Amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life, dark-toned interiors serve as a hidden oasis. The homeowner of this project has a deep affinity for dark palettes, seeking a sense of seclusion akin to a modern cave dwelling—an intimate retreat that offers both belonging and tranquility without compromising individuality.
🏆 Winner of the 2024 MFID International Best Luxury Home Design
For the design team at Stuarts Design, dark hues never equate to heaviness. Instead, they are reinterpreted as a soothing essence embedded within the spatial narrative. Designer Katherine Stuart approached the project with the idea of “a warm and character-filled sanctuary,” using the metaphor of a cave to evoke a sense of security. Through a careful interplay of light, materials, and functionality, every detail speaks to the aesthetics and warmth of daily life, creating a profoundly immersive yet airy sanctuary for a family of six.
Upon entering, the foyer sets the tone with mirrored glass and linear lighting. Strategically placed reflective surfaces expand the visual depth of the space, while black marble flooring with delicate white veining shimmers under the ambient glow, showcasing its natural textures. Integrated display shelves with embedded lighting resemble a constellation of stars, subtly counterbalancing the depth of the dark palette.
The feature wall in the living area draws inspiration from natural cave rock formations, achieved through hand-applied textured paint that mimics the raw beauty of stone. “Varying thicknesses are essential in capturing the organic texture of natural rock strata,” the designer explains. Sleek metal shelving replaces conventional bulky cabinetry, enhancing openness, while strategically placed lighting highlights curated display pieces. The television console is designed with rounded edges for safety, complemented by grooved paneling for added dimension. A concealed wiring compartment behind the television ensures a clutter-free aesthetic, showcasing meticulous attention to detail.
The dining space exudes an understated elegance, with the same black marble flooring extending from the foyer, resembling an ink painting beneath a starry night sky. The island and dining table are seamlessly connected, creating a fluid culinary and dining experience. A glass base for the dining table allows natural light to filter through. “We specifically designed a slim base to provide ample legroom and reduce collision risks,” notes the designer.
A floating effect is introduced through LED strip lighting beneath the island, while a discreet charging station is integrated for robotic cleaning devices, striking a perfect balance between technology and convenience. On the adjacent wall, an artistic installation adds a narrative element to the space, inviting interpretation. “To enhance this focal point, we applied a custom gradient-textured wall finish that harmonizes with the cabinetry’s surface patterns,” the designer adds.
Stepping into the kitchen, a sophisticated interplay of charcoal and gray tones unfolds. Custom L-shaped cabinetry, crafted from stone-textured panels, pairs a black countertop with gray facades, striking a refined contrast. A wooden door injects a touch of warmth, softening the overall cool-toned composition. On the opposite end, a reeded glass sliding door lightly partitions the laundry room, maintaining spatial independence while allowing light to permeate.
The master suite continues the dark-toned theme, with strategically placed lighting casting a soft, ambient glow, enhancing depth and dimension. Warm orange accents in pillows and bed linens introduce a gentle contrast, fostering a cozy atmosphere. The walk-in closet is equipped with motion-activated lighting, illuminating upon opening to offer a welcoming glow. Tea-tinted glass shelves ensure accessories remain visible while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. A custom L-shaped reading and work desk extends along the window, doubling as a TV console, maximizing corner space for both functionality and storage.
In the children’s room, gray walls and metal accents establish a composed backdrop, while a climbing wall injects an element of fun, catering to the energetic and explorative nature of the young inhabitants. Overhead, a series of curved pink light strips gently arch across the ceiling, creating a layered lighting effect that imbues the space with both whimsy and warmth.
| This case was designed by Stuarts Design.
Read more: 2024 MFID Award Winners Announced! iNternational Best Luxury Home Design
Written by: Lee Khe Ying
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Stuarts Design
A：No. 6-1, Ground Floor, IOI Rio City, Lebuh Puteri, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
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