Modern townhouse interior design at Van Phuc City

Modern townhouse interior design is increasingly popular among homeowners in new urban developments thanks to its clean lines, abundant light and efficient use of space. This article shares a project AIC delivered for a commercial townhouse (shophouse) in the Van Phuc City urban area, Ho Chi Minh City — from why the style was chosen to how each space was arranged.

Why the modern style suits a townhouse

Townhouses and shophouses are typically multi-storey with a narrow frontage and need to harvest daylight well. The modern style fits because it:

• Strips out fussy detail: clean volumes and minimal ornament are easier to build and maintain.
• Maximises daylight: large glazing brings in as much light as possible for a narrow, deep frontage.
• Gives the facade a youthful look: contrasting tones and simple decorative steelwork create a modern character.
• Stays flexible in function: it easily integrates living, working and family life within one townhouse.

Arranging the spaces inside the townhouse

Following the owner’s wish to bring work, hobbies and family life close together, AIC planned each floor’s functions methodically:

• Living room: a light grey base combined with white for a harmonious, bright and elegant whole.
• Kitchen and dining: finished in semi-gloss lacquer applied in 7 coats (from primer to topcoat) for a surface that looks good and lasts.
• Master bedroom: personalised around the owner’s love of travel and collecting — display cabinetry for bags, eyewear and suitcases built into the room’s function down to the smallest detail.
• Daughter’s bedroom: a pink scheme to the child’s taste, fully functional and carefully detailed.

Lessons for fitting out a bare-shell townhouse

• Survey and measure carefully: townhouses are often out of square, so measure on site before developing the interior scheme.
• Prioritise skylights and glazing: they solve the light and ventilation problems of deep, narrow townhouses.
• Choose durable finishing materials: kitchen and cabinet surfaces should resist moisture and impact; multi-coat lacquer adds longevity.
• Personalise by family member: each room should follow its user’s habits and interests to optimise function.

To choose the right direction, see our insights hub for popular apartment styles, and read the experience notes in 3-storey tube house interior design — many of the same principles apply to townhouses.

A well-executed modern townhouse needs consistency from the facade architecture through the interior to the technical systems. A single-point turnkey residential interior design and build service keeps the concept coherent while controlling schedule and budget.

AIC works to a single-point design-build model, with over 10 years in the trade (since 2016 under the predecessor Nhan Viet; AIC was founded in 2019) and two in-house factories (1,200 m² and 600 m²). From the townhouse documentation, AIC can produce a BOQ estimate within roughly 4 working hours so the owner can size the budget; projects are handed over with a warranty of up to 24 months.

Frequently asked questions

Should a townhouse go modern or classical?

The modern style suits narrow-fronted townhouses and shophouses thanks to clean lines, large light-harvesting glazing and easy functional optimisation. Classical and neoclassical styles work better when the house is wide, the ceilings are high and the owner prioritises grandeur.

What does a bare-shell townhouse handover need to be completed?

Typically the wall, ceiling and floor finishes, electrical and plumbing systems, sanitaryware, the kitchen, cabinetry and all loose furniture. Survey and measure the site and prepare a bill of quantities (BOQ) before construction to control costs.

How do you make a deep, narrow townhouse less dark and stuffy?

Prioritise skylight wells, large glazing and multi-storey glass partitions for light and ventilation; use a light palette such as pale grey and white, and keep furniture compact so the space feels brighter and airier.