For a home that derives its design inspiration from the roaring ’20s and ‘30s, this Shenzhen penthouse looks remarkably modern.

Shanghai-based interior design firm Dariel Studio took vintage French features and turned them on their head to create a home that feels at once funky and classic. Helmed by award-winning, Parisian-born designer Thomas Dariel, the firm has worked with major luxury brands including Hermès, Starwood and Golden Tulip.

Since its founding in 2006, the studio has developed an impressive portfolio of over 60 projects throughout China, with properties in Shanghai, Sheshan, Zhouzhuang and Beijing.

The Shenzhen penthouse, located on the top floor of the Yinhu Lanshan residential compound, is one of Dariel’s more recent projects. The building itself is reminiscent of Chicago-style architecture, while the interior design pays homage to the Art Deco movement of 1920s-era France. Completed last year, the penthouse covers a comfortable 860sq.m of space.

Fan-shaped details, linear patterns and gold accents are the most obvious manifestations of Art Deco design, but these classic references have been updated for the 21st century.

Modern touches are evident in Dariel’s choice of geometric patterns, accent colours and contemporary furniture. Surrealist and avant-garde influences are also added to the mix, courtesy of perspective-shifting artworks by notable names such as Kay Sage, Francis Picabia and Ettore Sottsass.

Minimalist yet stylish lighting fixtures take a variety of forms. Bell-shaped lamps suspended from the ceiling lend a soft hue to the surrounding space, while brighter, globular bulbs illuminate dark corners throughout the penthouse. The dining room features a constellation-like “chandelier” which would not seem out of place in a trendy warehouse-turned-art-gallery.

Staying true to Dariel’s modern Art Deco vision, the dining area’s design does not deviate from the rest of the space. Neutral colours, clean lines and a sense of calmness flow through the open area. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer diners a stellar view, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two or a casual party with close friends.

The entire penthouse is awash in neutral and earthy tones, marking a departure from the flashy styles and vibrant colours that characterise other projects undertaken by Dariel. However, the home’s seamless fusion of disparate design elements is a bold statement in its own right.

The interior is complemented by an equally beautiful exterior, with surroundings so serene that an air of tranquillity instantly envelops the space. Located on the highest floor of a residential tower, the penthouse is far removed from mundane nuisances like noise pollution, which Shenzhen is no stranger to.

Dariel was intent on ensuring that his creative brainchild would reflect peace and quiet. This is expressed through spaces that flow into each other; the repetition and symmetry of graphic lines; and the green and blue shades that match the world beyond the windows, creating a sense of atmospheric calmness.

Serenity isn’t the only element that makes this lustrous place a small paradise to live in. Other special touches – including high-end technology, sophisticated lighting and furniture from leading European designers – make this penthouse a total package and give credence to Dariel’s influence in the interior design world.

For this reason, Dariel Studio has amassed a number of high-end clients including entrepreneurs, luxury brands and international corporations. The studio places an emphasis on original and creative designs – no doubt a challenging feat in an era when legions of interior designers are producing top-notch work. The competition doesn’t faze Dariel, though.

“I think my European background is a good thing, but my experience in China is much more important,” he says. “Honestly, I don’t feel afraid of or mad at my competitors, because they’re kind of an engine for me to push myself to constantly get better and better.”

“The biggest challenge for me and my team is to stay innovative and creative all the time,” he adds.

With this creative energy infusing the Shenzhen penthouse, it’s safe to assume its homeowners are equally inspired.

Text: Sadia Lima
Photos: Derryck Menere