Layered Romance

The name Layered Romance stems from the emotional projection of the homeowner couple and their humorous exchanges during the design process. Although the host initially claimed a dislike for dark tones, he gravitated toward grayscale and deeper shades during the selection phase, revealing a subtle but authentic preference that shaped the project’s restrained and emotionally rich tone. This is the couple’s first renovation project, with the anticipation of their first child. The designers proposed over five layout plans to craft a nurturing home for their growing family. Here, “romance” referred not just to mood but also to the practice of love and responsibility.

Romance emerged through daily life. The original three-bedroom layout was revised to a two-bedroom to provide greater openness in the master suite and shared areas. One of the project’s highlights was its carefully composed ceiling and feature wall. To resolve the challenge of low beams, the designers introduced a cross-shaped linear lighting design that visually linked the entrance to the living room. The TV wall combined ironwork and grille patterns with soft-textured troweled plaster, echoing the homeowner’s affinity for a grayscale, modern aesthetic.

The master bedroom demonstrated refined spatial integration. The headboard was rounded to connect seamlessly with the vanity and built-in storage, forming a cohesive U-shaped composition. This softened the visual pressure from overhead beams while preserving space for the hostess’ makeup routine and storage needs. At the foot of the bed, display cabinets extended the wall visually, masking structural gaps and maintaining a sense of continuity, while also reserving generous space for a baby crib.