Residential SERIES • Project FEATURE
Elevated Simplicity – Bespoke Residence by Lulo Design Studio
Interior Designer LULO Design Studio
Photographer PHL & Service
Millwork Florense
Furniture Addison House
Lighting Fixtures Addison House
Landscape Design InGardens
Bathed in coastal light and guided by a quiet sense of restraint, this residence unfolds as a serene dialogue between architecture and atmosphere. It is a home that embraces simplicity not as austerity, but as a refined expression of comfort, permanence and thoughtful design.
In this project, Lulo Design Studio approaches residential design with a disciplined yet sensitive hand. The architecture speaks in clean lines and defined planes, allowing proportion and material to lead the narrative. Rather than relying on decorative excess, the studio composes a spatial experience rooted in clarity. Walls, ceilings and joinery align with precision, forming a cohesive envelope that feels ordered and calm. The result is an interior language that communicates sophistication through control and intention. At the heart of the residence lies an expansive living area anchored by floor-to-ceiling wood paneling. This continuous vertical cladding wraps the primary walls, generating a sense of warmth and visual rhythm. The paneling is not applied as ornament; it is integral to the architecture itself. Its uninterrupted presence reinforces height, enhances the perception of scale and establishes a tactile backdrop against which every other element is carefully layered.
"Where clean lines meet natural textures, the home reveals a quiet strength, luminous and deeply human in its sensibility."
Embedded within this wooden envelope, custom millwork becomes both functional infrastructure and aesthetic protagonist. Bespoke built-ins integrate open niches for curated objects, linear lighting details and a fully concealed television area. Closed cabinetry, some articulated with subtle fluted finishes, introduces texture without disrupting the overall composure. Storage is resolved discreetly, eliminating the need for freestanding units and maintaining the room’s geometric clarity. In doing so, the millwork not only organizes the space but visually structures it. The material palette reflects a deliberate commitment to contemporary warmth. Natural wood, with its nuanced grain and tonal variation, establishes the foundation. Sculptural stone elements—most notably in the coffee table—introduce a grounding presence at the center of the seating arrangement. Soft textiles in neutral hues, from the light-toned modular sofa to sheer curtains, temper the architectural rigor. Subtle metal accents and darker surfaces, such as a polished black or glass tabletop, add depth and refinement without overpowering the composition.
Colour is handled with remarkable restraint. Beige, soft greys and warm browns form the dominant spectrum, punctuated gently by muted green cushions and the organic vibrancy of indoor plants. Beyond the glazing, the deep blue of the maritime landscape extends the interior palette outward, reinforcing a sense of continuity. There are no abrupt contrasts; instead, tonal variations are layered thoughtfully to create depth. This controlled harmony allows materiality to speak with what can only be described as quiet confidence. The furniture selection further enhances this layered neutrality. A generously proportioned modular sofa in a soft, light fabric anchors the living zone, inviting relaxation while maintaining visual lightness. Cushions in green-grey tones introduce a subtle chromatic counterpoint, while a textured throw adds tactile richness. Beneath, a soft grey rug grounds the arrangement, absorbing sound and providing comfort underfoot. Every element feels considered, contributing to a composition that is cohesive rather than crowded.
"Framed by wood, softened by light and opened to the sea, the residence embodies a refined calm—an elevated retreat designed for living with intention and ease."
Equally significant is the integration of interior and exterior. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames uninterrupted views of the sea, flooding the living area with natural light. The transparency dissolves the boundary between inside and out, extending the spatial experience toward the horizon. A terrace beyond the glass becomes a natural continuation of the living space, reinforcing a lifestyle attuned to landscape and climate. This visual connection elevates the emotional resonance of the home, transforming daily rituals into moments of quiet contemplation.
Lighting plays a nuanced yet essential role in shaping atmosphere. Linear illumination embedded within the millwork highlights the texture of the wood paneling and accentuates display niches. Indirect light softens the architectural lines, preventing the space from feeling austere. Recessed ceiling details maintain a clean overhead plane, ensuring that lighting enhances rather than distracts from the spatial composition. Even in the absence of overtly sculptural fixtures in this area, the interplay of light and shadow contributes depth and subtle drama.
Throughout the residence, the balance between elegance and warmth is carefully calibrated. This is not minimalism in its coldest interpretation, but rather a sophisticated containment. The disciplined use of lines and built-in systems ensures visual order, while the natural materials and layered textiles infuse comfort. The project demonstrates how thoughtful detailing—precise junctions, integrated storage, concealed technology—can elevate everyday living without compromising intimacy.
Lulo Design Studio delivers a home that feels both elevated and profoundly livable. By embracing custom millwork, continuous wood paneling and a curated material palette, the studio constructs an environment where architecture and interior design operate as a unified whole. The residence stands as a testament to the enduring power of restraint, proving that clarity, when paired with warmth, can create spaces of lasting impact.
