The house just got renovated, and after posting the photos on my朋友圈, it set a new record for the most comments in history. Many relatives and friends asked if they could repost or save the pictures, which left me quite surprised, as I'm not exactly one for drawing attention.
I've been wanting to write a thank-you letter to my home decorator, Master Jiang Jianye, for quite some time. Finally, I've found the time to share my renovation journey, insights, and even some actual photos for everyone's critique and reference. Please forgive any inaccuracies.
Why Choose Freelance Designers?
As someone who believes they have a taste and pursuit for life, I've flipped through some renovation portfolio catalogs from various companies before. To be honest, they all seemed generic and outdated, lacking the feeling I was looking for. I actually want my home to have its own unique charm and内涵. I don't want guests to visit and say, "Oh, your home is nicely decorated, it looks quite similar to a friend of mine's..."
Later, I chatted with a friend who's an expert in this field, and he said, "You should really hire a good freelance interior designer. Those designers from renovation companies don't have the time or energy to design for you. They're always rushing projects, demanding mass production quickly, and even the materials have to be the same. This isn't the way to go!"
After my friend raved about it, they introduced me to Mr. Jiang Jianye. According to their description, Mr. Jiang is extremely renowned in the industry, with a wealth of works—each year, his designs win major awards, and it's said he's particularly responsible. After hearing my friend's enthusiastic endorsement, I put all my concerns to rest and sought out Mr. Jiang. As it turned out, my choice was spot-on.
Two,Gained a true understanding of what craftsmanship truly means.
In the past, when promoting our works, we often used the term "artisan spirit," feeling it was almost overused. However, this time, Master Jiang Jianye truly made me understand what the artisan spirit is—focus, dedication, and pursuit!
For example, many so-called independent designers only look at floor plans without actually inspecting the site, or they quickly glance at the layout and start designing. However, Teacher Jiang is a well-known independent designer in the industry, yet he has no airs about him. Before measuring, he provides a design questionnaire for us to fill out, understanding our lifestyle and needs. He measures the site thoroughly before and after visiting, draws up the layout and outlines the design, and develops the final plan. Not only that, the design process is thorough at every step. If I encounter any issues, I message Teacher Jiang, and only after receiving his response do I make decisions on material selection or issues with the construction workers. In summary, Teacher Jiang is the backbone for us装修newbies, and following his advice is always right. The following image is of my study room兼guest room:
Like a fan of Go, I enjoy tranquility, and in my study, Teacher Jiang Jianye masterfully designed a卧榻 that can be sat on, reclined in, or even used for Go matches, exuding an ancient charm that adds elegance and a touch of sophistication to the room. Friends who visit always praise the design multiple times.
For instance, this French-style digital clock above and the distressed side table below complement the room in style, functionality, and color. Both my wife and I are quite fond of them.
We only learned later in the renovation process that without the holistic planning of a free-lance designer and the design-thinking of the workers, the lack of an overall concept can lead to neglect of important details and technical compromises, resulting in a significant discrepancy between the final outcome and the initial design renderings. Teacher Jiang's meticulous and systematic design plan, from spatial planning to the subsequent hard and soft installations, such as a dining table, a set of chairs, or even a bedside lamp, provided us with comprehensive design planning. It also enhanced the overall effect during the later matching phase. We initially thought that achieving the design would be impressive enough, but the final renovation outcome was a whole level better than the design drawings, far exceeding our expectations!
ThreeMastering the main materials, achieving "big impact" with minimal expenditure
In the past, I've seen some of my wealthy friends' home renovations, and the main materials are all quite luxurious. When I asked about the companies they chose, they were all...XXRisheng,XThe layer decorations, etc., cost a pretty penny, but the final effects are all rather generic and lackluster. These building materials, regardless of color, style, or tone, give off an uncomfortable vibe. It's like a team where everyone wants to kick the ball and show off their skills, but in the end, there's no strategy or highlights. However, take a look at what Teacher Jiang put together—it's a mix of carrots and cabbages, but we both liked the elements we communicated and collaborated on. I personally find it challenging to blend Chinese, French, and American styles, but I feel the teacher has done a very thorough job. Getting the feel right is the key.
Mr. Jiang Jianye truly deserves the title.DesignerHeUtilizeSome specificsDesign Elements: A Few Highlights in Home DecorNo Chinese content provided.ReachedNo Chinese content provided.EffectivenessThe right touches, the perfect embellishments, make the entire room look comfortable and natural, not a cluttered mess that feels oppressive.
In the living room, it was Teacher Jiang who helped select the antique tiles. When we were choosing flooring materials at the construction materials market, Teacher Jiang picked out some main materials that appeared to be quite expensive.passThe floor for your room is already chosen, I thought you might not achieve the desired effect, so I hinted to Teacher Jiang not to be too stingy with the budget. To my surprise, Teacher Jiang just smiled and told me: I've already thought about the floor for your room, it's definitely suitable and offers great value for money. Below is a photo of my dining room:
The ground colors in each room look comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, acting as a perfect "backdrop" to highlight the overall decoration's charm and effects all at once. Moreover, I roughly calculated these prices and they're at least a quarter cheaper than what I've been quoted elsewhere. Yes, the difference is that significant. Later, I chatted with the workers, and the quality isn't beneath what's considered high-end. I'm thrilled!
FourEnhancing the Interior with Sophisticated Soft Furnishings
Mr. Jiang Jianye once told me during the design process, "Only with an integrated design of soft and hard decorations can you create your own style." At the time, I didn't pay much attention. It was only when the renovation was nearing completion that I realized how right he was.
The hard furnishings were designed based on my and my wife's professional identities, living needs, overall budget, and daily habits. When it came to soft furnishings, Teacher Jiang Jianye used small decorations, lighting fixtures, decorative paintings, indoor plants, and ornaments to enhance the entire living space, infusing it with an elegant yet slightly luxurious atmosphere, making it look...Space, light, and color elements are well-matchedAbsolutely reasonable, it looks both beautiful and enduring. It truly exceeds expectations.
Above, I've said quite a bit, but it's not very organized. If you're feeling confused, feel free to take a look at the images and let them guide your understanding. In writing this thank-you letter, I'm not only praising Teacher Jiang Jianye's exceptional design skills, but also his patience, temperament, responsibility, and pursuit. I want to give everyone a general guide when selecting a designer, so that you don't make a wrong choice.FreedomDesigners took a wrong turn, and now what's online is so-called pseudo-FreedomDesigners are everywhere, and I currently recommend seeking out freelance designers. Welcome to join the discussion. I sincerely thank Teacher Jiang for their assistance, and for this renovation that led me to meet someone who has become a key figure in solving several significant life events for me!
