yinjispace

INTERIOR
Chen Liangqiu | Janedi Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Adio
EDITOR
Gina
Collection

This top-floor apartment by the Suzhou Creek in Shanghai's Putuo District is more than just a living space—it is a three-dimensional canvas that blends urban scenery with the aesthetics of daily life. The client, a young owner who had recently returned from studying in the United States, envisioned a home where he could unwind and soothe his emotions upon coming back to China. After our initial meeting, we visited the site for an on-site inspection. The night view of Suzhou Creek, with its glittering lights and serene reflections, deeply moved us—neon signs shimmered on the water's surface, their light dancing with the ripples, as if the city's heartbeat had slowed down in that very moment. This instant of inspiration became the foundation of the project's design direction: a healing home where one could calm their mind by the river, embrace life, connect with nature, and bask in the glow of the sunset.

With "relaxation" as the core design concept, we sought to create a warm, free, and breathable sanctuary within the bustling city. The space adopts a warm color palette, aiming to deliver an experience of being gently enveloped. The selection process for the wall art paint was particularly challenging—after five or six rounds of sampling and adjustments with the client, we finally settled on a tone that not only echoes the fluidity of the river view outside the window but also reveals delicate textures under varying lighting conditions. The result proved that every bit of persistence was worthwhile—in the final photographs, the walls seem to breathe, deeply intertwined with the emotional tone of the space.

For the flooring, herringbone-pattern solid wood planks were chosen, paired with custom-made marine plywood birch veneers. The warm touch and natural grain of the wood further enhance the relaxed atmosphere of the interior. The extensive application of natural traverted stones - from countertops to partial walls - infuses the space with a primitive sense of simplicity and the charm of time's accumulation. This not only elevates the overall textural richness but also establishes a profound connection between people, materials, and nature.

In terms of furniture and furnishings, we did not chase mainstream luxury brands but instead turned to more personalized and narrative-driven boutiques and niche design brands. Among them are classic pieces from Denmark in Northern Europe, which convey a balance of comfort and aesthetics through their clean lines, organic forms, and human-centric designs. These are mixed with works from independent designers, both domestic and international, each piece uniquely crafted to collectively build a living scene that does not follow trends but is filled with personal imprints.

Some say this is where Nordic warmth meets the serene touch of Liaigre. Yet, stylistic labels have never defined this home. Here, the most important design element is that window—and the ever-changing sunset performance outside. We firmly believe that a home that truly "feels comfortable to live in" is far more important than any stylistic definition.

The starting point of the entire design lies in that window. We deliberately simplified the interior forms and colors, allowing the space to make way for light and shadow. Every evening, as sunlight spills over the Suzhou River and quietly flows indoors, the entire home is immersed in a warm and tranquil ritual. The carefully calibrated art paint on the walls reflects a soft glow at this moment, while the wooden texture of the herringbone flooring and the subtle pores of the natural travertine work together to capture and amplify this fleeting beauty. There is no grand narrative here—only days blessed endlessly by the sunset, where "being healed" becomes the most ordinary state of life.

We abandoned deliberately crafted forms, allowing the materials themselves to take center stage. The art paint on the walls underwent multiple rounds of sampling to achieve the most subtle balance of warmth, coolness, and texture—enabling it to perfectly carry light like a canvas. Custom-made marine plywood birch veneer and solid wood flooring, with their organic textures and tactile appeal, together create a warm and grounding foundation. The natural travertine, with its silent texture, tells a story of time and nature. All these elements collectively build a "de-designed" relaxed order—one that does not emphasize visual impact but focuses on creating an enveloping sense of instant relaxation and deep breaths.

The selection of furniture is the ultimate interpretation of the word "comfort." Some pieces may originate from Nordic classics, carrying humanistic and organic forms; others may reveal the ingenuity of niche artisans; and among them, one might also detect a touch of Liaigre's low-density, restrained aesthetic. Yet, the sole criterion for their harmonious coexistence here is whether the seating offers ample support for the body and whether the lines allow the gaze to glide unobstructed toward the window. What we curated was not merely objects, but a lifestyle attitude that refuses to follow trends.

In the end, this home has grown into what it was always meant to be: a place where one willingly sets aside their phone just to watch a full sunset; a sanctuary in the heart of a bustling city that allows its inhabitants to feel inner freedom, happiness, and joy. Outside the window lies a flowing urban panorama, while inside, a tranquil haven for the body and mind—who wouldn’t love such a view? And this, precisely, is the answer.The selection of furniture is the ultimate interpretation of the word "comfort." Some pieces may originate from Nordic classics, carrying humanistic and organic forms; others may reveal the ingenuity of niche artisans; and among them, one might also detect a touch of Liaigre's low-density, restrained aesthetic. Yet, the sole criterion for their harmonious coexistence here is whether the seating offers ample support for the body and whether the lines allow the gaze to glide unobstructed toward the window. What we curated was not merely objects, but a lifestyle attitude that refuses to follow trends.

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