Interpretation of Dream: A Unique Blend of Western and Oriental Design

Blending Traditional Elements with Modern Accents

The inspiration for this residential design came from a piece of Hermes fabric designed by Nigel Peake, an architect and illustrator. The fabric, with its labyrinth-like pattern, sparked the imagination of a groom searching for horses in a carriage. This visualized architectural materials as textured and detailed mapping, which was translated into an eye-catching screen upholstery. This functional sliding door not only adds a Western stylish accent but also complements the Zen art aesthetic desired by the owner.

To meet the owner's desire for a fusion of Western and oriental cultures, the project incorporates traditional elements through furniture, accessories, fabrics, sculptural lights, modern artwork, and objects. As one passes through the corridor, an artwork by Marc Quinn makes a visual impact, depicting an orchid with low-saturated outlines and high-density colors scattering and dropping like flowing water. In the master bedroom, a silk wallpaper with reflective metallic yarn creates horizontal lines reminiscent of calligraphy, complemented by a marble veining pattern and a modern sculpture of David in the corner.

The construction of this design utilizes plywood and layers of paint to achieve a matte and firm effect. Heavy slate is applied to the TV wall, while an artificial stone is chosen for the kitchen countertop due to its durability and easy maintenance. The main wall in the master bedroom features a decorative material made of silk with reflective metallic yarn, creating horizontal calligraphy-like lines and a marble veining pattern that embodies the core concept of Zen art.

With a scale of approximately 165 square meters, the design maximizes efficient utilization of space by employing squared or rectangular configurations for each area. The gigantic sliding upholstery, limited by the width of the fabric, is cleverly divided into three parts to maintain visual balance and create a completed mapping as originally intended.

This residential design encourages interaction among its inhabitants. The dining area serves as the central hub, where the family enjoys snacks and watches TV together. The open space allows for various activities, such as inviting friends over for sports events or wine tasting on the walnut table. Additionally, a hidden storage room behind the sliding door of the dining table provides a convenient space for storing the owner's motorcycle gear.

Located in a new apartment in Taiwan, this project faced challenges due to the client's dissatisfaction with the previous designer's work. The design team took over and spent considerable time discussing and integrating the existing work within the budget. Despite the difficulties and additional costs, the project was completed in six months, meeting the client's desire for a new home to celebrate Christmas.

Extensive research was conducted to select the appropriate materials for this design. The effects of wall coverings, curtain fabrics, and rugs were carefully considered in relation to interior and natural lighting. Small material samples cannot fully represent the properties and effects when applied on a larger scale, such as fabric draping and color shades. The silk wall covering in the master bedroom, for example, required experimentation to account for differences in lighting and yarn thickness.

Overcoming the challenges of modifying the existing work and earning the client's trust, the design team successfully transformed the space into a unique blend of Western and oriental design. The project received the Bronze A' Design Award in 2020, recognizing its outstanding creativity and resourcefulness in incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

Photographer: Frankie Fang

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