Countryside Whispers | Yanchu Interior Design | World Design Awards 2025

Yanchu Interior Design: Winner of World Design Awards 2025. Inspired by the homeowner’s passion for American country style, the project involved renovating an old house. The designer faced the challenge of preserving the architectural value of the old structure while transforming it into a space with a completely new appearance. Through meticulous liner design, repurposing materials, and redistributing spaces, the project transformed a 30-year-old house into a dwelling that is both modern and imbued with the warmth of country living.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION／DIFFERENTIATION	American Country Style The designer removed the original partitions and redefined the entryway to separate the foyer while showcasing a complete TV wall. The TV wall features symmetrical paneling with carved decorations paired with an electronic fireplace, creating a classic American country atmosphere. Herringbone pattern wood floors connect the living room and dining area, enhancing the cohesion between spaces. The angular structure of the hallway leading to the private area has been transformed into a soft, curved archway, adding elegance. The kitchen is equipped with fully retractable glass sliding doors, not only increasing visual transparency but also making the space more versatile. Old House Charm Originally, the homeowner wanted to replace the solid wood flooring. However, the designer suggested refinishing the floors to give them new life. The refurbished floors now have a matte coffee color with an extremely delicate texture, aligning more closely with the overall American country style. This approach not only saved a significant amount of budget but also avoided wasting high-quality building materials, exemplifying the integration of sustainable concepts into the design.
PRODUCTION OR REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY (AND MATERIALS)	In this project, system cabinets, trim doors, eco-friendly paint, and refurbished old solid wood floors were used, which are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The primary color palette is based on earth tones. The living room and dining area feature combinations of cream white and beige, creating a cozy and inviting image. Walls are accented with light gray-blue and gray-green to create a fresh and layered atmosphere. The master bedroom’s gray-blue walls paired with a metallic element vanity add a touch of luxury. The daughter’s room contrasts low-saturation gray-green with white system cabinets, achieving a refreshing look. Louvered blinds allow even distribution of natural light while providing privacy, enhancing the comfort of the home.
SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSIONS / PACKAGE / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES	The project encompasses a space of 231.4 square meters, featuring five rooms, a living room, a dining room, and four bathrooms. In the social area, adjustments to the foyer enhance the clarity of the layout. Herringbone pattern wood flooring spans the living and dining rooms, providing a visually cohesive yet distinctly zoned space. The kitchen’s glass sliding door balances transparency with flexibility, maximizing the functionality of the space. Two curved archways along the hallway soften the original linear structure, creating a fluid circulation path. Following the direction of these arches leads to the private area of the home, further delineating the separation between social and private spaces.
CHALLENGE	The challenge lay in integrating the existing structure with a new style to achieve a renovation of an old house. The designer had to address the issue of preserving old furniture and building materials, such as sofas, dining chairs, and a wine cabinet. Additionally, refurbishing the existing solid wood flooring was a particularly time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Finding solutions that were both environmentally friendly and economical was essential, requiring the design and construction to proceed in tandem. This not only tested the designer’s aesthetic vision but also highlighted the importance of close and effective team communication. Ultimately, the designer successfully achieved a completely new visual effect in the interior design, demonstrating a seamless blend of old and new elements.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION／FUNCTION	The homeowner was extremely satisfied with the overall look of the project, particularly praising the matte texture of the refurbished solid wood flooring. The designer, through the tangible results, helped the owner recognize the value of sustainable design. Additionally, the atmosphere of the space became one of the homeowner’s favorite aspects. The openness and brightness of the social area complemented the warm and soft ambiance of the private area beautifully. The lighting effects from the louvered blinds not only enhanced living comfort but also added a sense of tranquility, deepening the homeowner’s appreciation and experience of what home means.
FORM	The intricate design interweaves the rhythms of life through light and shadow. The herringbone pattern of the solid wood flooring acts like the threads of history, bearing and recording the weight of time. The interlacing lines guide the steps through each space. Every soft ray of light is a natural touch. Light and shadow gently glide over archways and walls. The curved gradient effect softly caresses the earth-toned spaces. As the seasons change, the depth of light delicately records the rhythms of life. The gray-blue walls parallel with the off-white light, creating a restrained and peaceful atmosphere, allowing one to find inner balance and tranquility. The project embodies a dialogue between rural life and modern aesthetics, forming a connection between home and heart. The narrative arises from the resonance of the soul. Through comfortable functional aesthetics, every corner of the home holds a story—perhaps a moment of self-reflection or a cherished time shared with family.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT	The project involves the renovation of a 231.4 square meter old house, centered around the core concept of transformation, blending the warmth of American country style with the practicality of modern design. The designer revitalized the original furniture and building materials, such as the solid wood flooring which was sanded and refinished to better match the overall style with a matte texture, enhancing both the rustic charm and the tactile quality of life in the space. Hence, the project was aptly named “Countryside Whispers.” Highlights include the symmetrical trims of the TV wall, the ingenious use of arched doorways, and the strategic placement of louvered windows for natural lighting. The project fully embodies the spirit of sustainable design, achieving a perfect balance between environmental responsibility and aesthetic appeal, and successfully creating a warm and satisfying home for the homeowner.

IMPACT /SUSTAINABILITY

In addition to showcasing the classic charm of American country style, the project also invests great effort into the unseen details. The designer refurbished the existing large-area solid wood flooring, giving it a unique matte texture, which not only avoids waste but also significantly reduces the use of new building materials. Designing from scratch is common, but creating under constraints truly tests a designer’s skill. The result not only lowers costs but also enhances the space’s environmental consciousness. The lighting design employs louvered blinds to flexibly adjust natural light, achieving both aesthetic and practical effects. Ventilation is optimized through the convection between front and rear windows, ensuring a comfortable living experience throughout the year. Additionally, the inclusion of playful elements like an electronic fireplace and curved archways adds a sense of story and liveliness to the space. Overall, the project vividly demonstrates the practical implementation of sustainable design principles.