Resting on a calm river bed in Wenzhou City, China, the River Island Villa is the latest masterpiece from acclaimed designer Ding Jilin. Inspired by the tranquil surroundings and the river’s gentle flow, Jilin has created a living space that embodies simplicity, nature, and comfort. In a world increasingly dominated by fast-paced living, the villa offers a haven where residents can slow down, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world.

Set against the backdrop of Wenzhou’s picturesque landscape, the villa is enveloped by calm waters and offers panoramic views of distant mountains. This extraordinary setting inspired Ding Jilin, the founder and design director of Jishang Space Design, to craft a residence that balances modernity with natural elegance, creating a living space that is both sophisticated and deeply healing.

Jilin’s design journey began by transforming the existing 1,000-square-meter structure, originally a traditional European-style building poorly integrated with its natural surroundings. By opening up closed spaces and introducing floor-to-ceiling windows, Jilin blurred the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating fluid sightlines and a sense of continuity throughout the villa.

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This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor elements is a hallmark of Jilin’s design philosophy, prioritizing a harmonious relationship with nature in daily living. The villa’s layout exemplifies this approach, with spaces that flow effortlessly between open and enclosed areas, allowing for multifunctional use. On the second floor, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the living room with natural light, offering stunning views of the river and mountains. A sculptural spiral staircase enhances this connection to nature, serving as a functional centerpiece and a symbol of structural beauty and order.

The villa’s interiors are characterized by an elegant minimalist aesthetic, featuring pristine white walls, oak flooring, and timber veneers. This refined palette is complemented by light linen curtains, rich wood tabletops, and carefully chosen soft furnishings, resulting in a living environment that exudes warmth and comfort.

The primary bedroom is a sanctuary of tranquility, where unadorned walls reflect the soft glow of sunlight and morning mist, creating a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. White translucent curtains gently sway in the breeze, adding a touch of softness to the space. Here, the stresses of daily life melt away, allowing residents to experience moments of quiet reflection. 

Other areas, such as the study and tea room, are designed to serve as multi-purpose rooms. The study, with its high window framing poetic views of the sky and clouds, invites the beauty of the outdoors into the room. The tea room, infused with the fragrance of freshly brewed tea, serves as a meditative space.

A central feature of the villa’s design is the use of natural light, which enters through a skylight that extends from the basement to the upper floor. This architectural element facilitates the circulation of light and air and creates a sense of visual richness and a closer connection to nature. The basement, equipped with a personal gym, bar, and lounge area, benefits from this natural illumination, enhancing the space’s comfort and appeal. 

Outside, the River Island Villa’s courtyard is refined by modern lines, recessed lighting, and carefully curated vegetation. At its heart is a central fire pit, offering residents a space to unwind and relax.