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House of Light
Have you ever wondered why, with the same camera, some people manage to capture such captivating beauty? As I carefully studied the photograph before me, I realized that perhaps it begins in the brief moment before the shutter is pressed. The photographer first connects with the external world, internalizing these impressions into a rational composition, and finally conveys their inner emotions through the image. In much the same way, an interior designer perceives the lives and routines of others, translating those lived experiences into physical spaces that tell the residents' stories.
A couple, along with their beloved dog, moved into an old residence by Dunhua South Road. Upon stepping inside, the soft sunlight pouring in touched their deepest emotions. The well-defined layout of the loft, enhanced by the energy of daily life, gained an even more vivid and charming expression. The husband, a director with a passion for photography, appreciated the spaciousness and blank canvases within the home, allowing him to capture light from various angles at any time. Meanwhile, his wife, with a background in design, shared a common understanding of aesthetics. After learning about the couple's professional backgrounds, RoyHong Design Studio understood that, given their flexible work nature, having the ability to unwind in this space was crucial. “How to create a home where they feel most at ease” became the central theme of this project. To achieve this vision, unnecessary decorations and arrangements were minimized, with simplicity and authenticity guiding the overall design.
Rewinding to the first site visit, the home had a rare aesthetic for central Taipei. The original owner had transformed the space with an eclectic mix of red brick walls, mosaic tiles, and cement, each reflecting distinctive cultural characteristics. Fast forward to today, and the space has been pared down to minimalist framework lines, with the original cement ceiling preserved to let natural light flood the high-ceilinged area. The complex colors were removed, replaced with warm wooden textures that establish a calm atmosphere, while metal accents were added selectively to enhance visual layers. Interestingly, when planning the central staircase, the designer invited the couple’s beloved dog to test the steps, ensuring that the straight-line staircase was custom-built for ease of use. The perforated mesh allowed light to pass through gently, softening the staircase's presence in the space.
Here, the possibilities are shaped by the couple’s day-to-day life. Aside from the kitchen island, all the furniture in the house is moveable, granting this boundless space the freedom to breathe. As the sunlight shifts, the breakfast table in front of the kitchen can be repositioned accordingly, and the dual-sided TV cabinet offers flexibility in the living room layout. The spacious work area exudes a relaxed ambiance, encouraging creativity to flow freely. Watching the light play off the iron shelving behind the long table, the items on display poetically reflect the couple’s daily life and personal preferences. After moving in, the couple naturally embraced a more minimalist lifestyle, decluttering as they settled into their new home. Several irregular spaces were repurposed with birch plywood to create functional storage, with elevated designs thoughtfully incorporating ventilation. Although the house has weathered the passage of time, its core retains a contemporary face, showcasing a flexible and inclusive attitude that authentically portrays the owners while capturing the small, beautiful moments of everyday life.
