The 250 square meter apartment -- which was completed in February 2016, in a building that's part of a large real estate residential project located in the greater metropolitan area of Shenzhen -- is cleverly compartmentalized so as to fully utilize not only its ample floor space but also its symbiotic relationship to the four-member, middle-class Chinese family it houses.

Upon entering, the warm, earthy tones of the décor's color theme, marble flooring, walnut wood paneling and minimal, yet comfortable furnishings, greet visitors and residents with an enveloping hush while two distinct "zones" encompass the floorplan and separate the dedicated space between those rooms intended for "Day Activities" and those intended for the "Night Zone." 

The "Day Activities" section features a very spacious living room that encompasses a large, sundrenched lounge area with a huge, L-shaped sofa taking center stage. This faces a walnut paneled wall beside the wide veranda which overlooks a panoramic view of the city stretching out below. Meanwhile, the tea table, which is bordered by the backside of the sofa, features a large table which is perfect for entertaining. Across the room, the dining area is delineated from the lounge with a metal framed, clear glass "wall" partition, a feature exemplifies the designers and architects design directives by marrying a simplistic Bauhaus form with the idea of a traditional Chinese screen. A dedicated space for having tea was a top priority; the partaking of tea is not only a fundamental aspect of Chinese heritage but also an integral part of a modern Chinese family's daily life. 

The open floor plan of this section of the apartment is enhanced by the decor choices. Art of every shape and size is hung on the walls, its colors punctuating the soft tones of the furnishings and the bronze finishes of supporting columns -- architectural elements which are transformed into décor features thanks to the clever utilization of the metal's sheen.

The utilization of polished bronze flows through to the minimally designed kitchen, wherein the center island's column and overhead cooking ventilation have been sheathed in the metal, imbues these functional items with the same touch of subdued glamour that is so prevalent in the rest of the apartment. The bordering beam of recessed lighting on the ceiling furthers this aesthetic. 

Meanwhile, in the apartment's "Night Zone," although the same clean-lined and comforting aesthetic choices abound, their utilization is definitively intended for private use. The master bedroom employs yet another metal-framed, glass wall which separates the sleeping section from the marble and walnut wood infused master bath on the one side and the walk-in closet as well as the private office space to the other side. Once again, walnut wood veneers sheath parts of the walls creating a soothing backdrop for the various artworks that are showcased. Another element that characterizes the private quarters are the built in furnishings, such as built-in window seats, the oblong metal desk/vanity shelf which runs across one of the two children's bedrooms, as well as the built-in metal framed bookcases hanging from the ceiling.

This apartment embraces a design aesthetic which is both welcoming and impressive; determined and yet soothing; entirely modern and yet made all the more so by the respect and homage paid to the heritage of its residents. "East meets West" may be just a term, but in this setting it becomes a living testament.