Parisian Kitchen
Project Information
Project: Private Apartment Kitchen
Location: Paris, France
Designer: Maison Apolinario https://www.apolinario.paris
Supplier: Mittsu Japanese Tiles
Tiles: Yuki Border (Speckled Black)
Data: Yuki Border UK Yuki Border Europe Yuki Border UAE Yuki Border TDS Yuki Border CAD Data Yuki Border Image Folder
Japanese ceramic tiles introduce texture and contrast in Paris kitchen interior
Description
In this Paris apartment, handcrafted Japanese ceramic tiles are used to introduce texture and contrast within a refined kitchen interior.
Yuki Border tiles in Speckled Black form the backsplash, creating a continuous surface that anchors the space. The elongated format establishes a subtle vertical rhythm, while the deep, dark glaze provides a strong visual counterpoint to the lighter cabinetry and work surfaces.
Each tile features a gently concave surface, which interacts with light to create fine shadow lines across the installation. This controlled texture allows the surface to remain minimal while still carrying depth and visual interest.
The glossy black glaze reflects surrounding elements, including brass fittings and integrated lighting, adding a layer of movement to the otherwise restrained composition. Subtle variation within the glaze ensures the surface avoids uniformity, instead presenting a natural, nuanced finish.
“Yuki Border in darker tones shifts the focus from light to reflection,” says Ian Reynolds.
“The concave surface and glaze work together to create depth, even within a very controlled and minimal space.”
Produced in Japan using traditional kiln-fired methods, each tile carries slight variation in tone and finish. This results in a surface that remains consistent in composition while
retaining the character of handcrafted ceramic.
Within this kitchen, the tiles provide both functional durability and a precise material
expression, supporting an interior defined by clarity, proportion and contrast.
Mittsu Japanese Tiles supplied the tiles for the project, working with the design team to
ensure the material aligned with both aesthetic intent and practical requirements.
