Residence SH
"Experiencing beauty might be one of the most profound reasons to live." When the designer shared that the homeowner, a professional in the medical field, envisioned a home embodying "beauty," it inevitably brought to mind the reflections on life’s meaning and the conclusions drawn by Leonard Koren in Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers, prompted by his father’s passing.
To materialize the homeowner’s vision of beauty, the interior design first infused calming beige tones and mineral textures into a foundation of quiet gray and black hues. This softened the sterile coldness often associated with medical environments, creating a warm and grounding domestic atmosphere. The kitchen entrance, originally facing the main door, was reoriented toward the hallway and equipped with sliding doors for greater functionality. A solid wood-accented wall, framed by bold lines and rich, dark tones, became a distinctive focal point of the space. In the hallway, a low beam was transformed into a design feature through the use of a gentle curve, which seamlessly extends into the communal living area. The ceiling, adorned with wooden slats, adds character while dancing in harmony with the focal wall—forming a visually stunning tableau that greets guests upon entering the home.
For a sense of openness and tranquility, and to provide ample, safe space for young children to play, the layout eliminated a defined entryway and opted for an uninterrupted flow between the living and dining areas. Soft, filtered sunlight streams through sheer blinds, gently illuminating the textured, warm gray walls and casting light onto the suspended dark wood TV wall, whose subtle patterns evoke mountainous landscapes. The sunlight also grazes the soft gray velvet HANG sofa by Wendelbo, skips across the sleek CH88 dining chairs, and adds a touch of vibrancy to the understated, serene space before settling on the green, river-like stone patterns of the dining cabinet.
In this understated yet nature-infused space, the designer skillfully used light and shadow as artistic tools to craft a poetic detail—a square alcove carved into the wall. “I am drawn to shadows. On a clean, minimally decorated wall, the way light creates shadow fascinates me—it’s simply beautiful,” the designer shared. This subtle yet thoughtful design celebrates the interplay between time and nature, answering the homeowner’s desire for a beautiful and meaningful living space within the everyday setting of their home.
The expansive textured finishes of the public areas were purposefully excluded from the primary bedroom, where white walls and wooden flooring subtly signify the boundary between public and private domains. The bedroom ceiling features recessed linear details, adding layers to the simple space, while the softly rounded chamfer on one side of the wooden headboard evokes a sense of safety and comfort. The children’s bedrooms adopt a light, airy wood tone that aligns with the overall color palette of the home, while reflecting the energy and vitality of the young inhabitants. Separate, private spaces were designed for each child, with intentionally enlarged reading areas. These, much like the open activity spaces in the shared living areas, reflect the mother’s aspirations for a well-rounded and dynamic environment to nurture her children’s growth and imagination.
