In the early 20th century, a time of intense upheaval in artistic movements, Giorgio Morandi stood apart from his contemporaries, quietly staying in the corner of his home to paint still lifes under varying lights and colors. Amidst that tumultuous era, his works conveyed an artful sense of quiet serenity and detachment from the world.
Designer Jia Hongfeng, himself trained in painting, found himself recalling Morandi’s still lifes as he stepped into the loft apartment model at Vanke Golden Plaza: casually arranged bottles, jars, cups, and plates; soft, low-saturation mid-tones; and serene, sophisticated grays. “His paintings exude a quiet power, creating the most harmonious living atmosphere through the simplest, most unadorned means. This is precisely the lifestyle modern young people long for—reclaiming tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle.”
In urban life, our daily routines are often filled with busyness and trivialities. In those fleeting moments between tasks, we yearn to pause and reconnect with life. To this end, the designer strips away the superfluous, leaving only purity, infusing the chaotic rhythm of everyday existence with a calm, effortless aesthetic through modern minimalism and refined elegance.
The living and dining areas merge into one expansive space, where floor-to-ceiling windows spanning two stories invite sunlight inside, imbuing the room with a tranquil, harmonious ambiance. Bright blue accents pair perfectly with sophisticated gray furnishings, while postmodern abstract artworks and striking geometric lines fill the space, conjuring an image of consummate perfection in daily life.
The bedroom continues the master color scheme: the tranquil elegance of blues and the understated simplicity of grays create a serene atmosphere far removed from the noise of the outside world.
In the boy’s room, a spacious sofa can be rearranged in multiple configurations, even folded out into a mattress, lending the space added versatility. On leisurely days, you can enjoy a little light rock concert with your child, reclaiming a touch of carefree spontaneity in life.
A book in hand, and time flows peacefully like this.
When life doesn’t allow ample time to journey far away, try taking a short respite—a moment of “laying down your book, weary hands resting as you drift into a long afternoon nap.” On a relaxed day off, savor the rich aroma of a cup of coffee, lose yourself in the pages of a book, and indulge in unhurried, comfortable moments—a way of life that refuses to settle for less.
Right upon entering lies an open-plan area serving simultaneously as both study and dining space. The designer ingeniously employs tracks and pulleys, crafting a human-centered design that cleverly maximizes limited space. Furniture hues echo the pale yellow tones found in Morandi’s paintings, radiating warmth throughout the room.
In the living room, the lofty backdrop wall is adorned with bookshelf wallpaper, complemented by a cobalt-blue loveseat, a black leather chaise lounge, a delicately water-patterned marble table, and a floor lamp shaped like an antique telescope. These utterly ordinary still-life elements, rendered in muted, non‑vibrant colors, seem to withdraw from the bustling chaos outside when bathed in abundant natural light, appearing instead refined and elegant—exuding an enduring, profound material presence within their serene stillness.
The bedroom carries forward the open‑plan study concept, where soothing gray tones paired with warm wooden flooring create a visually gentle, inviting atmosphere, fostering a simple yet leisurely spatial spirit. Subtle touches of goose‑yellow add just enough vibrancy without overwhelming the overall palette, filtering out overly saturated or heavy hues to reveal a softer, more graceful character.
For soft furnishings, the choice falls on postmodern paintings, minimalist yet exquisite artworks, and airy, luminous greenery. Within these selections, a dignified artistic sensibility and delicate emotional resonance quietly emerge, illuminating the inner world of the residents.
