Less is more

Creating a tranquil, relaxing home environment is an ideal way to relieve the stresses of a busy lifestyle. And one of the most effective ways to achieve this is with a sleek, uncluttered interior. This is also a good way to make a small space appear larger than it really is.

It's a look designer Gavin An of TG Projects, Beijing, chose for his own small, 50m² apartment. An says both he and his wife also wanted their home to reflect their love of contemporary design.

"We wanted a tranquil, yet modern look," An says. "The interior needed to be clean-lined and minimal. The look was also inspired by our love of jazz and the notion of a very pure and simple space."

An says the original plan provided separate, small rooms this was modified to create one large, dynamic space. The wall between the living area and bedroom was replaced with commercial moveable partitions, which can be closed to transform the sleeping area into a quiet enclosure.

"Being able to open up the entire space not only makes the apartment seem larger, it also maximises the powerful architectural language of the full-length window at the front of the apartment. The view can be seen as an artwork that changes with the seasons a view that can free you visually, as well as mentally.

"The new layout means there is now a circulation instead of a dead end, which further enriches the spatial experience."

Limiting the number of different materials and using similar flooring throughout the apartment also enhances the sense of space. A light oak laminate flooring was chosen for its colour and grain.

The rear wall of the bedroom features a bamboo wood veneer, which adds an oriental touch. But the horizontal grain, built-in shelf and indirect lighting ensure the bedroom retains a contemporary feel.

Built-in cabinetry throughout the unit has a white, semi-gloss lacquered finish. In keeping with the streamlined, minimal aesthetic, the kitchen cabinets feature an integrated handle profile.

"In a small apartment such as this, it is very important to provide plenty of storage," says An. "This is the best way to keep the interior uncluttered. Integrating the storage into the apartment design also ensures it is more unobtrusive."

The large, freestanding wardrobe has an additional function it doubles as a sound buffer and partition.

Another design feature that enhances the spacious look of the interior is the negative detailing, or shadow line, which can be seen in the narrow gaps between the top and sides of the cabinetry.

A similar shadow line is a feature of both the built-in entertainment unit, and the kitchen cabinets.

"This detail is an element that appears throughout the interior," says An. "In addition, all the cabinetry is recessed at floor level, which makes the units look as though they are floating within the space. The cantilevered entertainment unit creates a similar effect, making the floor area seem more expansive."

An says modern furniture was chosen with this theme in mind. Narrow steel legs on the sofa and bed help to lighten the space visually. A glass dining table also ensures the natural light is not compromised by heavy furniture.

Reflective materials further enhance the airy look. In the kitchen, a black, colour-backed glass splashback reflects the light, despite the dark colour.

The lighting is also a key part of the spatial solution. A combination of both indirect and intensive spot lighting balances the natural light, and provides a changing ambience by day and night.

In the bathroom, refined simplicity is again the essence. Every fitting was chosen to evoke a calm and tranquil ambience. A mix of textures is used to catch and reflect light.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes