undulating wooden ceiling spreads over KDH2 residence's fluid interior spaces in japan

Architects Daisuke Ibano and Ryosuke Fujii of id+fr designed the 'Diagonal House' in a densely populated residential area of Tokyo for a couple and their children. The project addressed the challenge of strict height limitations due to category 1 height control district regulations on the front half of the lot, requiring an innovative approach to urban housing. The primary goal was to integrate the kitchen, living space, and terrace, which were important to the client who spends significant time cooking. This led to the implementation of a design featuring staggered floors, aiming to achieve spatial continuity and facilitate smooth vertical circulation throughout the residence. To enhance the sense of spatial continuity, the architects incorporated a slab above the living room that folds upwards along a slanted line. Additionally, a portion of the uppermost slab was partially raised to create a large kitchen terrace opening, further connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. These design choices resulted in unique features that encourage diverse activities within the home. For instance, the sloped floor of the terrace is suitable for sunbathing, while the area beneath the raised section of the top slab forms an alcove that can be utilized for sleeping. The architectural compositions extended to other design elements, including platforms integrated at a diagonal angle alongside the stairwell that navigates between the staggered floors. Correspondingly, storage units on the opposite wall also adopted a diagonal angle. A triangular light garden was positioned at the end of a large opening in the living room, establishing a diagonally oriented axis that contributes to a more spacious feel within the interior. The numerous diagonal lines throughout the 'Diagonal House' were carefully considered to optimize visibility and establish interconnected relationships between various spaces. These diagonals became a defining characteristic of the design, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the external environment. The architects aimed to create a dwelling that not only harmonizes with the varied architectural forms of the surrounding residential buildings but also provides a microenvironment where the family can experience a strong sense of urban life from any point within their home. The project successfully blends functionality with an aesthetic that responds to its tight urban context, offering inventive solutions for modern living in Tokyo. #TokyoArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #SpatialContinuity #DiagonalElements #StaggeredFloors #UrbanHousing #JapaneseArchitecture #idfrArchitecture #InnovativeDesign

This lookbook explores eight distinct living room interiors, each featuring wood-clad ceilings that contribute to a sense of warmth and texture within the home. While wood is frequently utilized for flooring, its application on ceilings introduces rich hues and tactile qualities, fostering inviting and cozy living environments. The selection showcases a variety of timber types, including cedar, larch, and oak, and demonstrates diverse architectural approaches to integrating wooden ceilings. One example is the House in Serra, Portugal, designed by Cimbre, a single-storey residence in rural Portugal. Here, a vaulted ceiling, wrapped in warm-toned birch wood, contrasts with exposed concrete walls, creating an interplay of materials and aesthetics. A statement black metal fireplace further accentuates the living space. In Mexico, Estudio Cristina Grappin's Casa Quinto Sol features locally-sourced wood on its ceilings, complemented by cool-toned marble floors that extend throughout the interior and exterior, allowing coastal breezes to flow through large openings and connecting the home to the Pacific Ocean. Naturehumaine's Palissade in Québec, Canada, incorporates cedar planks on both ceilings and walls in its open-plan living space. This design choice aims to cultivate a warm and cozy atmosphere, enhanced by a pyramidal roof that draws natural light into the lakeside home. In East Sussex, England, Michael Kendrick Architects designed the Looking Glass Lodge, a holiday retreat where timber ceilings and birch plywood partition walls and cabinetry echo the surrounding forested landscape. GRT Architects undertook the renovation of the historic Rectory of St Thomas in Harlem, New York, transforming the derelict four-storey structure into a modern home. The living space within this conversion boasts reeded oak panelling and an oak-wrapped mezzanine library, adding historical elegance and warmth. Ménard Dworkind's Q8 Residence in Québec, Canada, features larch wood-clad ceilings in its partially-outdoor seating area, with a combination of cedar, larch, and pine woods used throughout to integrate the home with its forested site. Destudio's Ático Curvo penthouse in Valencia, Spain, showcases a minimalist interior with wood-clad ceilings in the open-plan living areas. This design provides a clean, contemporary aesthetic while maintaining a warm ambiance. Finally, Johan Sundberg Arkitektur's Yngsjö holiday home in southern Sweden, blends into its wooded surroundings through the use of natural materials. The interior features oak floors, trimmings, and carpentry, alongside larch ceilings, creating a harmonious and organic living space. #WoodCladCeilings #LivingRoomInteriors #HomeDesign #TimberArchitecture #InteriorDesign #CozyHomes #ArchitecturalDetails #ResidentialArchitecture #MaterialityInDesign

