Kaohsiung, Taiwan is a place filled with color. The massive city boasts unique architecture, lively night markets, and in certain months, blossoming cherry trees. HAO Design's overhaul of a retired couple's three-bedroom house in the busy metropolis is both reflective of the locale's vibrancy, and a relaxing retreat from the bustle.
The team worked to incorporate two different client desires — minimalist decor vs. soft textures and metallics — into the design. The result is a moody and calm space that is rich in textures and dark tones. Another interesting tidbit: The gilded features and dim lighting are meant to conjure images of the salons of the Parisian Enlightenment.
Despite the vintage ambience of the interior, the apartment is firmly forward-thinking in its design, with modern furnishings and multifunctional spaces.
After interning at Dwell magazine in San Francisco, Kate began writing about arts, design and culture for other national publications. She is based in Los Angeles and San Francisco.