Secret Garden

Designed by Chains Interior, this family home in Taipei is a pastel hued vision that takes a cue from Alice in Wonderland, colourful macarons and picture books

-  Melody Kao

Do you believe in fairy tales? No matter your age, these fables continue to enthral many with their wondrous story lines and fantastic settings. Inspired by her love of these imaginative tales, homeowner Celine Lee built her own personal wonderland in her Taipei apartment, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters.

This Taiwan home combines an eclectic mix of influences, ranging from neoclassical, country style and modern details to hints of Mediterranean and Nordic elements. It also eschews playing it safe with staid colourmatching. The resulting spaces are realms of fun that the family can enjoy privately in the comfort of their abode.

Collaborating with design director Chen Lianwu of Chains Interior, this home is of great significance to both the designer and the couple. "When we bought the house, our eldest daughter had just turned 10, and the next 10 years will represent a most precious golden decade for our family," shares Lee.

Before the children grow up and leave the proverbial nest, the home plays the role of a a protector, serving as a safe haven that allows the kids to dream and play freely. "Home" represents the destination where fond memories are made. These precious moments and details can be found in rooms, or hidden in drawers, corners and corridors. The design concept of a "Macaron Wonderland"-named after the pastel tones associated with the French confectionery-results in spaces that appear almost like a watercolour painting and seem as whimsical as the scenes found in picture books.