Awaken the Blue Within

About The Entry

Awaken the Blue Within is a high-rise apartment renovation for a corporate executive and his two adult children. With their changing routines and the children living abroad, the family needed a home that balances solitude, togetherness, and hospitality. The design sought to transform an unbalanced layout into a home that aligns with lived experiences and emotional rhythms.

The original layout was heavily weighted toward public zones. We restructured the spatial proportion from 65 to 35 to a more livable 45 to 55. This shift allowed each bedroom to include its own study area or walk-in closet, giving equal comfort and privacy to each occupant. Public areas were slightly condensed, but the homeowner’s favorite round dining table remained central as a social anchor.

A deep navy and gold palette reflects the client’s sense of calm and personal taste. Neo-classical wall paneling is modernized through clean lines and soft detailing. Chevron-pattern SPC flooring and large marble-look tiles add durability and cohesion. Arched openings and curved ceilings soften spatial edges and guide movement gently.

Materiality serves both comfort and climate. Japanese diatomaceous plaster was applied to all walls to help regulate humidity and purify the air. This breathable finish solves long-term moisture challenges common in high-rise living. Layered lighting creates warmth and rhythm across spaces, from ambient glow to sculptural pendants that mark transitions.

This project was not about inserting a bold designer's vision. It was about understanding the homeowner’s routines, memories, and values. The result is a quietly expressive residence, shaped not by spectacle but by empathy and intention.