DiamondreaM Kuliang: A Vintage Haven of Books and Cafe

Unleashing the Charm of the Republic of China

DiamondreaM Kuliang, designed by Tina Huang, is a unique space that seamlessly blends a bookstore and a cafe, evoking the charm of the Republic of China era in Shanghai. Situated next to the Liushan King Park of the Kuliang Mountain in Fuzhou, this vintage haven is housed in a cottage dating back to the 1930s, exuding the architectural style of that period.

The cottage, also known as Li Shijia cottage, was named after its owner Li Shijia, a Kuomintang Rear Admiral. What sets this building apart are the stone windbreak walls built along both sides of the two-story wooden construction, giving it a distinctive feature that sets it apart from other Western-style buildings.

The interior of DiamondreaM Kuliang is a testament to the designer's meticulous attention to detail. Antique-style wooden boards, rust-effect steel plates, decorative vintage books, handmade carpets, antique wood flooring, and wood stain paint are some of the materials used to bring this vintage space to life.

Spanning across 520 square meters, DiamondreaM Kuliang offers not only a cozy reading area inside the cottage but also extends the experience to the outdoor space. The designer has created several reading sections with different views of the landscape, including a porch, balcony, and courtyard, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying a good book.

The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures is evident in the design, with pendant lamps, antique-style wooden bookcases, archaized floor tiles, and the wooden texture of the building all contributing to the harmonious blend of simplicity and luxury.

The restoration of the period of the Republic of China in the 1930s was a creative and technical challenge for the designer. The goal was to preserve the historical integrity of the building while integrating modern elements. Extensive research on the architectural features of old Shanghai and the cultural context of the era played a crucial role in achieving this delicate balance.

Since its opening in January 2017, DiamondreaM Kuliang has received accolades for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2018. This prestigious award recognizes the practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial requirements exhibited by the design.

DiamondreaM Kuliang is not just a bookstore and cafe; it is a time capsule that transports visitors back to the elegant, luxurious, and mysterious era of the Republic of China. With its unique blend of vintage aesthetics, cultural significance, and inviting atmosphere, it has become a must-visit destination for book lovers and design enthusiasts alike.