Inkstone

The empty apartment was conceived from the outset with a dark-toned palette in mind. The homeowner expressed a clear preference for a calm, masculine aesthetic using high-contrast materials—seeking to create a space that balances masculinity with refined taste. The designer used black, grey, and metallic hues to layer textures throughout the home. Raw stone and rusted metal finishes were strategically chosen, while the layout was reorganized to meet practical needs, integrating zones for reading, entertaining, and caregiving—resulting in a multifunctional living space.

The space adopts black as its dominant base, paired with natural stone, metallic finishes, and reflective glass surfaces to evoke a juxtaposition of ruggedness and high-tech sophistication. The ceiling in the living area features irregular arcs that extend through to the island and master bedroom, softening the intensity of the dark palette with fluid curvature. A standout feature is the TV wall, clad in unpolished, porous dark marble reminiscent of geodes—its depth and texture accentuated by strategic lighting.

At the foyer, the flooring is laid with black marble featuring golden veins, complemented by a curved metal accent cabinet, establishing a bold focal point at the entry. The ceiling incorporates silver metal laminates with a ripple-like reflective finish that, when lit at night, dances with the stone’s shadows—creating a striking visual interplay. The reading nook behind the master bed was reconfigured into a large built-in bench, serving as an optional guest bed to accommodate visiting elders or caregivers.