Refined in Dark Tones

Located in the North District, Taichung, this 74.3 square meters residence marks the beginning of life for a newly married couple. The husband favors black tones and music collections, while the wife values shared interests and meaningful objects accumulated over time. The space is therefore conceived as a setting that holds the past while allowing the future to unfold.
Centered on the theme of “Refined in Dark Tones,” the design seeks balance between sophistication and subtle playfulness. A low-saturation beige base is paired with deep black cabinetry, allowing personal collections to take center stage and glow against a darker backdrop. The result is a restrained yet warm atmosphere.
The storage strategy is deliberate and comprehensive. Rather than minimizing cabinetry, the design introduces full-height black volumes that function as a unified backdrop. Recessed pull handles and concealed divisions eliminate fragmented lines, presenting a composed and steady expression.
Large areas of mineral-based coating are applied to walls and ceilings in the social area. With a layered texture reminiscent of stratified rock, surfaces reveal shifting nuances as light moves across them. The TV wall is intentionally recessed, forming a display niche that appears carved from stone, where collections and family photographs emerge as if from a rock face. The cave-like enveloping design continues into curtain boxes and storage corners, creating a spatial experience that gently wraps both the space and its inhabitants.
Lighting design plays a crucial role. Recessed lights, pendant fixtures, and track lighting are arranged on separate circuits, allowing illumination to be adjusted according to mood—whether a single pendant glows softly or track lights wash across the walls, shaping depth and atmosphere within the dark-toned interior.