KIRI architects, based in Tokyo, has designed a compact dwelling featuring a prominent, light-filled stair hall. This unique architectural element occupies one-third of the house's total volume and extends across its entire length. The design strategically positions the living areas to the north, while an open, sunny garden is situated to the south. The glazed and elongated stair hall serves a crucial function in bringing natural light and external views into the interior spaces, which might otherwise be confined and dimly lit. This central feature transforms what could be a compact and potentially dark home into an airy and inviting residence. Within the expansive stair hall, the design team at KIRI architects has incorporated various spaces intended for lingering and relaxation. These include a spacious engawa, a traditional Japanese veranda, which offers views of the garden. Additionally, a dedicated study area is positioned to provide a vista of the street. The architects emphasize the multi-functional nature of the stair hall, noting its adaptability. For instance, the handrail can be utilized as an extended clothesline on sunny days, while the stair treads are designed to be wide enough for sitting and relaxing, allowing residents to enjoy activities such as listening to music from the lower level. This zone is described as a 'sublime space filled with light and breeze,' highlighting its role as a comfortable and dynamic hub within the home. The structural integrity of the staircase is maintained by a series of slender timber columns and 16-millimeter steel rods that are suspended from the ceiling. The timber treads and risers of the stairs are securely bolted together and fastened onto a steel girder, ensuring both stability and a refined aesthetic. The architects acknowledge that, at first glance, the scale of the staircase might appear disproportionate for a dwelling of its size. However, they clarify that the light-filled stair hall is not merely a functional element for vertical circulation but also acts as a significant mediator of the surrounding environment. The slender yet overlapping columns within the stair hall subtly delineate the living spaces from the garden and neighboring properties. This arrangement allows a substantial amount of sunlight to enter the home, which is then filtered and softened by the various elements of the staircase—including the stairs themselves, the handrail, and the hanging rods. The result is a mellow and ample quality of light that permeates the living spaces beyond the central hall. In adherence to the principles of metabolism, a architectural movement that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, the bedroom on the upper floor facing the staircase features a recurring series of folding doors. This design choice anticipates future needs, allowing for the potential division of the space into smaller children's rooms as the family evolves. Similarly, the ground floor living room is designed to open up completely to the garden, providing children with direct and unhindered access to the outdoor space. This thoughtful integration of flexible design and natural light creates a living environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, responding to the dynamic needs of its occupants within a compact Japanese urban setting. #JapaneseArchitecture #CompactLiving #StaircaseDesign #NaturalLight #ResidentialArchitecture #FlexibleInteriors #MetabolistInfluence #ArchitecturalInnovation

