Home tour: A stylish duplex near Shenzhen blending French design with contemporary touches

“They are the type of clients all designers love to work with, who give 100 per cent trust to their designers,” Cheng says. “They provided us with the overall direction and design brief, and everything else–including details, colour palette, and materials–they gave us complete freedom.”

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For the double-storey residence comprising four bedrooms, a children’s play room, a study room, and a gym, the couple wanted it to exude “effortless opulence with a touch of traditional elegance.” 

“In a large apartment [like this], we aim to achieve sophistication and detailed design whilst ensuring it’s not overly complicated,” Cheng explains of the project that was efficiently completed in six months. “We make certain all design details are functional while maintaining overall aesthetic cohesion.”

Accordingly, Cheng drew inspiration from French design principles, from a city halfway across the world that has repeatedly demonstrated its expertise in melding traditional notes with modern spaces seamlessly.

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Inspired by traditional arched vault design, the home unfolds through repetitive arches along the entrance. Simplified and executed with modern materials, these architectural elements follow the lower part of the walls–known as “dado”–replicating a similar visual language to traditional moulding, creating continuity throughout the home.

The archway leads into the double-volume living room, where the carefully planned layout maximises natural light and enhances air circulation through floor-to-ceiling glazed windows and sheer curtains.

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A foundational dark grey palette is paired with light earthy tones, as modern and traditional materials converge effortlessly alongside a sophisticated interplay of textures and tones in the airy interior: the rich texture of Rubelli fabric meets the intricate woven metal by Sophie Mallebranche, introducing layers of sophistication, depth, and tactile warmth.

Meanwhile, veined, dark marble flooring permeates the lower level for a sense of harmony, whilst rounded wall panels and ceilings were designed to soothe the visual tension, culminating in the dramatic layered, circular ceiling in the dining room.

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Tailored to reflect the homeowners’ characteristics and taste, the majority of lighting fixtures were designed specifically to cater to their vision of a home, while furniture selection included carefully chosen pieces from Minotti, including sofas, coffee tables, and TV cabinets, which complement the bespoke elements whilst maintaining the overall design cohesion.

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A common challenge in residential design that Cheng’s team executed with remarkable success was the design and positioning of the internal staircase, which needed to serve as both an aesthetic feature and the backbone of circulation for the home.

The staircase guides the way to the upper floor, where the pastel-toned bedrooms exude a refined and curated ambiance reminiscent of a luxury boutique on the Champs-Élysées. 

Here, Calico wallpapers and curve-shaped furnishing harmonise with modular wood panels and wooden flooring of refined craftsmanship, providing warmth and comfort with pockets of “wow effect” throughout every corner.

“We also prioritise the use of materials from local factories to reduce overseas shipping, and employ modular panel designs to minimise material waste,” Cheng adds in conclusion. “Whenever possible, existing structures and walls are also retained and utilised to prevent waste production.”

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