FRAME Publishers announces the release of I IN Interiors (purchase your copy here), a new self-titled book dedicated to the celebration of the Tokyo-based interior design studio’s works characterized by its vibrant and distinct use of colour, shapes and materials. The two founders Yohei Terui and Hiromy Yuyama, hailing from Tokyo, share their methodologies and values in their first dedicated publication. 

As we adapt to the digital era, the role of designers is to constantly reassess our physical spaces. The digital revolution has altered our interaction with interiors. This shift has led to the emergence of reverse skeuomorphic design, where physical design is inspired by digital elements. It has also redefined familiar concepts. For instance, the meaning of luxury has evolved in this new age. The function of materiality and the role of experiences have become crucial aspects of design. Designers are now tasked with effectively crafting these experiences.

I IN, a Tokyo-based design studio, explores these questions through its work. Striking a balance between innovation and simplicity, it aims to redefine the conventional Japanese design studio. This transformation, while radical, remains respectful of traditional values and Japan’s rich design heritage.

Characterizing the work of I IN is much like peeling the layers of an onion. The eye is immediately drawn to spaces that impress with their simplicity – there is no excess of materials, no unnecessary details and no gimmicky objects present. However, these spaces are far from cold or impersonal. Rounded structures and curved corners instantly make visitors feel at ease. Fluid lines are soothing to the eye. Warm colours, often derived from natural materials, welcome people and invite them to linger. The colour gradient in I IN’s oeuvre deserves special mention. By enriching surfaces, gradients suggest the radiant presence of concealed light sources, adding depth to the space. Peeling back another layer reveals what could be termed I IN’s secret ingredient: the studio’s use of light. Soft, often natural, lighting shapes space and enhances the spatial experience. In the hands of I IN’s founders, Yohei Terui and Hiromu Yuyama, light becomes a tool to add drama and depth to rooms. The designers also use light to highlight merchandise. But above all, lighting imparts a sense of calm and sensuality to many of I IN’s projects.

Honouring its cultural heritage, I IN is challenging the norms of the Japanese design industry. It aims to transform the traditional model of design studios in Japan, typically led by a single prominent designer. Instead, I IN operates as a collaborative endeavour under the leadership of its principals, Yohei Terui and Hiromu Yuyama. Based on mutual challenge and respect, this approach propels the studio and fosters innovation. While collaboration may extend project timelines and necessitate compromise, I IN values its transformative potential. Over time, the principals have developed a deep understanding, harmoniously balancing shared values and creative tension in their work.

This dynamic partnership is a unique asset, distinguishing I IN in the Japanese design landscape. The definition of luxury has evolved significantly in our modern age, adapting to changing consumer values and technological advancements. Today, luxury is less about material rarity or social status and more about sensory experiences. Industrialization has made many once-coveted items widely accessible, shifting the perception of luxury. In a world where most structures are built economically for basic functionality and profit, thoughtful and intentional design has become a new form of luxury. A luxurious space now evokes emotion and engages all five senses. This is achieved not through traditional material extravagances but through a space’s immaterial and sometimes fleeting aspects. It’s about the quality of sound, the perception of light, and the impact of scent. In essence, luxury has shifted from being about ‘what’ space is to ‘how’ it is experienced.

Readers will find simply yet thoughtfully designed interiors, each featuring at least one innovative element that redefines spatial design. The projects, captured in high-quality photographs, embody the new luxury I IN promotes. The commentary provides insight into I IN’s practices and methods, further elaborated in the interview section. This offers an introduction to a unique type of Japanese design studio – one that challenges established norms while respecting its heritage.

In this book, one can expect to learn about Japanese design conventions and the way the duo is maintaining the delicate balance between honouring their heritage and pushing it into new directions, both in terms of the final product and the process by which they get there. Luxury, a keystone concept for I IN, has an evolved and new holistic meaning for the future. Featuring 13 of the studio’s most recognizable projects, the pages have been carefully curated and designed to inspire and evoke feelings of calm and luxury. 

Purchase your copy of I IN Interiors here.