This modern French residence is imbued with a refined French sensibility, where symmetry, chromatic contrast and restrained detailing come together to create a timeless and serene home. Spanning five levels, the residence accommodates three generations, forming a layered and deeply personal narrative of family life.
“A home should embody French elegance and a sense of ritual, yet never feel distant.” Designer Xia Fu recognised the deeper intention behind this sentiment. Rather than replicating classical French elements such as elaborate mouldings, gilded ornamentation or crystal chandeliers, the design focuses on integrating beauty naturally into everyday living.
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- Photo credit: Xueman Hu
The double-height living room serves as a central gathering space, with a strong symmetrical axis lending rhythm and balance to the interior. A sapphire-blue velvet sofa anchors the room visually, complemented by an emerald green armchair that introduces a refined chromatic contrast. Sunlight filters through arched openings, gently illuminating the off-white walls and creating an inviting, tranquil setting for family interaction.
Elegant plaster mouldings outline the living room walls with restraint, while classical proportions reinforce architectural order without overwhelming the space. The result is an environment that feels open and airy, yet comfortably intimate. The adjoining open-plan Chinese and Western kitchen forms the heart of daily family life. Modern Western appliances are discreetly integrated within streamlined cabinetry, maintaining visual continuity with the living space. From morning coffee rituals to evening meal preparations and late-night conversations, the kitchen island naturally becomes a social focal point.
Designed to accommodate Ms. Zhang’s love for entertaining, the dining area comfortably hosts multiple guests. As natural light softens through sheer curtains, the space transforms into a warm and elegant setting for shared meals and conversations.
Positioned in the sunniest corner, the afternoon tea nook offers a quiet retreat. An elongated table paired with delicate teaware creates a serene space where time slows, providing moments of intimacy for the hostess and her guests.
The guest bathroom continues the refined aesthetic through minimalist detailing. The vanity echoes the living room’s blue palette, while metallic accents introduce a subtle layer of brightness, maintaining continuity with the communal spaces.
As Xia Fu notes, Ms. Zhang’s aspirations extend beyond decorative styling. Instead, the home expresses ritual through spatial proportions, rhythm, and the interplay of natural light and shadow.
While the communal areas establish the overall design language, colour becomes a storytelling device within the private quarters. Each room adopts its own palette, reflecting the personalities and experiences of its occupants.
Located on the ground floor, the elders’ suite embraces a French Chinoiserie aesthetic. A balanced interplay between vibrant tones and grounded hues creates a space that feels both lively and calming, carefully tailored to comfort and practicality.
The third floor houses the children’s bedrooms. The son’s room is anchored in a charcoal black palette, softened by textured off-white wall coverings that capture light delicately. A custom display shelf beside his study area showcases his model collections and academic achievements, adding a personal narrative to the space.
The adjoining bathroom extends the same visual language. Charcoal tones continue across surfaces, while geometric black and white floor patterns introduce dynamic contrast against crisp white walls, resulting in a clean and functional environment.
In contrast, the daughter’s bedroom expresses a softer, feminine sensibility. Pale pink and creamy white tones blend harmoniously, creating a gentle and comforting atmosphere. Decorative cushions, plush toys and personal mementos shape a dreamlike sanctuary.
Her study room reveals her evolving individuality. A charcoal desk paired with a playful pink desk lamp creates a balanced contrast, while a white shelving unit functions as a growing gallery for books, artwork and keepsakes. Her bathroom continues this thoughtful detailing. Warm wood flooring adds tactile comfort, while a bold pink vanity echoes the bedroom’s palette, introducing a playful yet refined character.
Connecting the two suites is a shared lounge that functions as both a piano practice area and a family gathering space. When music fills the room, it becomes an artistic sanctuary; at other times, it serves as a flexible zone for conversation and relaxation. Throughout the home, artefacts collected by Ms. Zhang during her travels, alongside the children’s certificates and awards, are carefully displayed. These items move beyond decoration, becoming emotional markers that enrich the living environment.
Through extensive collaboration, Xia Fu and Ms. Zhang agreed that while functionality remains essential, design must also reflect personal experiences and cultivate a sense of ritual that elevates daily living. A well-designed home must balance solitude and social interaction, creating opportunities for both retreat and togetherness.
The fourth-floor master suite offers enhanced privacy and tranquillity. The bedroom features a calming palette of muted grey and creamy white, anchored by an emerald velvet headboard that creates a cocooning sense of comfort. Instead of ornamental emphasis, attention is placed on tactile quality — from mattress support to the texture of bedding and pillows.
Separate walk-in wardrobes reflect individual preferences while maintaining visual cohesion. Ms. Zhang’s wardrobe resembles a curated boutique, featuring glass cabinetry and integrated lighting that display accessories like art pieces. Her husband’s wardrobe prioritises functional organisation, with dark wood finishes adding depth and grounding the space. A connecting door allows both independence and intimacy.
The master bathroom features dual vanities and a bathtub positioned beside a window overlooking the courtyard. Carefully selected materials — natural stone, metal fittings and glass — combine to create a luxurious yet calming bathing environment.
The basement serves as the family’s entertainment and wellness zone. A professionally designed home theatre provides cinematic experiences, while a billiards table encourages family bonding. A fitness area facing the courtyard connects exercise routines with views of nature.
The staircase becomes more than circulation; it serves as an emotional connector between levels. Chance encounters on landings and fleeting shared moments contribute to the home’s everyday warmth. The journey through the home begins at the curved foyer, where gentle spatial transitions guide movement inward. Corridors function as experiential pathways where light shifts subtly, creating changing moods throughout the day.
At the corridor’s end lies the sunroom — a tranquil space in direct dialogue with nature. Without a fixed function, it accommodates reading, tea rituals, quiet reflection or simply observing the rain. Extending from the sunroom, the courtyard connects the family to seasonal rhythms. Spring introduces budding greenery, summer brings the sound of cicadas, autumn invites the collection of fallen leaves, and winter transforms the landscape into a serene snow-covered scene. Here, nature becomes the home’s most powerful decorative element.
