Inky Realm

The project involved the renovation of an older apartment. Due to its proximity to neighboring buildings, the residence suffered from limited daylight, while the young homeowner couple preferred dark tones and a stylish, modern aesthetic close to ink-black. In response, the designer set the overall tone as minimalist modern, selecting black, gray, and beige neutrals as the foundation. Clean, sharp lines and pure structural expressions reflect the couple’s refined taste. The design began by transforming limitations into opportunities, shaping a space that is both functional and expressive of the lifestyle of an urban professional couple.
“Black is not cold—it is the deepest form of elegance.” With this as the guiding principle, the designer translated the owners’ affinity for dark aesthetics into a pure way of living. Upon entering, the ceiling of the hallway immediately captures attention. Originally cluttered with beams and exposed air-conditioning ducts, the area was reorganized and unified with a flat ceiling finish, accented by a curving light strip that turned structural flaws into an artistic focal point, introducing rhythm and flow into the space. In the kitchen, herringbone tiles were applied to break the monotony of flat surfaces, creating texture and visual rhythm.
One of the warmest gestures in the home is the inclusion of small pet doors tailored to the couple’s three cats, allowing them to move freely between rooms. Hidden door designs were also integrated into the layout, concealing storage rooms and compartments that surprise with functionality while maintaining visual clarity. These details not only enrich convenience in daily living but also soften the coolness of the black-gray palette with touches of warmth.