Architectural firm Tan Yamanouchi & AWGL undertook the renovation of a residential condominium in Tokyo, transforming it into the 'Tokyo Clubhouse,' a semi-private and semi-public apartment. This renovation aimed to create a home without walls, reflecting modern urban living standards and the client's lifestyle. The project involved merging two existing units to form a single open-plan dwelling. The core design concept revolves around a sculptural stepped ceiling constructed from dusty pink wood wool cement boards. This intricate ceiling features varying heights and contours that effectively delineate public and private zones within the apartment without the need for physical walls. The textured ceiling creates a subtle transition between different areas, accommodating intimate spaces, zones for hosting friends, and a dedicated play area for the client's cats. The Tokyo Clubhouse challenges traditional Japanese 'n-LDK' classification systems for residential layouts, which often prioritize room count over functionality. By eliminating superfluous walls, the design emphasizes adaptability and flexibility, catering to the client's dynamic lifestyle as a professional who works both remotely and in an office, and frequently hosts guests. The apartment is designed to function as a 'second living room' for friends and visitors, promoting a sense of community and openness. Material choices further define the different functional areas. Public spaces are distinguished by herringbone brick tile flooring, offering a rustic warmth. In contrast, private zones feature old solid wood boards, contributing to a sense of coziness and intimacy. A curved wall, finished with textured roughcast plaster, encircles the kitchen, providing a tactile contrast to the sleek, repainted kitchen units. The guest entry, given equal prominence to the private entrance, showcases a rich material palette including brick tiled flooring, roughcast plaster, glass-enclosed shoe displays, and the distinctive wood wool cement board ceilings, creating an inviting and warm welcome. The duality of openness and intimacy within the Tokyo Clubhouse draws inspiration from the nearby Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This garden, a semi-private oasis in the heart of Tokyo, is a beloved spot for locals and holds cultural significance, appearing in various animated movies. This external influence underscores the design's intention to create a space that balances privacy with communal interaction, offering a unique approach to urban residential architecture. #TokyoClubhouse #TanYamanouchiAWGL #ApartmentRenovation #OpenPlanLiving #SteppedCeiling #InteriorDesignJapan #FlexibleLivingSpaces #ResidentialArchitecture #WoodWoolCement

This lookbook compiles seven distinct living room designs that feature double-height ceilings, creating a sense of grandeur and openness. Each example showcases how architects and designers utilize vertical space to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of residential interiors. The first example is the Three Chimney House in the US by T W Ryan Architecture. This country house features a white-brick fireplace mantle that extends to the gabled roof, emphasizing the room's significant height. The mantle also functions as a partial partition, separating the sitting area from the kitchen and dining space. Next, the Pennsylvania Farmhouse by Cutler Anderson Architects in the US connects second-floor bedrooms with a narrow open corridor, allowing the living room below to boast soaring ceilings and extensive top-to-bottom glazing. For climate control, double-height rolling shutters provide shade and mitigate solar gain while still permitting natural light. Library House in Japan, designed by Shinichi Ogawa & Associates for a passionate reader, accommodates an extensive book collection with six-meter-high ceilings. One entire wall is dedicated to built-in shelving, brightly illuminated by a long, narrow skylight, showcasing how verticality can serve specific lifestyle needs. Queen's Park House in the UK, an extension to an early 20th-century Edwardian house by Daytrip, features a double-height volume combining the kitchen, dining, and living areas. A clerestory window further accentuates the lofty ceilings, and vintage cane chairs by Tito Agnoli are used instead of traditional upholstered furniture. Casa Alférez in Mexico, a holiday home by Ludwig Godefroy, is built on a challenging sloping site in a pine forest, with a design that prioritizes height over width. The living room exemplifies this approach, featuring a small wood-burning stove beneath an eight-meter-long flue pipe, drawing the eye upward. Camp O in the US, Maria Milans del Bosch's own holiday home in the Catskills, utilizes a Japanese shou sugi ban technique to char the cedar wood cladding on the upper half of the structure. This process highlights the timber's natural grain and guides the gaze towards the slanted roof, where exposed beams integrate built-in shelving. Finally, Dailly in Belgium by Mamout is a backyard house in Brussels that repurposes materials from a former warehouse on the site. Profiled bricks from the original structure form one of the walls in the double-height sitting room, which is capped with a distinctive blue-painted gabled ceiling. These diverse projects collectively illustrate the dramatic impact and design possibilities afforded by double-height living spaces. #DoubleHeightCeilings #LivingRoomDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #HomeInteriors #ModernLivingSpaces

