"A thoughtful residential design that prioritizes children’s needs through light, openness, and spatial sensitivity."
-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award
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Project description
The project, located in Guishan District, Taoyuan City, marks the homeowner’s second collaboration with the designer. Unlike their previous residence, which emphasized a sharp and cool aesthetic, the arrival of a child shifted the tone toward a warm, creamy palette. The design therefore centers on safety and comfort, achieved through rounded corners, softened edges, and a play zone that allows the child to move freely within the social area. An open layout ensures family members remain visually connected, enriching the meaning of home.
Upon entry, a full-height mirror extends the visual depth of the foyer, reflecting activities at the kitchen island and dining area to create a playful dual-perspective effect. The site is a decade-old apartment with low ceilings and obstructive beams—conditions the designer resolved through a clean, streamlined ceiling paired with long-span linear lighting. These light bands intersect to form a cross-shaped axis, establishing an invisible order that clarifies circulation and delineates social and private areas both visually and functionally.
The social feature abundant curved elements, from softened corners of the L-shaped accent wall to twin circular motifs echoed on the TV wall. This continuous image tempers the low ceiling height, creating a warm, enveloping sense of comfort. The large kitchen island serves as both a culinary hub and an extended dining platform, supporting gatherings with family and friends. Meanwhile, the mirror at the entrance dialogues with the island, adding layers of interaction and fun to everyday life
The home’s palette is composed of soft whites, beiges, and creamy hues, producing delicate light effects reminiscent of afternoon sunlight filtered through sheer curtains. Antibacterial and specialty coatings provide a clean backdrop, while wood flooring extends natural warmth underfoot. Rattan accents on dining chairs and storage details introduce fine shadow play within the light-toned scheme. Sleek system cabinetry harmonizes with the linear lighting, ensuring the compact vertical dimension retains an open, continuous rhythm.
The home have 3+1 rooms. The social area comprises the living room, dining room, and open kitchen, anchored by the kitchen island and dining table. The “+1” room, located behind the sofa, is dedicated as a play area, while a separate storage room preserves purity in the main living areas. Adjustments pushed the master bedroom closer to the living space, freeing a larger play area and balancing social and private proportions. By overcoming the constraints of an aging building and low ceiling height, the design reintroduces order and rhythm through lighting, axes, and curves.
The homeowner’s favorite feature is the scale of the kitchen island, ideal for both daily cooking and entertaining guests. Visitors often remark on the striking mirror effect linking the foyer and dining area, praising its beauty and practicality. Family members can maintain eye contact across different zones, enhancing childcare and daily interaction. The entrance mirror also magnifies spatial perception, reflecting the lively activity of the kitchen and dining areas so that materials, colors, and light converse naturally.