Interior decoration in contemporary China
Ten years ago, there weren't that many young people who gutted their apartments to start over. Now, you can find renovation projects everywhere, from tier-one cities like Shanghai to smaller cities like Nanning.
But just because it's everywhere doesn't mean everyone understands what they're getting into. To answer some of your most common questions about interior decoration in China, I talked to Wang Jun, Project Manager at a mid-size contractor in Hangzhou. Wang's company started taking residential jobs in 2012, which was pretty early for the apartment renovation wave. His crews have completed over 300 apartments, and residential work is now one of their main revenue streams.
So, What Is Interior Decoration in Contemporary China?
Interior decoration is simply the modification of existing apartment interiors rather than new construction, and usually involves a renovation period—anywhere between 2-4 months. In terms of style, contemporary decoration is generally characterized as minimal, functional, and lighter in color than older approaches.
Although apartment renovations have been around for decades, it's really in the last ten years that it's become a standard part of home ownership for younger buyers—a 2021 report by a major home platform shows that 68% of buyers under 35 renovate within the first year of purchase. "That was not the case in 2008," Wang says. "Back then people moved into whatever the developer gave them. Trying to convince someone that the beige tiles weren't good enough, that was a tough sell."
How Do You Plan a Renovation?
Renovation is a manageable project for folks who've never hired contractors because precision isn't as important as with new construction. You don't need architectural drawings or engineering approval or anything. All you need is a floor plan, a contractor, some ideas, and time.
If I had to write the simplest outline for renovation, it'd be this:
- Measure your space
- Decide what stays and what goes
- Hire workers
- Wait
One of the unique things about renovation is that you're not building something new from scratch, but rather you're taking apart what exists and replacing pieces, so you can change your mind as you go about finishes and fixtures. Of course, if you want a detailed plan, there are companies like Qijia and Tubatu that can walk you through it. If you're looking for a project manager to coordinate everything, I've got some suggestions in my conversations with people who've been through this recently.
What Kind Of Materials Should I Use for Renovation?
Pick materials you feel comfortable maintaining over time. Renovation in China tends to favor easy-to-clean surfaces with neutral tones, so contractors usually recommend things like composite flooring or simple ceramic tiles, common in apartments across southern and eastern regions.
However, natural materials can work really well in spaces with good light. "I think wood finishes and stone countertops create warmth that people respond to even years later," says Wang, noting that how you use your space might affect what you pick: high-traffic areas do best with durable synthetics and quieter rooms can handle more delicate materials. "It's really down to personal preference and how you live."
Perhaps more critical than the materials you choose is the water you use—for mixing cement, cleaning, everything. "Water quality matters. Bad water can cause problems with tile adhesive and grout, so it's super important that your building's water is decent." A good rule of thumb is that if the water in your building seems fine for daily use, you're probably okay for construction. If not, consider bringing in filtered water for mixing materials.
Can I Do a Renovation with Just One Contractor?
Yes. A single contractor can handle most apartment jobs since the work involves coordination rather than specialized skills.
One thing about working with one contractor: they might subcontract certain tasks like plumbing or electrical. After you hire them, try getting a list of who's actually coming to your apartment for each phase, just so you know who's doing what and who's responsible if something goes wrong, but you can also skip this if you trust your main contractor to handle everything.
What's the Deal With Turnkey Renovation Packages?
Does Renovation Cost More Than What Developers Charge for Finished Units?
Usually yes, but that's because you're paying for customization rather than mass production. There's nothing inherent to renovation that makes it more expensive per square meter than what developers pay their contractors.
Most developers install finishes using 600-900 yuan per square meter including materials and labor. Renovation typically runs tighter budgets—Wang recommends starting with a baseline of 1,200 yuan per square meter for a standard job, which includes demolition, new materials, and installation.
(He then recommends setting aside an additional 20-30% for changes and upgrades you'll want once you see the space taking shape, which brings the average project closer to 1,500-1,600 yuan per square meter for his clients.)
Renovation is all about using labor to remove old finishes and install new ones, and there's no magical process that makes this cheaper than the first installation. On that note, please feel free to use your developer's original finishes if they work for you.
How Long Does a Renovation Last?
Renovations will usually last 8-12 years before feeling dated. If your finishes start looking tired or trends shift dramatically, you might want to update things. If you notice that neighboring apartments are doing second renovations while yours still looks current, you probably picked timeless materials. Old grout and worn surfaces can make your space feel older than it is, so it might be time to do touch-up work rather than a full renovation.
If there's one thing I'd want people to take away from this article—or from anything I've heard about renovation—it's that testing ideas before committing is the key to avoiding regrets.
"I would encourage people to visit showrooms and look at finished apartments in their building or nearby to see what materials look like after people have lived with them for a year or two," Wang says. "Some finishes photograph well but don't hold up. Other materials look plain in photos but feel great when you're in the space every day. A useful exercise is to visit a few apartments at different price points and see which details you notice and which ones don't matter to you at all."
Overall, there's no one way to approach renovation, and if you decide to do it, start with a clear budget and realistic timeline. Renovation can be stressful and it's expensive—but people who plan carefully usually end up with spaces they're happy to come home to.