don isn’t the most social of characters. The warm wood along the walls makes the space feel welcoming and serene. Over the dining table, a modern light fixture acts as a focal point in the room. The furnishings take on a mid-century feel with a bit of updating, like the natural wood lamp in the corner and the contemporary dining chairs.

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From the kitchen, you can look out into the rest of the space and across to the large bank of windows. The kitchen is efficient and smartly designed. While it’s a smaller dwelling, it never feels cramped. Instead, it feels carefully curated, each decorative item or furnishing placed precisely to ensure the maximum amount of utility. It’s a perfect balance of form and function.

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Along the back wall of the living area, an open shelf houses a few treasures.

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The similarly toned woods throughout the walls and floors make the space feel larger and more open. In the hall, a natural wood bench is built into the wall, perfect for resting pairs of shoes, or perhaps Don’s briefcase.

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An architecturally intriguing wall of wood panels and stone act as a separator between the main living areas and the rest of the house. Storage is ample yet one could imagine that Don would never use all of it. Instead, this place offers a bit of respite for his restlessness. It is welcoming. It feels like home, but also caters to Don’s desire for solitude.

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The floor plan clearly shows the smart usage of space between two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and common living space. Yes, we think Don would be a fan of this bachelor pad.

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Sky Villa in Nanjing

Despite the James Bond 007 first impression created by Tao Sheng's sleek sky villa in Nanjing, closer examination reveals a far more sensitive approach to design that promotes calm and a meditative atmosphere. The client's trust in the design team is evidenced by the obvious freedom to allow a cohesive haute design ethos to resonate throughout the 260 square meter space. Paying homage to the elevation of the villa, entering the ethereal apartment is intended to feel as though it exists among the clouds.

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Furnished, relatively sparsely, the living spaces contain statement pieces such as this exquisite example of a modern recliner, not unlike that of the famous 1950s design from Eames. The remaining pieces that are peppered throughout the living space take their inspiration exclusively from future design. The functional pieces such as the dining table and work desk are solid and essential to the continuation of the style generated by the equally sleek lines of the walls and thoroughfares. The linear nature of the interior also serves to filter natural light from the series of symmetrical windows that frame the office and this process is further encouraged by the reflection of white surfaces throughout.

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The presentation of this futuristic cloud kingdom would not be complete without a glimpse into the room where white dreams of relaxation are generated. In its own distinct way the majority of the space prepares the inhabitant for sleep and this cool slate and white oasis is where the magic happens. Black accents serve to animate the room and limited personal effects adorn corner shelving, making the energy more intimate.

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Zen Inspired Interior Design

Our homes should be the place where we feel most calm and peace, and what better style to promote these feelings of serenity than a zen inspired space, like those featured in our Japanese Zen Gardens post and our look at Japanese Style Interior Design. In this post we're focussing not only on traditional Japanese zen, but also on its modern adaptations.

1 | Visualizer: EkeInterior

Floor cushions around a low table are an easy way to create an oriental dining zone, along with high contrast dark wood against a soothing warm cream backdrop.

2 | Visualizer: Sergei Davidoff

This example of slightly elevated low seating would prove easier on the knees and back than floor cushions. The shelving that overlaps the edges of the wall column in this design are slightly reminiscent of the silhouette of a Japanese pagoda.

3 | Visualizer: Viktor Fretyán

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5 | Architect: Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

Minimalistic lines are the obvious influence of traditional Japanese interiors on contemporary spaces.

6 | Architect: Edward Suzuki Associates

Balance is key in a zen style home.

7 | Architect: Takuro Yamamoto Architects

Simplicity. Clutter is not part of the zen philosophy.

8 | Photographer: Marser

This is Rurikou-in temple, Kyoto

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The temple is shielded by nature.

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Softness underfoot creates relaxation in a zen room.

11 | Architect: Studio Mumbai

Play with natural light.

12 | Designer: George Nakashima

A zen room is a place of harmony.

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Embrace nature.

14 | Via: Architecture In Transformation

Ideally, a zen room would be free from peace disturbing electronic devices.

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Paper paneled doors never fail to evoke an oriental look, install in doubles for balance.

16 | Via: Live Door

Natural materials are key.

17 | Visualizer: EkeInterior

A low Japanese style platform bed is the obvious winner for a zen bedroom scheme.

18 | Architect: Sanuki + Nishizawa

This is a bold way to bring nature into a scheme with a look of permanence and stability rather than in a moveable pot.

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This contemporary Japanese platform bed includes low slung bedside tables.

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This modern bedroom translates the simplistic lines and warm natural palette of a traditionally zen space.

21 | Designer: Roche Bobois

This up to date play on zen styles out each simplistic element.

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Another fashionable take on the platform bed.

23 | Designer: Roche Bobois

This Japanese inspired bed incorporates an eye-catching illuminated platform, but the room is still based on a zen theory of clean lines and warm natural hues.

24 | Via: SFGirlByBay

This window seat complete with tea kettle is a zen box.

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This platform bed has been updated with a bright bedspread.

26 | Designer: George Nakashima

Paper lanterns are a pretty and cost effective way to light a zen scheme.

27 | Architect: Heidi + Peter Wenger

Zen dining areas can be formal too.

28 | Via: Trilogy Partners

The backs on these floor seats are a welcome addition.

29 | Photographer: Melanie Ko

A basic sunken fire pit can keep things cozy.

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Keep any accent colors uplifting.

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These floor level seats are smoothly carved from a single piece of wood.

32 | Via: Doctor Disruption

A rustic look works well in a zen inspired room.

33 | Via: DHC.co.jp

If your room could open up to a garden then utilize it.

