A woman engrossed in a book at a beautifully integrated wooden desk, framed by an expansive window overlooking the vibrant Shanghai cityscape. The minimalist workstation is part of a custom wooden built-in that includes shelving, creating a serene and productive environment that harmoniously connects with the urban panorama.

Framing the Skyline: Minimalist Warmth in a High-Rise Shanghai Apartment

Words by Yatzer

Shanghai, China

In Shanghai’s Wutong District, a one-bedroom apartment high above the city has been reimagined by local studio YSPractice as a serene yet tactile sanctuary, where minimalist lines are tempered by organic warmth and the ebb and flow of daylight. Taking full advantage of its high-rise location, the design frames sweeping city views as an integral part of daily life, positioning windows, seating, and sightlines to draw the skyline into the home. Set against this majestic yet chaotic urban backdrop, a toned-down palette of timber, stone, and muted colours offers a soothing counterbalance, creating an interior that feels grounded despite the views of the urban vastness beyond.

A sophisticated living space featuring bespoke cabinetry and thoughtful art integration. A sage green wall unit with open doors reveals shelves and a vibrant portrait, contrasting with the warm wooden paneling. A sculptural dark gray coffee table holds a vivid floral arrangement, while a plush cream sofa and a subtle green built-in bookshelf are visible, creating a curated and inviting ambiance.

Photography by Li Ming.

A sophisticated urban living space with panoramic city views, featuring a harmonious blend of industrial and natural elements. Exposed concrete beams contrast with warm wood paneling and a unique ribbed tiled wall beneath the window. A plush cream modular sofa and a bold red armchair offer comfortable seating, while large potted plants introduce a refreshing biophilic touch.

Photography by Li Ming.

A minimalist yet inviting living area designed by YSP Design, featuring a striking pale green curved wall unit with subtle framed art. The warm wood paneling creates a serene backdrop, complemented by a large green plant and a bold red armchair. A sculptural dark gray coffee table and a textured rug in earthy tones complete the sophisticated, art-infused atmosphere.

Photography by Li Ming.

The renovation began with a decisive gesture: stripping away all internal partitions to create an unbroken spatial sequence. Rooms now fan out from an east-facing open-plan living area, forming a gallery-like plan that channels natural light from morning to evening while avoiding the harsh glare of the midday sun.

YSPractice’s approach hinges on layering textures to animate the minimalist sensibility that underlies their scheme. Exposed concrete beams traversing the ceiling are balanced by expanses of pale timber panelling and hardwood floors. This measured interplay of rough and smooth, and cool and warm, continues throughout: a stainless-steel kitchen island that reflects light with crisp precision is paired with timber cabinetry, beige ceramic tiling beneath the living room windows provides a luminous backdrop for lush tropical plants, while mint-green textured wall panels provide a gentle chromatic counterpoint to the wood-lined walls. Underfoot, sisal carpeting adds tactile warmth, punctuated, in form and colour, by a sculptural black coffee table and a cardinal-red Utrecht armchair by Cassina.  

A captivating glimpse into a contemporary interior where thoughtful design maximizes space and light. A biophilic element is prominent with a large, vibrant green plant near a bold red armchair. Beyond, warm wooden walls and a curved pale green panel create a sense of calm and flow, embodying a serene and artful living experience.

Photography by Li Ming.

A multi-functional living area featuring a distinctive curved storage unit in a pale sage green hue, adorned with three small framed artworks. A plush cream modular sofa sits on a richly textured rug, while a sculptural dark gray coffee table adds a contemporary touch. Beyond, a vibrant red armchair hints at a more expansive living area, blending comfort with artistic expression.

Photography by Li Ming.

A contemporary living space imbued with eclectic details. A plush cream modular sofa sits on a geometric patterned rug in earthy tones, facing a sculptural dark gray coffee table adorned with flowers. Floating white shelves display curated objects and art, while the kitchen’s wooden cabinetry and a concrete beam provide a backdrop, showcasing a blend of textures and artful arrangements.

Photography by Li Ming.

A study in refined textures and natural materials within a modern interior. The wall is clad in warm-toned wood paneling, contrasting with a raw concrete ceiling detail featuring exposed aggregate. A sleek, reflective surface on the counter holds a large white vase with verdant foliage, while a framed abstract artwork adds a subtle artistic touch.

Photography by Li Ming.

A modern open-plan kitchen and living area, showcasing a sophisticated material palette. The kitchen features custom oak cabinetry, a large brushed stainless steel island with integrated sink, and minimalist pendant lighting. An inviting cream-colored modular sofa anchors the foreground, reflecting the YSP Design's balance of warmth and contemporary functionality.

Photography by Li Ming.

An open-plan kitchen and dining area in a Shanghai apartment designed by YSP Design, showcasing a harmonious blend of industrial and Japandi styles. The kitchen features sleek wooden cabinetry and a brushed stainless steel island, while a cozy dining nook with olive green seating is visible through an open doorway. Exposed concrete beams add a raw, industrial edge.

Photography by Li Ming.

A cozy, Japandi-inspired dining nook with built-in olive green velvet seating nestled against warm wooden walls. A round wooden table with a unique base stands at the center, adorned with a delicate floral arrangement. The minimalist pendant light fixture above adds a sculptural element, enhancing the intimate and inviting atmosphere of this Shanghai apartment.

