yinjispace

INTERIOR
Dong Ji Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Shenghui
EDITOR
Gina
Collection

This project is located in Jiangyin and serves as a wedding home for a young couple born after 2000. Together with the homeowners, we transformed the 140㎡ space into a "boundless container" that holds all their passions for life — no ornate decorations, only the warmth of natural wood, the rawness of concrete, and an abundance of natural light, making everyday life feel as comfortable as it gets.

When we first saw the original floor plan, the space was fragmented and cramped by many closed partition walls, blocking the natural light and undermining the sense of interaction in the communal areas. The homeowners had simple requirements: they wanted an open, airy space where the family could interact at any time, along with a study that could double as a workspace and gaming area, space for both of them to work out, and a little garden corner they had dreamed of.

So we made the boldest move: we removed all non-load-bearing walls and fully opened up the living room, dining room, kitchen, and lounge area into an open-plan, boundless public space. The whole area instantly brightened up, with sunlight streaming through the full-length south-facing windows into every corner without any obstruction.

Many people say fair-faced concrete feels too cold, but in this home, we paired it with natural wood, creating the most comfortable texture. Instead of concealing the original concrete beams and columns, we kept them in their raw state — the bolt holes left from pouring, the texture of the cement — all authentic traces of the architecture, carrying a touch of industrial rawness.

For the living room, we chose modular block-shaped sofas without fixed backrests, allowing the homeowners to rearrange them as needed: sometimes a large sofa for lying down and watching TV, other times a gathering area for friends. Within the full-wall cabinet in the living room, we also integrated a hidden room door with louvered design matching the cabinet material. When closed, it blends seamlessly into the cabinet, leaving no trace of a door and keeping the entire wall clean and tidy.

In a corner of the public area, we reserved a small indoor garden zone where the homeowners can grow flowers and plants, allowing them to stay close to nature even on rainy days. A glass partition separates it from the main space, preventing water spills from messing up the living room while bringing the vitality of greenery into the space, adding life and becoming a relaxing little corner for the couple.

In the dining area, we chose an Isamu Noguchi paper lantern. Its warm, soft light falls on the wooden table, enhancing the atmosphere during meals. The kitchen area was also designed with consistent natural wood elements, and the full-wall cabinets hide all cookware and clutter, maintaining cleanliness and order while perfectly matching the overall style of the space.

The couple needed a dedicated workout area. Instead of making it an enclosed room, we used movable screens: during workouts, the screens can be moved to create a small, independent space; when not in use, the screens are moved aside, and the entire area regains its full openness. In another corner of the public area, we created a small display zone with glass shelves to showcase the homeowners' collections and artwork — a little corner tucked away with small pleasures of life.

The study was also carefully designed, featuring a full-length wooden desk and a small workstation by the window, making it comfortable for the homeowners whether they are working or gaming. Sunlight filters through the louvers, casting soft, gentle light and shadows across the room. Small ornaments and scattered books capture the little details of life — quiet and soothing.

In the master bedroom, we used a contrast of black and wood. The black cement wall in the middle separates the rest area from the vanity area, instantly heightening the private atmosphere. As you step inside, you immediately feel a sense of calm, pulled away from the liveliness of the public areas. Looking in from the entrance, the spatial layering becomes clear: on the left is a full-wall wooden walk-in closet, on the right is the black cabinetry of the vanity area, and the black wall in between serves as a visual transition. By the window, we placed a full-length wooden dressing table, where the homeowner can do her makeup; when sunlight pours in, no additional lighting is needed.

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