34 | Photographer: Sheyx

Gardens should be washed in zen style too.

35 | Visualizer: Angelina Alexeeva

If you don’t have an outdoor garden, you could always incorporate the zen garden ideal within your interior room, using twisted trees and pebbles.

36 | Visualizer: Evan Mandala

Bamboo and green fronds bring a sense of calm.

37 | Via: Divine Bathroom Designs

An interior zen courtyard is an amazing solution if space allows.

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This highly contemporary straight edged bath tub harks at the minimalistic lines of zen influence.

39 | Architect: Escher GuneWardena Source: LA Times

Another zen garden.

40 | Architect: Aidlin Darling Design

A sunken bath tub takes the minimalistic zen look a step further.

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Zen meditation room.

42 | Architect: Takuro Yamamoto Architects

Another minimalistic adaptation.

43 | Source: Dwell

A border of bamboo need not take up a lot of space.

44 | Architect: MM++

A wide border can hold adventurous planting.

45 | Architect: mA Style

Light-wells work as an ideal place for planting.

46 | Designer: Massimo Iosa Ghini

47 | Designer: Toyo Kitchen

48 | Via: blog.naver.com

49 | Designer: Bakoko

The horizontal lines are quite strong here.

50 | Architect: Milligram Studio

Simplistic furniture.

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Bathrooms of the World

This beauteous parade of bathrooms, inspired by an array of contrasting countries, demonstrates how to pull elements of inspiration from some of the finest, most luxurious takes on the humble bathroom from across the world. These rooms aren't intended to give an educational cross section of a typical home in these locations, but rather to take a pinch of flavor from each culture, mix it up with a good measure of panache and a dash of whimsy.

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By Dennis Zhitnik
This Greek style suite harks back to ancient times with its artwork and color palette, whilst maintaining a clean modern edge in the approach to layout and fixtures and fittings.

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Via Delpha
A rich Moroccan approach is decadent and passionate in a stunning purple palette, and twinkling mosaic tiles.

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Via Italy Traveller
A typically Tuscan twist emphasizes old wooden ceiling beams, picked out in dark stain against a sympathetic buttery backdrop.

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Via Suppose
An interior courtyard with a zen air breathes classically clean Japanese ethos.

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Traditional Chinese luxury with shiny silver accents gives a delicate yet cool look.

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Arabian bath nights glitter with gold in this palatial scene.

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Practical Scandinavian styling combines utility with bathing, set against a familiarly Scandi white canvas.

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A regal Russian treatment sees gilt edging and intricate tile patterning.

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Bold American graphics form a striking wall mural in this space, whilst taxicab checks frame the furniture.

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Via Milldue
Edgy Italian modernism rules in this dramatically dark setting, though there is a clear nod to old Italy in the sculpture and chandelier work.

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This contemporary take on a Turkish bathroom is composed of natural materials to promote relaxation, with a generous sunken tub forming the centerpiece.

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Above 2 via Gad Architecture

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A Beautiful 2 Bedroom Modern Chinese House With Zen Elements (Includes 3D Floor Plan)

The foundational Zen concepts of self-control and meditation translate to certain styles of interior design quite well. This two-bedroom home, for example, uses simple furniture and clean forms to help clear the mind of distractions and preoccupations to produce a more inwardly focused atmosphere. Other areas – like the dining room – follow a more ornate style that produces excitement and energy more suited to their role as social areas. If you're looking for minimalist decor ideas or just want to explore another approach to Chinese interior design, this post can help.

1 | Visualizer: Seclusion Earth

The living room is focused around a pair of sleek nesting tables. Low furniture and a balance of natural materials and bright white surfaces make the most of the generous bay window.

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Natural themes occupy every vantage point. The upholstered window seat allows for a view of the outdoors, a smart minimalist tree impression brings interest to the accent wall, and large branches in vases fill in the gaps.

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Although the delicate beauty of orchids is appreciated all over the world, they have an especially rich history in Chinese art and culture.

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One interesting thing to note about the living room is its low-contrast color palette. The sofa and rug are almost the same color but feel individualized thanks to the black sofa piping and the differences in texture.

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Where the living room ends and the hallway begins, wood meets marble at a boundary of brass. At the wall, concrete sharply meets a mirrored wall.

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Beautiful latticework separates some areas with a boundary that feels lightweight but still maintains an open line of visual communication across the home.

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Compared to the rest of the home, the dining room is oh-so-bold. Art prints bright color to the space, arranged in a way that complements the latticework on the table.

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A small counter doubles up as a breakfast bar to make serving dinner a breeze for the host.

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The table setting’s natural palette alternates between warm and cool tones to pull together the artwork on the wall.

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While the dining nook happily embraces its cozy atmosphere, the kitchen uses bright white surfaces to reflect sunlight in abundance.

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It also includes an enviable amount of storage for such a compact space.

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The study uses delicate organic forms for a light and airy effect. The unique graining of the marble actually looks like elegant tree branches and furthers the room’s natural theme.

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Glass walls block the sound from the main area of the home without blocking the line of sight. Kids could study at the dining room table as a parent works.

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Ensō are an important symbol in Zen Buddhism. The expressive variations in the circle are related to the concept of wabi-sabi and the beauty of imperfection.

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Both bedrooms share similar features, including wooden headboards topped with large-form artwork.

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Marble details highlight only the most subtle features, allowing the rich wood to take the prominent position in this design.

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The second bedroom is lightly more compact owing to the large closet doors that restrict space between bed and wall.

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The expanded storage does offer its benefits.

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Sliding panels make sense with such a small walkway. Smart closet organization techniques more than make up for the slight inconvenience of the three-panel door.

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