A nod to two distinct cultures, Hong Kong architect and designer Steve Leung’s Ying series of doors for Italy’s Lualdi celebrates the hospitable nature and renowned craftsmanship of the Mediterranean country and China’s ancient woodworking techniques and colour symbolism. 

Referring to the Chinese word for “welcome,” Ying consists of two-piece doors with a flat upper portion in lacquered red (the colour of happiness and good fortune), yellow (signalling imperial virtue) or black (the understated option) paired with a common sculpted mocha oak bottom surface akin to the slot and tab joinery known as sŭn măo.

Further advancing Ying’s ability to suit nearly any interior setting, two leather (Bordeaux or Brown) as well as three wood alternatives (Moka and Grey oak or Canaletto walnut) are also available for the top panel. (The hollow-core hinged doors come in a standard thickness of 55 millimetres, and can be reduced by up to four millimetres on both sides depending on selected material.)

Two side pieces — walnut for the lacquers and plain woods and bronzed aluminum for the leather versions — frame the opening and the system can be detailed with multiple hardware sets.  

The contrasting textures and finishes bring strong personality to a humble interior product that is at once timeless and of-the-moment.