Childhood: A Vintage-Inspired Residential Design

Creating a Nostalgic Living Environment

The Childhood project, designed by Yi Ling Syu, aims to transport homeowners back to their childhood memories. Departing from popular design trends, this residential space combines terrazzo and stone materials on the exterior, while incorporating wooden furniture and decorations in the interior to create a vintage-like living environment.

The standout feature of the entryway is the Italian handmade terrazzo back wall, which is equipped with solid wooden supports to store and display the clients' bikes. This unique design element not only separates the interior and the outdoor but also provides a dedicated area for bike maintenance and cleaning.

The design of Childhood goes beyond aesthetics. It offers a spacious layout with four bedrooms, two living rooms, and two bathrooms, covering an area of 36-ping. The original walls from another household on the same floor were repurposed to partition the kitchen and the entryway, optimizing the use of space.

One of the key considerations in the design was safety. Cabinets were strategically placed in areas without natural lighting to ensure a neat and tidy environment. Additionally, all electrical devices are stored within a hallow-shaped television cabinet hidden behind the walls, minimizing potential hazards. A non-towering low cabinet was also incorporated to enhance safety during movement within the space. The distribution box in the entryway follows the same approach, seamlessly integrated with other cabinets.

The design team faced challenges in merging two separate households into one cohesive space. The existing walls, which could not be removed, posed spatial arrangement difficulties. However, through creative problem-solving, the team successfully overcame these challenges, resulting in a harmonious and functional design.

The use of Italian grey terrazzo flooring, pebble-like artistic paints on the walls, and a white rustic stone-made television wall creates a modern and vibrant atmosphere. The carefully selected vintage decorations add an antique-y charm to the residence, further enhancing the nostalgic ambiance.

The Childhood project was completed in July 2020 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is a testament to the designer's ability to create a safe, durable, and unrestricted living environment for a family with three young sons and a dog. The flexible and transparent interior design allows for personalized arrangements and a sense of openness.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade is awarded to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Childhood project stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Yi-Ling Syu
Image Credits: Mowei Interior Design
Project Team Members: Yi-Ling Syu
Project Name: Childhood
Project Client: Yi-Ling Syu


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