Tag Interior Design

As a non-professional in home decoration, I believe that interior design isn’t just about following trends but creating a timeless space that withstands the test of time—I don’t want to grow tired of it after just a couple of years.

Six years ago, I purchased a 90-square-meter apartment in Huangpu District as a marital home. Over time, the decor felt outdated, so I decided to demolish and renovate it completely.

With no time to select materials or supervise construction, and fearing a DIY disaster, I opted to hire a renovation company to save hassle.

However, I was wary of unscrupulous firms. After researching 11 companies online and offline for over two months, I narrowed it down to four for in-person visits. Some were evasive about quotes and whether they had in-house workers, but Xuan Yi stood out by providing worker rosters, individual wage bills, and transparent contracts listing material brands, models, and prices. They also showcased past renovation cases, which felt reliable.

In the old living room, a partition cabinet made the space feel disjointed and blocked light from the balcony, creating a dim and oppressive atmosphere. Xuan Yi’s designers removed the cabinet and extended tile flooring to the balcony, allowing natural light to flood in, making the area appear brighter and more spacious. Accent lights added a cozy, hill-like ambiance to the walls.

A earth-toned sofa paired with a lounge chair lets me relax while enjoying the view and sunlight. To save space, the other side of the balcony features built-in custom cabinets for a washer-dryer set, flattening the surface and storing杂物.

The original kitchen was narrow and cramped, with poor ventilation causing smoke issues. By enclosing the balcony and merging it with the kitchen, the space expanded, making meal prep convenient for two people.

The refrigerator fits perfectly into a high cabinet, saving space, while top-mounted cabinets prevent dust buildup and reduce cleaning needs.

The small master bedroom lacked storage for clothes, so we compressed the master bathroom to create an L-shaped walk-in closet, keeping the bedroom tidy and the bathroom functional.

Despite the limited area, Xuan Yi’s design transformed the old, cramped space into a warm and expansive home, with every square meter utilized efficiently—the 90-square-meter apartment now feels like 120 square meters.