An oak-edged window providesa framed view ofthe living room within this Tokyo apartment, intended by Yumiko Miki Architects to recreate the effect of a still-life painting.

Architects Yumiko and Takashi Miki designed the Apartment in Machiya to reference a combination of iconic artworks, architecture and furniture pieces.

A window inside Villa Malaparte – the seminal 1930s house by Italian architect Adalberto Libera – inspired the oak-framed aperture between the apartment's kitchen and living area. The aim was to create a framed view of the living and dining space that resembles a painting.

To heighten the effect, the tones, colours and compositional balance of each room were designed to match the paintings of Italian artist Giorgio Morandi, which often featured very basic still-life scenes.