yinjispace

DESIGNER
David Widmer
PHOTOGRAPHY
David Widmer
EDITOR
Bingyi
Collection

The first feature in the "Taste Space" interview series spotlights David Widmer, a furniture designer based in Zurich, Switzerland. For David, design and life are inseparable.As the Art Director of a Swiss furniture brand, David is not only active in the field of home design, but also engages with his space as both an artist and content creator. Through his personal living environment, he continually explores and expresses his interpretation of Mid-century Modern aesthetics.

David shares with YINJISPACE his views on living spaces, aesthetic preferences, and creative journey—offering a multidimensional glimpse into how a creative individual integrates personal design philosophy, lifestyle, and spatial practice. His story reveals the deeper connection between design and the everyday.

When asked to define the style of his living space in three words, David answered without hesitation: “Personal, Midcentury, Home.”He told us, “Even before I bought this house, I had already started collecting mid-century furniture. In a way, the style came before the home. I had always dreamed of living with exposed brick walls. So when I first saw this house—with its courtyard, brick façade, and a hint of Californian flair—I just knew it was the one. It felt like fate.”To David, this mid-century space is more than just a design choice—it’s a reflection of his love for timeless design, thoughtful details, and the quiet stories hidden within every vintage piece.

Stepping into David’s home, one is met with an atmosphere that is both minimal and inviting. The entire interior feels open and fluid, bathed in natural light throughout the day.The house, built in 1973, was designed by an architect who had spent time traveling through California. As a result, it merges elements of European mid-century design with West Coast modernism.David expressed his deep appreciation for the open-plan layout. At the heart of the home, a central courtyard connects the bedrooms, dining area, and workspace, while the living room opens directly into the garden. This spatial arrangement naturally encourages interaction and movement—a quality David values deeply.To him, living well means being surrounded by things that resonate on a personal level. A meaningful space isn’t just a backdrop—it’s alive with scenes and emotions, shaped by the things we choose to live with.

David shared with us, in thoughtful detail, the intentions behind every lifestyle decision he has made within his space.He places particular emphasis on the harmony between furniture, color, and architecture. For him, the practice of mid-century modernism begins with the structure and materials of the house itself. From there, it extends to the vintage furniture—each piece seemingly handpicked with care.When it comes to choosing furniture, David highlights the importance of emotion and texture. He’s drawn to vintage pieces for the stories they carry. Most of the items he collects date from the 1950s to 1970s, featuring classic silhouettes and timeless appeal. His chosen color palette—olive green, burnt orange, earthy yellows, and soft greys—subtly reinforces the mid-century character of the space with a sense of quiet coherence.

Silent But when it comes to purchasing new furniture, David says he turns to brands he trusts. He has a deep admiration for the works of Charles and Ray Eames. In Europe, Vitra represents their entire portfolio of iconic designs—known for their distinctive color palettes and timeless forms that have become benchmarks of modern design.David’s dining table is a classic piece by Embru, featuring a striking orange tabletop that brings a vibrant pop of color to the space and ties the whole room together with a subtle sense of energy.

Lighting plays an irreplaceable role in David’s home.“I’ve always had a passion for lighting,” he tells us. “Every Christmas, I treat myself to a special lamp.”The first one he chose was the Taccia table lamp by Flos. Later, he fell in love with Isamu Noguchi’s paper lanterns—their soft, diffused glow creates an atmosphere that feels both calm and intimate.Today, paper lamps have become the warmest presence in his home. Beyond illumination, they reflect David’s appreciation for nature and the tactile beauty of handcrafted materials.

“I usually shoot at home—it's not only my source of inspiration, but also a stage for my creative work.”—— David

In addition to his main role as a furniture designer, David also works as an artist, creating paintings that reflect a strong personal style and a keen sense of composition.He collaborates with small brands by photographing their products and offering visual direction—often sharing these works through social media. His artistic practice seamlessly blends with his design sensibility, reinforcing his holistic approach to aesthetics and storytelling.

When asked which corner of his home he loves the most, David answers without hesitation: the terrace.“It’s the heart of the entire house,” he says.Surrounded by greenery, the inner courtyard feels like a hidden oasis—visible from several rooms throughout the home.“There’s nothing more comforting,” he adds, “than waking up in the morning or lying in bed and gazing out into this calm and quiet space.”

For David, the small details in life are worth treating with care. Even when dining alone, he sets the table with his favorite ceramic dishes and lights a candle—embracing the ritual of a complete meal.He tells us he truly believes that when you treat life with intention, it responds with quiet kindness in return.

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