- Interior
Light and shadow cannot exist without the other. Interior design is a medium that comprehends the two and makes them converge in a balanced concept. This apartment originated out of this exact reasoning, full of atmospheric qualities. At Intheory Design, they do more than merely design homes. By optimally understanding their sector, they bridge the distance between resident and lifestyle with a successful design.
Your home should reflect your personal essence. To the people of Intheory Design, their profession is not only a matter of creating interiors, but also of realising dreams and nurturing creativity. With their platform, they aim to facilitate and support collaborations between designers and residents. Design and lifestyle need to be aligned with one another: an ethos they themselves confirm clearly with this project. At the base of this apartment is the dynamic between light and shadow. With a spectrum full of nuances and romanticism, the two contrasts offer a wide array of possibilities. By intentionally employing light incidence – or the lack thereof –, a space fosters an emotional volume, and you achieve an atmosphere than you can redirect to your liking. The central living space contains a spacious window divided in grids that withholds the sunlight if desired, thanks to the blinds. The seating and dining areas are united next to each other in a minimalistic style. Nearby the window, there is an elevated element that holds an extra table for two, which is perfect for drinking tea, for instance. The equipped kitchen beams with functionality, without losing the aesthetic of the living area. 
Underlying the style is the idea of a ryokan
In the bedroom, our attention quickly goes to the neat wooden cabinets that once again confirm the sleek lines that you generally trace throughout the entire apartment. Adjoining, you find the bathroom that, however small in surface, is divided in a thoughtful manner. Experts of Japan have perhaps already noticed, but underlying the style is the idea of a ryokan. That is the term for a Japanese version of a family hotel or pension. These have several traditional elements of the local lifestyle and hospitality. Those who have ever visited one know that they are a relaxing experience for both exploring guests and seasoned travellers. Here, you see a similar set of qualities. Also important is respecting the laws of nature. As for materials, the studio chose stone, wood, and textile, among others. In addition to the soft, pleasant light incidence, they incorporated hints of shadow, so that the interior would develop the right balance. 
At Intheory Design, they transform their philosophy into projects that prove their words. With the Japanese ryokan as inspiration, they designed an apartment that leans on traditional values and an efficient variation between light and dark. As a resident, you are surrounded by a healthy dose of both, that is for sure. 
Photography by @mesahausstudio
Text by Cara Jacobs