For artist and storyteller Red Hong Yi, every detail of her newly designed minimalist family home mirrors her artistic values, cultural heritage, and evolving story. 

As she balances motherhood and a flourishing career, Red shares her story, insights on the renovation of her family home and top 5 tips for Chinese New Year styling.

Red relaxes on the King Boulevard Armchair.

From Architect to Artist: A journey of exploration

“My career has been a journey of experimentation and exploration,” Red shares. Starting out as an architect, her curiosity for experimenting with materials and textures led her to art. “Over the years, I’ve explored a variety of mediums, from building with chopsticks to creating installations using everyday objects like tea bags and flower petals.”  

Through her art, she aims to tell stories that resonate with her cultural identity and roots in Shanghai. Red’s journey has included international exhibitions, brand collaborations, and continuous growth as both an artist and storyteller. 

Red rests on the 1977 High Back chair with her son.

Motherhood: A new lens on creativity and minimalist home design

“Motherhood has completely shifted my perspective, and I think about my son all the time!” Red reflects. Her art now holds a deeper focus on legacy, memory, and the kind of world she wants to shape for her child and his generation. Balancing her work as an artist with her role as a mother is, as she describes, “a constant balancing act.” Despite the hectic nature of her life, she finds that it adds richness and focus to everything she does. 

Red and her husband have been renovating their home, a deeply personal project. “This renovation project felt personal – that’s why it took so much time and thought. It feels completely different to moving into a rented property,” she explains. The space reflects a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic that balances texture and warmth, while beautifully exploring the concept of how culture influences interior design. 

“I’ve kept most of the design very clean (big tiles, clean lines, a neutral, light palette), but I’ve also included a textured sofa, a shelf with old reclaimed wood, and other elements that reflect my cultural roots and values, like my artwork of my Da Popo.” 

The 1977 Sofa in Leura Sandstone, Issho Coffee Table in Congo and Magnolia Dining Table and Tasman Dining Chair in Congo. 

Furniture choices that celebrate functionality and comfort

Red’s home is thoughtfully furnished with pieces that complement her creative vision and lifestyle. “The moment I saw The King Living 1977 Sofa, I loved it – it’s fun, practical, and reminds me of a giant teddy bear!” she shares. The modular design allows her to adapt it to different needs, and she finds it so comfortable that she has “fallen asleep on it multiple times”.  

Similarly, her 1978 High Back Chair has become a personal sanctuary. “The corner where I’ve placed my 1978 High Back Chair has become my little reading sanctuary. I love curling up in it with a book; the shelf I’ve designed is placed right beside it too. Recently, this corner has become my ‘reel corner’ – I go there to edit my reels!”

For her bedroom, Red chose the Jasper Storage Bed, complemented by a Lume Smart Light and a Sleep+8000 mattress.

Creating a restful retreat

For Red, the bedroom is a space of calm and relaxation. “From the start, I wanted my bedroom to be a calming environment. I also wanted it to feel like I was staying over at a hotel,” she explains.  

To achieve this, she and her husband incorporated soft lighting, warm paint, and timber elements. The Jasper Bed and Sleep+ Mattress were chosen for their blend of design and functionality. “I love how customisable they are, from the design to the functionality. I also love that there’s storage on the sides of the Jasper Bed and under the bed. This is great for keeping everything organised while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic.” 

Red’s minimalist home has truly become a canvas for her family’s evolving story. “I hope for my home to evolve with my family over time—a reflection of who we are, what we love, and the stories we want to leave behind.” 

Red’s top 5 living room styling tips for Chinese New Year

1. Rearrange the sofa – in Chinese culture, rearranging furniture is believed to create a fresh flow of energy, or "chi," within a space. It’s a symbolic way to start the Chinese New Year with a fresh perspective, encouraging positivity to circulate throughout your home. 
    
2. Style with fresh flowers – the Chinese New Year coincides with the arrival of spring, making fresh flowers a meaningful addition to your decor. Arranging them in beautiful vases brightens your space and invites vibrant energy and a sense of renewal into your home. 
    
3. The more red accessories the better – red is a colour of luck, joy, and prosperity in Chinese culture, making it a must for Chinese New Year celebrations. The colour also wards off negativity, ensuring a positive and successful year ahead. 
    
4. Bring out oranges – oranges and tangerines are staples of Chinese New Year celebrations because they symbolise wealth, good fortune, and happiness. Display them in a decorative bowl on your coffee table or kitchen counter as both an edible treat and a meaningful decor item.  
    
5. Add a unity knot – often made with red and gold thread, a unity knot is a traditional Chinese symbol of good luck and unity. Hang it on your door, use it as a centerpiece, or incorporate it into your decor to enhance the festive atmosphere. 

Through her thoughtful approach to art, design, and motherhood, Red Hong Yi inspires us to see our homes as reflections of our values, creativity, and the legacies we hope to create.

For more inspiration explore Red’s Instagram or visit her website. 

Discover more articles:  
 

• How to achieve a quiet luxury aesthetic
• How to create your custom 1977 Sofa setting
• The benefits of choosing natural materials in the home