For a space that draws deeply from the glamour and optimism of Paris in the roaring 1920s and 1930s, this penthouse in Shenzhen’s Luzhou district feels strikingly contemporary. Rather than replicating the past, the Shanghai-based design team at Dariel Studio reinterpreted vintage French influences through a distinctly modern lens. The result is a residence that balances funk and finesse, and nostalgia and novelty, and feels at once timeless and forward-looking.

Dariel Studio is led by Parisian-born award-winning designer Thomas Dariel, whose European heritage and global outlook have shaped an unmistakable aesthetic. Counting a furniture designer, jazz musician and architect within his creative family tree, Dariel has built an impressive portfolio across China. Since founding the firm two decades ago at the age of 24, he has completed more than 80 projects in cities from Beijing to Shenzhen. Besides luxury residences, the team has collaborated with fashion house Balmain to design boutiques and the Golden Tulip and Blossom Hill hotels, earning a reputation for delivering interiors that are both daring and refined.

The Shenzhen apartment, situated atop the Yinhu Lanshan residential compound, stands as one of Dariel’s more striking achievements. The building itself recalls the bold verticality and structural confidence of Chicago-style architecture, setting the stage for a home inspired by the elegance of 1920s French Art Deco. An expansive 860 square metres, it offers both generous space and a carefully choreographed sense of intimacy.

Art Deco Difference

At its core, the penthouse is a celebration of Art Deco design, reimagined for the 21st century. Classic motifs such as fan-shaped details, sweeping curves, linear symmetry and subtle gold accents appear throughout the space. Yet these elements never feel antiquated. Instead, Dariel and his team have refreshed them with clean finishes, contemporary materials and thoughtful restraint. The nostalgic references are present, but they are sharpened and streamlined, feeling modern rather than museum-like.

Geometric patterns play a key role in achieving this balance. Floors, wall panels and custom furnishings subtly echo the angular vocabulary of Art Deco, while accent colours introduce depth without overwhelming the eye. Unlike the bold jewel tones often associated with the era, the palette here leans toward muted neutrals and earthy hues. These choices lend the penthouse a calm sophistication, demonstrating that drama can be achieved through composition and texture rather than sheer colour intensity.

Dariel’s creative vision does not stop at Art Deco. The interior also incorporates surrealist and avant-garde influences, adding a layer of intellectual intrigue. Artworks by notable figures such as Kay Sage, Francis Picabia and Ettore Sottsass punctuate the space, encouraging its residents to pause and reflect. These pieces subtly disrupt the symmetry of the rooms, creating moments of surprise that prevent the design from feeling overly rigid. The dialogue between order and experimentation gives the penthouse its dynamic character.

Dining Light

Lighting is another defining feature of the home. Minimalist yet sculptural fixtures appear in a variety of forms, each carefully selected to enhance the surrounding atmosphere. Bell-shaped lamps hang gracefully from the ceiling, casting a gentle, diffused glow that softens the architectural lines. In contrast, brighter globular bulbs illuminate darker corners, adding dimension and warmth. Nowhere is the lighting more dramatic than in the dining room, where a constellation-like chandelier floats overhead. The fixture doubles as both illumination and a statement piece.

The dining area exemplifies Dariel’s commitment to cohesion, remaining firmly aligned with the overall design language of the penthouse despite its distinctive lighting feature. Neutral tones, clean lines and an overarching sense of serenity define the open-plan space. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of Shenzhen, allowing natural light to flood the interior during the day and city lights to sparkle in the evening. Whether hosting an intimate dinner for two or a lively gathering with close friends, the setting adapts effortlessly to the occasion.

The dominant neutral and earthy tones are a noticeable departure from some of Dariel Studio’s earlier, more flamboyant projects. This subdued palette underscores the designer’s maturity, proving that daring expression need not rely on vibrant colour. Instead, the bold statement lies in the seamless fusion of diverse influences: French Art Deco, modern minimalism, surrealist art and contemporary European furniture coexist in harmonious dialogue.

Peace Penthouse

Beyond aesthetics, the penthouse benefits from its elevated location in a high-rise residential tower, resulting in a serene atmosphere far removed from the urban bustle below. In Shenzhen, where rapid development and dense traffic can generate significant noise pollution, such tranquillity is a rare luxury. Here, quietude becomes part of the design itself.

Dariel was determined that the residence should embody peace and fluidity. Spaces flow organically into one another, with minimal visual interruption. Repetition and symmetry in graphic lines create a rhythm that guides movement through the home. Green and blue accents subtly mirror the natural landscape visible beyond the windows, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. The result is an atmosphere of understated calm, as if the penthouse were gently suspended above the city.

Yet serenity is only one aspect of what makes this residence exceptional. High-end technology is seamlessly integrated throughout, enhancing comfort without distracting from the design. Sophisticated lighting systems allow moods to shift at the touch of a button, while carefully selected furnishings from leading European designers add both prestige and practicality. Every detail has been considered, ensuring that the penthouse functions as beautifully as it looks.

Dada Collection

In a competitive industry where many designers produce technically accomplished work, Dariel distinguishes himself through a commitment to creative risk-taking. Each project aims to tell a unique story rather than follow prevailing trends. He has also expanded his legacy by co-founding Maison Dada, a furniture and home-accessories brand.

While his European background provides a strong design foundation, Dariel credits his experience in China as even more influential. Working in such a dynamic and fast-evolving environment has sharpened his ability to innovate continuously. For the leader and his team, the greatest challenge lies in sustaining creativity and pushing boundaries while maintaining coherence.

This spirit of innovation is palpable in the Shenzhen penthouse. Every corner reflects deliberate thought and artistic ambition. The interplay of history and modernity, symmetry and surprise, and restraint and expression creates a living space that is as inspiring as it is comfortable.

Ultimately, the penthouse is more than a showcase of Art Deco revivalism or contemporary design prowess. It is a testament to how thoughtful reinterpretation can breathe new life into classic forms. By merging vintage French elegance with modern sensibilities and global influences, Dariel Studio has crafted a home that transcends time.

It is easy to imagine that those residing within its walls feel equally energised by the creativity embedded in every detail, as they live daily within a space embodying both tranquillity and bold imagination.