Modern Blues: A Renovated Old House Embracing Modern Design

Reshuffling Spaces for a Well-Ordered and Vast Living Experience

The layout of this long house, with only natural light from two sides, is rearranged. The different sections, including the master bedroom, the dining room, the dining room and the kitchen, as well as the study, are reshuffled, so that there is an open public area that serves as a flow connecting the living room, the dining room and the kitchen, making the entire space well-ordered and adding a visual sense of vastness.

Modern Blues is a renovated old house that goes beyond mere exterior updates, offering a thoughtful redesign of its layout and details, such as lighting and storage. Designed by I-Hao Chang, this residential interior design project showcases the perfect fusion of modern aesthetics and functionality.

The key objective of the project was to transform the old dwelling into a space that fulfills modern design ideas while allowing for future flexibility. The result is a simple yet elegant house that harmoniously combines colors and materials.

The study, located at the heart of the house, features a transparent sliding door that allows for easy separation from the other spaces. Open shelves and a pegboard on the wall provide ample storage without compromising the sense of spaciousness. The addition of wooden and iron details adds a touch of modernity to the study.

Concealed behind the main wall of the living room is the master bedroom, which boasts a walk-in closet that has become the hostess' favorite feature. The narrow, long space of the walk-in closet is divided by a transparent sliding door, creating a visually appealing and functional storage solution. Tiered shelves with open spaces prevent the room from feeling cramped while fulfilling the need for storage.

The living room is anchored by an eye-catching blue TV wall that separates it from the master bedroom. The sliding doors to the master bedroom and the guest bathroom are cleverly concealed on either side of the TV wall, maintaining the wall's completeness while adding a composed and soothing tone to the entire space.

Parallel to the main wall, a black cast iron element extends across the living room and dining room, creating a striking contrast with the white ceiling. This design element, along with black track lights, adds sleek lines and a sense of equilibrium to the space. The furniture, featuring leather and hardwood, complements the overall simple and distinctive style.

The dining room, an extension of the living room, seamlessly connects to the kitchen and study. Large windows in the kitchen and transparent sliding doors bring in an abundance of natural light. The L-shaped counter and suspended cabinets in the kitchen are in the same blue hue as the TV wall, enhancing the cleanliness and brightness of the space. The bar counter and sink extend to the dining table, creating a simple yet stately dining environment. A display case of light-colored wood serves as a cupboard on one side, providing future protection for the soon-to-be-born child.

Modern Blues, located in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in transforming an old house into a modern living space. With its unique layout, attention to detail, and harmonious color palette, this project by I-Hao Chang showcases the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Photo Credit: Eva Lee

Awards: Bronze A' Design Award in Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Category, 2020