October 9, 2017

BoR: Beijing Fenghemuchen Space Design

“Brisk and simple.” That’s how design principals Yi Chen and Muchen Zhang describe the aesthetic of this model apartment in Wuhan, the sprawling capital of central China’s Hubei province. Grown-up and elegant would be another way to put it.

The original unit had many functional shortcomings, which Chen and Zhang were able to eradicate by carefully reorganizing the floor plan. The layout now comprises Chinese and Western kitchens, which open onto a balcony; an open-plan living and dining area with a bar; and a brand new mezzanine library.

The reading nook on the mezzanine level. Photography by Xiangyu Sun.

Walls throughout are finished in Haussmann-style paneling, a look that has become a hallmark of the firm’s residential projects. Painted a custom shade that falls in the liminal zone between dark gray and taupe, they provide a moody backdrop for the many crisp-white architectural elements such as the living area’s double-height replace, deep-coffered ceiling, and mezzanine balustrade. To liven the monochrome interior further, mustard yellow, moss green, and brass accents are introduced on upholstered dining chairs, a tufted Chesterfield sofa, and black-leather Calvin Klein bar stools, respectively.

Moving into the master bedroom, the same urbane gray wall paneling is jazzed up with abstract works of art. A plush headboard upholstered in navy fabric and a bench covered in rich cognac leather add subtle variety to the apartment’s carefully controlled color palette.

A moss green Chesterfield sofa plays off the dark walls. Photography by Xiangyu Sun.

Design Principals: Yi Chen; Muchen Zhang

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