BY combining practicability with her own creative flair, Lea Chen has created a home that's both warm and welcoming, and a visual delight.

The Beijing home she has shared with her husband Dirk Eschenbacher for the past four years is tucked away in a massive residential block in Dongba area, Chaoyang District. The 240-square-meter two-floor apartment is made up of intimate spaces that satisfy the couple's practical and aesthetic needs.

Chen, who is from Qingdao, Shandong Province but has lived in Beijing since her university days, claims her home is the opposite of what one might expect an architect to live in.

"I don't think there should be any rules about anything people should have in their houses," she said. "You'd think I would have a very sleek and clean showroom-style home, but my home is full of things. It is a reflection of my lifestyle."

A home is not a design showroom but a personal space that gives her a great sense of comfort and security. She doesn't like to follow any one trend, instead, she has an eclectic approach to mix old and new, color and neutrals.

Challenge

Chen's home isn't just a decorating style; rather, it's a part of her which allows her to "get away" from all the unnecessary fuss at work. Most of all, it's a space intended to be comfortable.

Space, she says, was a critical requirement. Perhaps the greatest challenge was to visually divide the area to provide intimate spaces while avoiding solid partitions. The architect almost stripped the house back to basics and started from scratch.

The first step was to re-design the layout and take out every possible wall to maximize space. On the second level, even the ceiling panels have been removed to create a more spacious feel. She applied her architect's eye to make the place her own.

Chen says she wanted to make the home flexible and provide surprises. Over the past four years, she has changed the space to make it look very lived-in and project comfort and friendliness without skimping on visual delights.

The first level is divided into three zones: the big living area, the dining area and the intimate family room. The rooms were designed to be connected to each other. The big wall, with two large openings, is a very creative way to divide the living area and the family space. The open-plan of the space is also conducive to entertaining guests and communication, which was Chen's aim.

Natural light streams in from the large windows. Walls are painted white, and the simple backdrop is softened with plenty of soothing colors and patterns on rugs, cushions and curtains. Thanks to Chen's clever use of color and texture, the whole floor is a space where the couple can read, think, talk, listen to music and relax.

Chen hangs a large hand-painted canvas in the sleek dining room to inject a sense of fun and creativity. Friends that visited draw whatever they want on the canvas. Over time, it has become a fun and playful focal point that reflects different personalities.

The staircase leads to the second level, which includes a study room, the master bedroom and Chen's spacious dressing room and spa-like bathroom.

One striking element of the second level is the high ceiling, which is rare in a city apartment. The emphasis is on a mixture of simplicity, functionality and subtle sophistication, with white walls and built-in furniture kept to a minimum.

She had clear ideas about what she wanted to hide and what was available for easy access. Books and magazines abound, combined with the placement of the carpet and cushions, add style to the room.

On the right side, Chen turned the bedroom into a sensual but vibrant private space where the couple can truly de-stress. A purple theme is perfect for the neutral studio. Two designer chairs have become the focal point.

Meanwhile, the couple's collection of art, furniture and decorative objects have succeeded in complementing the home's interior.

From the original red dinosaur sculpture from her artist friend Sui Jianguo, Art Deco candle holders from France to fruit bowls from South Africa, every item reflects their good taste and sense of humor.

"I cannot deny that I have a lot of clothes, shoes and bags," Chen said. Indeed, the master bedroom opens to her private dressing room and spa-like bathroom that most women might only dream of. And after a long day at work, a relaxing bath in a serene bathroom retreat sounds wonderful.

There is no one style for this home but it is a home with character in every corner.

"One will easily get bored in a space with a distinct design style. But I have never been bored with my home since I moved in," Chen said.

Who is he?

Venezuelan architect Antonio Ochoa Piccardo has been based in Beijing since 1993. He is architect director of Red House China. From 1999 to 2005, he was chief architect of Soho China.

Tell us some of your works, and which one you are most proud of.

My works include architecture and interior design for Soho New Town (the first Soho concept in China), interior and architecture for The Commune by the Great Wall Master Plan and the Cantilever House, interior of Saatchi & Saatchi's Beijing headquarters, architecture and interior of Piech Asia Enterprise's Beijing headquarters, interior of Zhong Hong Beijing headquarters, architecture and interior of Jing's Residence boutique hotel in Pingyao, Shanxi Provine, interior of Geo-Flash Beijing flagship store, architecture and interior of Qianliang Hutong Private Courtyard, architecture and interior of Brick House, Quangfa, Beijing. All of them are like my kids. I am proud of all of them, but always the best is the one to come.

What projects are you working on now?

The current projects include four office buildings in Erdos, Inner Mongolia; and a master plan close to Chengdu, Sichuan Province. I'm also working on two mountain houses, three courtyard houses, one private clubhouse in a courtyard, and one kindergarten - all of them in Beijing.

Describe your design style.

I don't think I have a design style but a design language and design personality. Our design concept is always determined by the site, the client requirements, local regulations and conditions. Our goal is to provide the final user, the people, a wonderful, unique and comfortable life and spatial experience; to challenge their imagination and preconceptions of space, light and material. We are always looking for simple and straight forward solutions and minimal use of constructive elements.

Where are you most creative?

When the problem to solve is more complicated or more challenging.

What does your home mean to you?

When I was young my home meant just a safe harbor, now it means everything and it is the only place where I am never tired to be, as long as my family is with me.

What do you collect?

As a discipline, nothing but good memories. As for my interests, art and photograph books, music CDs (contemporary jazz, indie and classic rock, old and contemporary classic, world and Latin), and DVDs. But none of them really qualify as a collection.

Where would you like to go most in Shanghai?

The Bund.

What will be the next big design trend?

Architecture with less classic windows. I mean, mass and voids but no more opening on the wall. More and more roof gardens. Young architects will start to rediscover many classic modern architecture values. Le Corbusier, Mies, Aalto, Khan and Barragan will be in fashion again. Zaha Hadid's parametric architecture will get a rest, AAA in London will be out of fashion. China and Brazil will be the next architecture centers of interest. In interior design, minimalism will be stronger but with more diversified use of colors and textures.

ASK THE OWNER

Q: What's the best thing about living in Beijing?

A: I guess it's a combination of friends and interesting people, a vibrant creative scene and depth of culture that never let life in this city get boring.

Q: Describe your home in three words.

A: Comfortable. Homey. Creative.

Q: What's the first thing you do when you get home?

A: Go to my walk-in wardrobe and change into something comfortable.

Q: How do you unwind?

A: I play a couple games of solitaire on my iPad to empty my brain, then I read magazines or watch a movie.

Q: Where do you spend most of the time at home?

A: The dining table. It's where everything happens in our house: hang out with friends, do some e-mails, eat and drink.

Q: What's the best view outside your window?

A: Green trees and every now and then a big open blue sky.

Q: How do you scent your home?

A: There are a lot of plants, but other than that it's a pretty normal scent in our house.

Q: What's your favorite object at home?

A: The big red dinosaur which Sui Jianguo gave to me.

Q: Where do you source furniture in Beijing?

A: Some of it I design myself, like the Horse Leg or Flamingo Leg Table series. Otherwise the furniture in our house really comes from all over the place. A few designer brands are combined with vintage pieces from China, Thailand and Africa.