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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