Photography by Li Ming.

Rounded corners, curved joinery, and sculptural furnishings provide a softening effect, lending the apartment a quietly rhythmic flow. In the dining area off the main living space, a built-in L-shaped banquette wraps around the corner, its rounded forms accentuated by deep green velvet upholstery. In the bedroom, a custom-designed headboard in patterned beige fabric gently cups the free-standing bed, subtly screening the en-suite washbasin. Rendered in richly veined white-and-brown marble, the latter is ensconced amid timber wardrobes, its organic pattern harmonising with the surrounding wood.

Taking advantage of the property’s high-rise location, the designers have treated the city itself as a key compositional element. Windows are positioned to frame Shanghai’s skyline in measured glimpses, each one conceived as a living artwork. The placement of a reading nook against a panoramic window, provides one such example, transforming what is a simple desk into a contemplative vantage point over the shifting cityscape.

  • An intimate dining area bathed in natural light from a large window overlooking the Shanghai skyline. The space features a custom-built, U-shaped banquette upholstered in rich olive green velvet, complementing the light wood paneling. A sculptural white pendant light hovers over a round wooden table, adorned with pink peonies, creating a serene and sophisticated urban retreat.

    Photography by Li Ming.

  • An elegant hallway clad in light wood paneling, featuring a distinctive oval cut-out window that frames a glimpse of the cityscape. The play of natural light creates dynamic shadows, emphasizing the clean lines and meticulous craftsmanship of this contemporary design. Beyond, a vibrant red armchair hints at a more expansive living area.

    Photography by Li Ming.

  • A charming dining nook featuring an L-shaped banquette upholstered in rich olive green velvet, set against warm wooden walls. A round wooden table with a unique two-tone top is adorned with a vibrant floral arrangement. A classical portrait hangs above the banquette, while a sculptural white pendant light casts an elegant glow, creating an intimate and artful atmosphere.

    Photography by Li Ming.

  • A versatile and inviting seating area, designed with a seamless transition between a daybed and a banquette. The olive green velvet upholstery with horizontal tufting is complemented by decorative pillows—one with dark blue and gold accents, another with textured earth tones. Two small framed artworks adorn the pale wall, adding a curated touch to this adaptable space.

    Photography by Li Ming.

A woman engrossed in a book at a beautifully integrated wooden desk, framed by an expansive window overlooking the vibrant Shanghai cityscape. The minimalist workstation is part of a custom wooden built-in that includes shelving, creating a serene and productive environment that harmoniously connects with the urban panorama.

Photography by Li Ming.

A minimalist bedroom designed for tranquility and urban connection. A soft green wall panel with framed art adds a subtle color accent against the warm wood and exposed concrete beam. Expansive windows reveal the Shanghai skyline, while a luxurious marble panel below the window introduces natural texture. A vibrant red armchair is visible in the adjacent room, inviting relaxation.

Photography by Li Ming.

A tranquil bedroom space featuring a unique, tiered sculptural pendant light that adds a dramatic artistic element. The room is defined by warm wood paneling and a soft sage green headboard wall adorned with a framed, intricately detailed artwork. A traditional patterned rug lies on the light wood floor, leading to an adjacent living area, suggesting a thoughtful blend of modern and classic aesthetics.

Photography by Li Ming.

A luxurious and thoughtfully detailed bedroom. The headboard is upholstered in a rich, patterned fabric, creating a focal point. Warm wooden walls and integrated cabinetry surround a vanity area with a distinctive oval mirror set against veined marble, showcasing a blend of natural materials and bespoke craftsmanship for a sophisticated retreat.

Photography by Li Ming.

By weaving light, colour, and texture into a cohesive whole, YSPractice has crafted a soulful urban dwelling, its calm palette and tactile richness offering a soothing counterpoint to the city’s restless energy. In the heart of the metropolis, it proves that even at the city’s busiest intersections, there is still room to dwell slowly, to look outward, and to feel the quiet pulse of the world beyond.

  • A luxurious and artfully designed bathroom vanity area within a Shanghai apartment. The space features an elegant oval mirror set against a stunning veined onyx wall, with a matching contemporary onyx basin and minimalist bronze fixtures. Warm wooden paneling frames the alcove, creating a harmonious blend of natural materials and sophisticated design.

    Photography by Li Ming.

  • A compact yet stylish powder room, demonstrating efficient and elegant design. The back wall is clad in dark, iridescent mosaic tiles, contrasting with light, minimalist wall tiles above. A simple white toilet and a woven rug add functionality, while warm wooden shelving on the left provides discreet storage, reflecting a clever use of space.

    Photography by Li Ming.

  • A close-up of a luxurious and artful bathing experience. A dark, richly textured mosaic-tiled bathtub features a unique, modern waterfall faucet that creates a mesmerizing cascade of water. A sleek, wall-mounted showerhead with a flexible hose in brushed metal completes the contemporary aesthetic, blending tactile richness with sophisticated functionality.

    Photography by Li Ming.

Sunlight streams into a contemporary living space, highlighting the interplay of light and shadow on the pale wooden floors. A green-hued panel with framed art serves as a room divider, complementing the warm wood and exposed concrete beams. A striking red armchair and a lush green plant add vibrant accents to this minimalist and inviting interior.

Photography by Li Ming.