8. FORM: DISPLAY SHELF

A full-height bookshelf is not just a dream feature for bibliophiles; it can also visually heighten the sense of space in an interior while showcasing decor objects. Located within the Conrad Hangzhou hotel in China, the Li’an restaurant designed by AB Concept is a shining example—the Hong Kong-based firm was tasked to craft the overall interiors of the hotel as well as this establishment. “As the Li’an restaurant has a high ceiling, using a full-height display amplifies the scale and also creates visual interest at different eye levels,” say Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, cofounders of AB Concept.

Floral motifs applied to the interior walls draw cues from the traditional Chinese dishes served at Li’an, contributing to its design narrative. “Artistic elements, such as the floral wall, resonate with the delicacies served in the restaurant.”