fws_work Transforms Compact Taipei Loft into a Poetic Artist’s Residence

In the heart of Taipei, Taiwan, fws_work, a multidisciplinary design studio known for its rich narratives and attention to detail, has transformed a compact 700-square-foot loft into an artist’s haven. Every corner of this residence resonates with a poetic essence, reflecting the personal desires of the owner, an artist seeking a serene and inspiring environment.

The design philosophy centred around “a step at a moment creates a scene,” is evident throughout the residence. By maximising the high ceilings and abundant windows, the interior is bathed in natural light, establishing a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment, inviting a sense of tranquility indoors. Strategically placed openings in the walls extend this connection, transforming once narrow areas like the staircase and small bedroom into fluid spaces that capture the ever-changing interplay of light and shadow. As daylight shifts through the seasons, these openings merge outdoor foliage with the indoor scenery, crafting picturesque vignettes in very corner, and transforming each space into a unique scene.

The studio embraced a palette of dark tones, selecting materials that evoke depth and ambiance. Dark plaster and solid wood form a rich backdrop, enhancing the poetic atmosphere of the loft. Tactile materials, chosen for their ability to evoke tranquility and comfort, add layers of texture. The staircase, covered in handmade bricks, invites a sense of history and warmth, while the preserved original stone tile flooring anchors the design in its context.

Additionally, fws_work incorporated woven rattan folding doors in place of solid walls in the tea room, allowing light and shadows to permeate the space, adding fluidity and openness. This thoughtful arrangement of materials not only enhances the loft’s aesthetic appeal but also brings warmth and serenity to the artist’s residence.

fws_work, with its bases in New York and Taipei, specialises in creating engaging environments through interior, furniture, and branding design services. Their projects are deeply rooted in a collaborative process and a keen appreciation for detail. This transformation of the Taipei loft is a testament to the studio’s commitment to crafting spaces that engage the senses, offering the owner a place of inspiration and peace.

Credits

Design firm: fws_work

Project team: Yu-Hsiang Fu (Principal Designer)

Construction Management: ArchinSpace

Staging & Art Styling: Note In Silence

Photographer: Suiyu Studio

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The Loft Kitchen by Nordiska Kök

Nordiska Kök has designed a minimalist compact kitchen for the TypeO Loft, a slow living bed and breakfast in the idyllic Österlen countryside in the south of Sweden. Centered around natural materials in soft tones inspired by the surrounding landscape, the Loft Kitchen is harmonious and calming, with a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic.

Embedded between the Österlen countryside's beautiful hills and expansive fields, the 50 square metre loft is designed with relaxation in mind. Painted a warm beige tone throughout, the kitchen's mix of wood and stone injects texture while softening the clean lines and complimenting the neutral palette. Featuring a Thala grey limestone countertop, white pigmented ash and a simple yet contrasting black faucet, the space is both elegant and functional. 

Thoughtfully designed for the compact space, the kitchen features bespoke cabinets to hide all the appliances, while a small open shelf has been installed in lieu of cupboards. Here sits a beautiful edit of handpicked pieces from local designers. Just enough storage to cater to the need of the weekend visitor, as an added bonus, all of the accessories and furniture are available for purchase when checking out.

In the living room, the black leather Ligne Roset Togo sofa picks up the black details from the kitchen, while the Noguchi table matches the loft's original wooden details.

Photography by Mike Karlsson Lundgren

In case you missed it, the recently featured Scandinavian Shaker Kitchen by Nordiska Kök is another must see!

Images courtesy of Nordiska Kök 

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Small but Stylish | New Swedish Apartments by Refine Design Studio

Refine Design Studio have created a housing concept for a new property development located in Linköping, Sweden. Comprising of 21 apartments built by Wilzéns on behalf of the Draget Group, the project was led by Natalie Strömberg, interior designer and founder of Refine Design Studio. With a clear vision for the loft apartments, the studio applied a muted colour palette of grey-beige shades together with monochrome accents. Providing a strong Scandinavian base, industrial elements and the layering of wood, stone and steel, these small yet stylish apartments are beckoning you to move in!  

Carrying out some reworkings to the existing layout of selected apartments in the housing project, above all, Refine's goal was to bring some unique elements through both the materials and design elements. This can been seen in the kitchen, which features warm grey matt lacquered cabinets and contrasting Terrazzo benchtops in crisp white. I love how the terrazzo injects both a textural edge and playful vibe. 

With plenty of natural light, the apartments feature white pigmented oak flooring paired with warm grey walls, giving the spaces a bright and spacious feel. 

Many of the apartments feature a ceiling height of 4.5m and generous sleeping lofts. Wanting to further enhance these elements, Refine Design Studio designed an industrial style loft ladder. To create additional light, industrial windows between different rooms and floors have been installed  in some of the apartments. 

Refine sent me lots of photos, showcasing how the apartments vary from one to another. Each features a careful curation of lighting and furniture, while the neutral colour palette provides the perfect base for layering soft pops of colour through the use of textile accessories such as cushions and rugs. 

I love the earthy green hues in this apartment. The loft bedroom is layered with a cosy beige carpet with a silky sheen, bringing a softness to the steel stairs and railings.

Photography by Elisabeth Daly 

If you'd like to see more by Refine Design Studio, check out this beautiful project featured on TDC earlier this year. 

Images courtesy of Refine Design Studio 

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