Studio One's "Shades of Ink": A Masterpiece in Residential Design

Winner of Iron A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022

The design concept for "Shades of Ink" was born out of a deep appreciation for traditional Chinese ink painting, which often features a central theme in the darkest tone, a background in a middle tone, and some areas left blank or void. This technique gives a sense of distance and emphasizes the core theme. Studio One adopted this principle, using concise lines, forms, and monochrome colors to provide a different perspective on space and uncover the true aesthetic value and essence of being.

Despite the limited space of the project, which spans 70 square meters and includes a foyer, living/dining room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen, the design goal was to maximize possibilities and flexibility. Studio One achieved this by introducing sophisticated forms and a monochrome scheme with textured materials. The monochrome scheme, featuring ink-black wood paneling and light gray mineral paint, creates a sense of serenity and interesting texture contrast, aiming to create a space with varied expressions sculpted by natural light.

To achieve openness and cohesiveness within the space, unnecessary architectural walls were demolished, and sliding partitions were applied to create flexible boundaries between zones. The boundaries were shaped based on the client's needs. The monochrome scheme, with its varied tone changes and textures from different materials, such as ink-black wood paneling wall with wood grain, middle gray ceramic tile with stone-like pattern, and light gray mineral paint with artisan’s touchup, sculpts the space with abundant texture expression and contrast.

One of the challenges faced in this project was maximizing the small interior space with more possibilities and flexibility. Defining space or zones without setting up clear or solid boundaries was a key design objective. Under the monochrome color scheme, creating warmth and visual texture in the space was another challenge. However, with careful selection of materials based on their natural traits and textures, and a focus on wood grain and artisan’s touchup, Studio One was able to create a warm, textured space under a monochrome scheme.

"Shades of Ink" is not just a residential design project; it's a testament to the power of simplicity and the beauty of monochrome. With its sophisticated forms, monochrome scheme, and abundant textured expression and contrast, it offers a different perspective on space and uncovers the true aesthetic value and essence of serenity. This project was awarded Iron in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022, a testament to its well-designed, practical, and innovative creation that meets professional and industrial requirements.

Studio One's "Shades of Ink" is a project that pushes the boundaries of interior design, showing that even with limited space, it's possible to create a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. It's a project that truly embodies the essence of simplicity and the beauty of monochrome.