Private Residence is a minimal home located in Xinyang, China, designed by WDS Forward Space Design. The project’s most illuminating detail emerges in its treatment of the bay windows – rather than accepting these conventional architectural elements, the designers boldly removed these “false bay windows” after confirming their non-structural nature, instantly expanding the usable space while setting the tone for a design approach that prioritizes functionality over convention.

The material palette speaks in whispers rather than shouts, centered around what could be called a “warm minimalism.” Large-format 1800x900mm sandstone panels flow through the public spaces, their matte finish creating subtle plays of light that make the space feel larger than its actual dimensions. This interplay of scale and texture demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how materials can shape spatial perception – the oversized panels reduce visual breaks, while their subtle texture prevents the sterility that often plagues all-white interiors.

A particularly compelling design decision manifests in the living room’s transformation into a dual-purpose space. Here, the designers installed a fixed island-style desk, creating what they call an “open study.” This intervention serves multiple functions: it anchors the sofa placement for optimal audio-visual experiences, provides a dedicated workspace, and subtly zones the room without erecting barriers. The removal of walls between the living room and south-facing balcony creates an uninterrupted 5-meter span of natural light, exemplifying how strategic subtraction can lead to spatial abundance.

The lighting piece deserves special attention, where the designers employed LED strips and mirrored stainless steel to address an exposed beam in the dining area. Rather than attempting to hide this structural necessity, they transformed it into a feature that reduces its visual weight while adding functional illumination – a prime example of problem-solving through design enhancement rather than concealment.

In the master suite, which occupies a quarter of the total interior space at 42 square meters, the designers created a fluid sequence of spaces that includes the bedroom, bathroom, and dressing room. The bathroom’s sink area features half-arc stone mosaic tiles, choosing a softer grid pattern over solid stone to achieve a more gentle transition along curved walls – a detail that speaks to the project’s careful consideration of material application at every scale.