journal
Photography: Dean Hearne and WGH Photo
09 / 04 / 2026
Spanning the vibrant pulse of Taipei to the storied avenues of Paris, Ecru Studio - founded by Jin Chen - is redrawing the boundaries of interior design. It is a practice where the structural rigour of Western classical architecture meets the quiet, emotional restraint of the East.
There is a distinct, almost lyrical cadence to the spaces crafted by Ecru Studio. This is no coincidence; Jin Chen, the studio’s Taipei-based founder, spent nearly a decade in the music industry as a composer and producer before pivoting to interior architecture. What began in 2012 as D.A Gallery (Delicate Antique) - a curated space for collectible European furniture - organically matured into a full-scale design studio in 2019. Today, the practice focuses on spatial narratives where objects and architecture exist in an inseparable dialogue.
A Bridge Between Continents and Eras
Ecru Studio’s philosophy eschews mere historical reproduction in favour of a profound cultural translation. Design movements ranging from Arts and Crafts and Art Deco to Neoclassicism and Mid-Century Modernism are filtered through an Asian aesthetic lens. The result is a signature style defined by spatial economy, material honesty, and a subtle, evocative emotionality.
With Randy Tu joining as Head Designer in 2024, the studio is approaching a pivotal milestone: the 2026 opening of a second bureau in Paris. This European expansion marks the maturity of a journey dedicated to creating what Chen describes as "interiors that are emotionally resonant and culturally nuanced."
Project Spotlights: From Gastronomy to Hospitality
The Flow: Elevating Street Culture
Housed within an 80-year-old building in Taipei’s historic Zhongshan District, The Flow is a masterclass in contrast. On the ground floor, the informal vitality of Taiwanese street-food culture is reimagined through an undulating travertine bar - a nod to 1930s European craftsmanship. Upstairs, the mood shifts towards the formal; Nordic pine panelling and original Pierre Chareau sconces elevate the dining experience to a level of scholarly modernism.
A Bridge Between Continents and Eras
Ecru Studio’s philosophy eschews mere historical reproduction in favour of a profound cultural translation. Design movements ranging from Arts and Crafts and Art Deco to Neoclassicism and Mid-Century Modernism are filtered through an Asian aesthetic lens. The result is a signature style defined by spatial economy, material honesty, and a subtle, evocative emotionality.
With Randy Tu joining as Head Designer in 2024, the studio is approaching a pivotal milestone: the 2026 opening of a second bureau in Paris. This European expansion marks the maturity of a journey dedicated to creating what Chen describes as "interiors that are emotionally resonant and culturally nuanced."
Project Spotlights: From Gastronomy to Hospitality
The Flow: Elevating Street Culture
Housed within an 80-year-old building in Taipei’s historic Zhongshan District, The Flow is a masterclass in contrast. On the ground floor, the informal vitality of Taiwanese street-food culture is reimagined through an undulating travertine bar - a nod to 1930s European craftsmanship. Upstairs, the mood shifts towards the formal; Nordic pine panelling and original Pierre Chareau sconces elevate the dining experience to a level of scholarly modernism.
Etna: An Ode to 1930s Milan
Drawing inspiration from Milan’s "golden era," Etna is a tactile, cinematic bar experience. The use of Taiwanese green serpentine marble, paired with geometric limestone patterns, evokes the understated luxury of the early 20th century. The space is anchored by six monumental seven-metre columns finished in deep red marmorino plaster, establishing a vertical rhythm that commands both respect and serenity.
Drawing inspiration from Milan’s "golden era," Etna is a tactile, cinematic bar experience. The use of Taiwanese green serpentine marble, paired with geometric limestone patterns, evokes the understated luxury of the early 20th century. The space is anchored by six monumental seven-metre columns finished in deep red marmorino plaster, establishing a vertical rhythm that commands both respect and serenity.
VUDAS: A Hospitality Debut
Scheduled to open in the summer of 2026 in Kenting, VUDAS marks the studio's first foray into boutique hotels. Named after the Paiwan indigenous word for "white sand," the project underscores a deep commitment to local heritage. It promises a fully immersive environment where European decorative traditions meet the pristine coastal landscapes of southern Taiwan.
Scheduled to open in the summer of 2026 in Kenting, VUDAS marks the studio's first foray into boutique hotels. Named after the Paiwan indigenous word for "white sand," the project underscores a deep commitment to local heritage. It promises a fully immersive environment where European decorative traditions meet the pristine coastal landscapes of southern Taiwan.
