The Natural Villa Renovation in Chengdu, China Embraces Serenity

Amidst the urban clamor of Chengdu, China, Natural Villa offers a serene escape that seamlessly blends the tranquility of nature with modern living. The villa presented obstacles from the onset for GROWTO DESIGN, who were met with a three-story building with only one floor above ground. This resulted in two subterranean floors lacking natural light and ventilation, as well as lower height ceilings making it feel more claustrophobic.

A modern living room with a large flat-screen TV, minimalist furniture, and neutral tones. It features a white couch, brown chairs, a white lounge chair, and a green rug on a polished floor.

The first step in transforming this space was reimagining the main living areas. By relocating the living room, dining room, kitchen, and study to the mezzanine level, the GROWTO DESIGN optimized the use of space. The inclusion of two strategically placed skylights floods the lower floors with much-needed natural light, creating an open, airy atmosphere that belies the structure’s underground nature. This clever design element not only enhances illumination but also fosters a stronger connection between the levels, promoting a sense of unity throughout the home.

A modern living area with a green rug, a light-colored sectional sofa, two brown chairs, and a coffee table. A staircase leads to an upper floor. A dining area and kitchen are visible in the background.

The design ethos of Natural Villa is rooted in simplicity and elegance. Eschewing superfluous decoration, the space relies on the interplay of light, shadow, color, and texture to tell its story. This minimalist approach transforms the home into a tranquil haven, where every detail is thoughtfully curated to evoke calm and comfort. The fusion of rigid and soft lines throughout the villa orchestrates a unified rhythm, bringing a poetic quality to the living experience.

Modern living room with a white sofa, brown chair, and coffee table with decor items. Large windows reveal a tree outside. Wooden staircase ascends to the right. Green rug covers the floor.

A modern living room featuring a beige sofa, a wooden coffee table with decor, and a floating staircase leading to the upper floor. The dining area and wooden cabinetry are visible in the background.

A neutral color palette and use of natural materials keeps the interior feeling cozy while also put together, with shades of gray and green offering soothing sights throughout.

A modern interior with wooden floating stairs, gray panel walls, and large windows with a view of a courtyard.

Modern living room featuring a white sectional sofa, a brown lounge chair, a coffee table with a figurine, and an open staircase leading to the upper floor. The space includes a kitchen and dining area.

Modern interior with wooden staircase, open dining area featuring a round table with black chairs, and a kitchen with marble countertops and black fixtures. Warm wood tones and minimalistic design.

Modern dining area with a round wooden table, six black chairs, a large potted plant centerpiece, pendant lighting, a nature-themed wall mural, and wooden cabinetry. Light streams in from a skylight.

An open wooden staircase and light well keep the main living room, dining room, and kitchen feeling like they’re above ground and not located on the mezzanine level.

Contemporary interior staircase with light wood steps, glass railing, and large window providing natural light. View of a small garden outside. Minimalist design with clean lines and neutral colors.

A beige upholstered lounge chair with an ottoman is set on a green rug near large windows, viewed from an overhead angle with a wooden staircase in the foreground.

A modern minimalist interior featuring layered open spaces, with a light-colored wall and ceiling, wood paneling, a painting, and a small nook with a table and stool below.

A minimalist living room with a light gray sectional sofa, a wooden coffee table, a wall-mounted TV, and a large window with sheer curtains allowing natural light to fill the space.

On the top floor, a sitting room with an adjacent tea room, features expansive windows framing picturesque views of the outdoor scenery. The light-filled space offers a quiet space for contemplation and relaxation, embodying a luxurious simplicity.

Modern living room with a wooden armchair next to a large window with sheer curtains. A coffee table with minimal decorations and a book stand are also present.

A modern living room with a minimalist design featuring a beige sofa, wooden furniture, a flat-screen TV on the wall, and a large abstract painting. The room has neutral colors and ample natural light.

Minimalist dining area with a long wooden table, a bench, and a chair against sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains. A kettle and tray with cups are on the table.

The minimalist tea area appears as a desk or dining table but upon closer glance, it becomes clear that a cleverly placed sink is built right into the design. The handy addition allows for quick and convenient tea making, preventing multiple trips back and forth between the kitchen and the lounge.

A modern minimalist home office with a wooden desk, a black ergonomic chair, a laptop, books, and contemporary artwork of a cartoon figure on the wall.

A staircase with white steps and beige walls is adorned with a colorful abstract painting and illuminated by a rectangular window. The stair railing is black with a modern design.

Overhead view of a modern, minimalist staircase featuring sharp lines and black and white surfaces. A small green plant is visible near the base of the stairs.

A modern, minimalistic staircase with light-colored steps and dark handrails ascends next to a potted plant in a well-lit interior space.

A spacious modern bedroom features a large bed with gray bedding, a matching bench, hanging pendant lights, a low black bedside table, and a large painting on the wall. A plush chair and a lamp are situated nearby.

The primary bedroom suite epitomizes refined living with smooth, unadorned details create a sanctuary of peace. The children’s room is a vibrant, playful space, outfitted with warm wood tones and cheerful lemon yellow accents. This area fosters a sense of wonder and exploration, providing a magical environment where they can thrive. The choice of materials and the minimalist design cultivate a natural, inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for imaginative play.

A modern bedroom features a large wooden wardrobe, a unique yellow chair, a small round table with flowers, a floor lamp, and a bed with a dark blanket. A large abstract painting decorates the wall.

A bedroom with a mustard yellow bedspread, a black pillow, a red cylindrical nightstand with a smiling face design, and a floor lamp with a red base.

A modern wooden desk with a sleek black lamp, pencils in a holder, and a framed picture. Shelves above display decor items including a robot figure and toy trucks. A window with curtains is on the left.

A bedroom with a double bed, a blue throw blanket, and a red headboard. There's a desk and chair by the window on the left, artwork on the right wall, and a decorative eye-shaped wall piece above the bed.