Laid Back Grandeur

Cosmopolitan meets calm in this sleek Hangzhou oasis which shows off how relaxed urban living can be

Disa Tan

The Brief

For Hangzhou folks, home is where the city is. Wanting to present a softer side of this megalopolis, China-based interior design firm GFD effortlessly married the easygoing comforts of home with contemporary accents within this show flat, taking cues from both nature and the city to achieve the look they were going for. The designers describe it as an “interpretation of a pure modern urban lifestyle via unique design languages.”

To weave in class and comfort, the team introduced a lavish flow of luxurious materials of an earthy palette and clean lines. Marble flooring in a glorious but tranquil shade of brown make a sweeping statement in the communal zones. It is well-complemented by dark tinted glass enclosures and woody textures, which balance high style with an intimate atmosphere.

With that, lived-in luxury greets one at every turn, especially at the living area with a double volume ceiling. This generous scale in height made it possible for the designers to work in a multi-purpose space allocated at the mezzanine level. “While it is a show flat, we’ve designed the space for a family of three in mind—possibly a young couple with a little boy, and who likes to entertain and has multiple hobbies,” explain the designers.

To conceptualise a layout perfect for keen entertainers, the designers integrated the living and dining space which is now flanked by a semi-open kitchen and a study. The floor plan also outlines a master bedroom, a child’s bedroom and a guestroom, and it is primed to offer an idyllic slice of city living.

Living area

Modern lines and nature themes abound across the living area’s feature wall, which hosts a breathtaking slab of white marble. The clear marble grains present an abstract interpretation of a mountain stream and its pristine hue is well-contrasted by the rich woody strips aligned next to it.

Foyer

Making a grand impression at the front entrance, the eye-catching pairing of a console table with a sawtooth wooden veneer base and the white marble wall brings a tasteful flair.

Study

Lined with white striped walls and full-height shelving, these streamlined details add to the contemporary style of the show flat.

Overall view

With the living, dining and kitchen zones set in an open and free-flowing order, this makes for an optimum layout for effortless entertaining. Dark tinted glass sliding doors between the kitchen and dining area offer flexibility in space usage.