The Terrace by Intheory Design
Intheory Design has reimagined a compact residence into a calm, tactile retreat for a young family, where thoughtful material choices and quiet detailing come together to create a space of lasting ease.
Located in a suburban neighbourhood, The Terrace draws from Japanese and Japandi influences, with an emphasis on warmth, functionality and restraint.
At the heart of the home is a fluid open-plan living, dining and kitchen area that reflects the clients’ communal lifestyle. While the footprint is modest, careful spatial planning enhances flow and clarity. Subtle design moves—like vertical grooves, stack bond tiling, and framed cabinetry—introduce visual definition without enclosing the home. These vertical elements help to elongate sightlines and give structure to otherwise soft, open zones.
“Our clients wanted a home that felt calming but never cold,” shares the studio. “They live busy lives, so each surface and layout decision was made to support a more grounded, intentional pace.” This approach manifests in the use of natural finishes: raw wood cabinetry, grid-patterned upholstery, and walls with a gentle, imperfect texture all contribute to a tactile sense of comfort.
The material palette balances refinement with authenticity. In the kitchen, monochrome tones and vertical tiles create contrast without overwhelming the space. Gentle curves and diffused lighting soften harder edges, while in the bathroom, terracotta tiles and soft stone cladding are paired with sculptural lighting to bring warmth to a traditionally utilitarian space. A custom wall sconce, made from concrete and opal glass, adds a moment of sculptural quietude.
Custom detailing is central to the project’s sense of cohesion. Bespoke framed cabinetry—finished with recessed handles—was designed to maintain a clean visual language while maximizing everyday usability. Upholstered elements reference the geometry of the architecture, while still offering softness and approachability. These tailored additions lend the home a quiet confidence, speaking to the studio’s belief that thoughtful design is always a reflection of the people who live within it.
The project is a clear expression of Intheory Design’s values: minimalism rooted in purpose, a collaborative process, and a deep sensitivity to materiality. “We approach each project as an unfolding of our clients’ lives,” the studio shares. “Rather than imposing a language, we listen—then translate that into forms, textures, and atmospheres that feel both natural and intentional.”
True to this ethos, the home avoids excess in favour of balance and integrity, shaped not by trends but by clarity, material honesty, and emotional resonance. The result is understated and sensory—one that supports rest, movement, and everything in between, with a quiet confidence that will only deepen over time.
