Back to Basics
“Back to Basic” is a phrase whose meaning seems self-evident, yet it offers multiple interpretations depending on one’s perspective. What kind of living environment puts you at ease? One where even doing nothing brings joy—simply watching daylight stream across the table, wooden cabinets, or floor, where dappled shadows mark the passage of time. This 50-year-old apartment near a metro station—conveniently located yet calm in demeanor—does just that. The passage of time becomes imperceptible once inside. Clean, ordered lines define a crisp interior, while seemingly casual furnishings reveal a quiet dedication to everyday rituals. The space evokes a sense of effortlessness—relaxed, yet refined.
The designer recalls the first time stepping into the apartment: aged timber window frames, built-ins, and a bathroom long frozen in time. Untouched and worn, the original interiors hinted at what once was, evoking a subtle sense of loss. Today, the space has been reimagined with a pared-back linear language and whitewashed walls that act as a neutral canvas. Rather than overdesign, it returns to spatial fundamentals, allowing lived-in warmth to gradually emerge through daily use. The apartment now serves as the home of a young couple who both work remotely. Their needs are simple, and the design reflects that clarity. A single partition wall was removed to open up the communal areas, creating fluid movement between the living room and workspace. The exposed ceiling, left bare except for neatly arranged EMT conduits, adds to the unpretentious atmosphere. Sunlight filters through the full-height windows, casting shadows across a seamless microcement floor that quietly connects the entire apartment.
In the expansive public zone, functional elements are subtly integrated. A custom wood cabinet at the entrance, housing shoes and coats, wraps around an existing column so naturally it seems like part of the original architecture. Without a fixed aesthetic preference, the homeowners chose to mix new pieces with vintage finds. Within a grey-toned palette, these elements speak to each other. From the casually placed, non-directional main sofa to a low stereo console cleverly made from IKEA vinyl storage units, every detail carries a trace of personality. Even the tubular steel IKEA sofa from two decades ago—still beloved by the designer—brings a touch of nostalgia and playfulness. Across the room, a small round table placed in front of a matte black kitchen island reflects the couple’s thoughtful approach to living. Rather than selecting furniture by style, they prioritized use, choosing pieces that echo their sensibilities with understated charm.
Returning to a pure mode of living doesn’t require radical minimalism. Instead, it’s about stripping away distraction to reframe what truly matters—shaping a space that feels sincerely comforting. Designer Roy Hong works by a simple credo: “Make it better.” He clears away complexity, letting fresh ideas guide the process. It’s this openness—shared between client and designer—that gave rise to moments like appreciating the raw, unfinished look of the earthen-hued plaster walls. What may appear simple at first glance is layered with intentionality. The goal was never to impose style, but to let life quietly shape the space over time.
