Olive City – Private Residence, Beijing, China | Interior design by Fu Xia
This is not the first time owner Lisa has worked with the interior designer Fu Xia. When it came to renovating this 250m² luxury apartment. Compared to the formal French style of Lisa’s previous home, designer Fu Xia hoped to infuse more relaxation into the space this time, creating a sense of effortless elegance within the refined urban lifestyle.
Compared to traditional luxury apartments, this renovation breaks away from the fixed layout of a standard flat by reorganizing the space. In the original structure, a long corridor separated the living area from the functional areas, making the space narrow and lacking in natural light. Fu Xia merged two smaller rooms to create a piano room for the daughter. This open space meets the emotional needs of the family of three to spend time together and significantly increases the natural light, making the living environment more comfortable.
Fu Xiao also merged another three small bedrooms into one, creating an oversized kitchen with dual-sided natural light. This new layout not only accommodates both Western and Chinese cooking functions but also achieves a north-south cross-ventilation in the apartment.
Amongst refined urban aesthetic, the designer focused on a deeper human-centered consideration: creating a better living experience as the core of the design.
"On brilliant days, I walk between villages and chestnut forests, sit on a folding chair, and try to capture the fleeting brilliance with watercolors. On warm nights, I sit by the open doors and windows of the Klingsor Palace until late." This is Hesse's summer at Klingsor.
In the living room, with its bright light and open layout, the entire space radiates a sense of vibrant beauty. Breaking away from the conventional single-function sofa, the modular design allows for free combination, arrangement, and stacking.
Inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos, the colors and patterns are reinterpreted to create an elegant and refined harmony, symbolizing the changes throughout the day—morning, noon, and evening. Through the windows, you can feel the four seasons, crafting a living space that is refined, elegant, natural, and comfortable.
The fresh color palette resembles a light breeze and mist, or the tender buds of a forest, brimming with freely flowing vitality. Immersed in such an ideal home environment, the spirit is equally relaxed and liberated. No matter where you sit, you are always facing the infinite beauty of nature. Everything indoors blooms like flowers, adorning the vast and pure sky.
The French lines exude elegance and dignity, while the selection of artwork is bold and avant-garde. Mirrors reflect the outdoor scenery, creating an intriguing interplay between space and landscape, where the blend and dialogue of classic elements spark a playful imagination. The intricate and exquisite carved details evoke echoes of Baroque charm.
Writer Zeng Yanbing once said, "Rituals give even the most ordinary days a glow. We need to constantly celebrate the beauty in front of us, so we can move forward fearlessly. Love and beauty are the greatest changes we can make to a mundane life, and they are non-negotiable."
Life is always full of surprises. Enjoying a fine meal with cherished ones, whether it's the aroma of wine in the evening or the scent of coffee in the morning, brings a richness that lingers long after.
After the renovation, the dining room became bright and airy, with the fragrance of food carried on the breeze. The natural scenery outside resembles a continuous painting, leaving beautiful reflections through the different windows. In the Chinese kitchen, the combination of the island and bar counter meets the need for preparing breakfast for the family in the early morning. In the dining room, a long table awaits the evening, when family members return home. The slightly ritualistic dinner time becomes a moment of love and energy amidst the busyness of life.
The open kitchen and living room offers a variety of possibilities for comfortable living. Whether sitting at the dining table or reclining on the sofa with your eyes closed, you can fully enjoy the cozy and relaxing atmosphere of home. The combination of different functions also leaves more possibilities for the use of space.
A serene lake glistening with a mysterious emerald green reflects the sky and illuminates a relaxing corner with a soothing ambiance. A colorful floor lamp and vintage decorative paintings create a layered retreat, whether it's for enjoying a laid-back atmosphere during shared moments or savoring an exquisite afternoon tea on a leisurely afternoon. This space provides comfort to the soul, a true embrace of home.
Fu Xia believes that people are not mere portraits depicted by big data but rather vibrant individuals with their own unique personalities and aspirations. As such, living spaces can also be bold and colorful, showcasing a rich diversity and unconventional character. Through the art of color and texture, the residents' inner worlds can be manifested.
The bold color combinations and artful patterns embody a sense of laziness and romance, with a humorous and carefree side. The signature Roche Bobois mahjong table and the single sofa by the window belong to the same series, exuding a relaxed and airy ambiance that invites one to immerse themselves in it and lose track of time.
The glow of the setting sun spreads through the dappled shadows of the trees, casting a romantic afterglow over the mountains and forests. The pearlescent prints on the walls appear gentle and serene in the interplay of light and shadow, and all the noise fades into the tranquility of this moment.
Stepping away from the busyness of life for a brief moment of solitude brings a sense of calm. The bathroom can also be designed as a secluded corner that shuts out the hustle and bustle, inviting one to linger, reveal oneself, and restore the balance of body and mind.
The patchwork tiles on the floor add a rhythmic quality, with every detail crafted to perfection.
In the evening, lighting a rose-scented candle in such a space allows you to drift into a verdant dream. As the water flows over your body, it feels as if it carries a soothing power, washing away dust and turbulent emotions, slowly emptying both body and soul.
Influenced by art, music, and other creative forms from a young age, the younger generation's style is bolder and more fashionable. The daughter's room resembles a dreamlike realm, beautifully enchanting; it is both sweet and cute like a cream cake, yet carries the delicate scent of violets. This space serves as a self-expression of a girl’s romantic life.
Crafted with a philosophy of refined living, the natural aesthetics permeate those perfectly balanced moments of happiness. Bringing the essence of nature and art into the home, even the simplest elements of greenery can create a heart-stirring atmosphere. This is not just a residence; it is a realm filled with warmth and the transmission of love.
Project information
Project Name: Olive City
Project Location: Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Project Area: 320m²
Design Director: Fu Xia
Design Team: Dou Qiannan, Zhang Wenling
Project Year: 2024
Room Height: 2.85m
MEP Consultant: Kang Zheng
Furniture: Roche Bobois, BD Barcelona, Qeeboo
Budget: 5 million RMB
Photographer: Hu Xueman