Sides Core, an Osaka-based studio led by Sohei Arao and Sumiko Arao, designed the House in Mikage for a family with a young child in Kobe, Japan. This project came 15 years after the architects had previously designed a beauty salon for the same clients. The core design philosophy for House in Mikage was to create a series of simple, flexible "containers" using quality materials that would adapt to the family's evolving needs over time. The architects emphasized that such simple containers are timeless, prevent boredom, and allow the inhabitants and their lives to shine. They view living spaces as essential containers that enhance family life and individual experiences. The timber-framed house is situated in Mikage, a residential area near Osaka Bay, just outside Kobe. The plot is uniquely positioned two meters above street level, a deliberate choice that not only provides a private parking space but also ensures privacy for the residents. This elevated position also offers clear views of a forested cliff to the south, integrating nature into the home's visual experience. From the exterior, the house presents itself as a clean, white cuboid structure. It features two prominent, wood-lined openings. One of these openings creates a sheltered balcony on the first floor, which connects to a shared circulation area, storage space, a double bedroom, a single bedroom, and a bathroom. On the ground floor, the second large opening partially shelters a spacious terrace. This terrace serves as an entry point to the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area through full-height glazed panels. The architects highlighted the deliberate presence of nature within the house, with south-facing windows leading to these outdoor spaces. These deep, tunnel-like openings are strategically designed to obscure views of neighboring houses, providing a serene environment while effectively framing the natural scenery beyond. Exposed structural elements, such as timber beams and ceiling boards, are uniformly pitched throughout the interior. These elements, along with structural supports, showcase the natural character of the wood and serve to connect the interior and exterior spaces visually. Inside the house, the use of wood extends to the stair treads, flooring, and partitions on the upper level, as well as built-in shelving and storage solutions, reinforcing the natural aesthetic. Other interior surfaces are predominantly finished in white, including the slender bannister of the staircase, creating a bright and minimalist contrast with the timber. A compact storage area is discreetly integrated beside the main entrance, which is located on the side of the house. The architects intentionally minimized permanent fixtures in the space, inspired by the clients' previous home, which they found to be uncluttered and efficient. This approach allows for greater flexibility and personalization within the living areas. A notable custom-designed piece is a trestle table on the ground floor, which features interchangeable legs. This innovative design allows it to function as a traditional Japanese low table (chabudai), to be folded away for storage, or to be moved onto the outdoor terrace, reflecting the adaptable nature of the living space. Sides Core suggests that the owners will likely continue to modify their furniture to suit their evolving lifestyle. Founded in 2005, Sides Core is recognized for its minimalist salon interiors, including projects like a salon in Osaka that accommodates only one client at a time and another with mirrors suspended from the ceiling by cables. The architects observed that the salon they designed for the clients 15 years prior still maintained a modern aesthetic, indicating the owners' dedication to maintaining their spaces, a factor that influenced the design of their new residence. Photography of the House in Mikage was conducted by Takumi Ota. #HouseInMikage #SidesCore #KobeArchitecture #JapaneseResidential #WoodenArchitecture #MinimalistDesign #FlexibleLivingSpaces #TimberFrame #InteriorDesign

In a quiet residential area of Tokyo, the Japanese design studio Nendo has crafted a new house, aptly named the 'Stairway House,' which features a supersized staircase as its central element. Designed for two families from different generations, the project emphasizes openness and connectivity while maximizing natural light within the site's constraints. The site, surrounded by other apartment buildings, led Nendo to strategically offset the new volume to the north end of the plot. This arrangement creates ample space at the southern elevation, allowing for a largely glazed facade that ushers natural light and ventilation deep into the interior. This glass frontage also facilitates a visual connection between the residents and a garden area, integrating a touch of nature into the urban environment. The house accommodates an older couple on the first floor and a younger couple with their child on the upper floors. The first-floor program includes a kitchen, living/dining room, bedroom, study, bathroom, toilet, and storage. Notably, Nendo incorporated a dedicated cat room for the older couple's eight cats, providing them free access to roam and keep the mother company while gardening. This thoughtful inclusion reflects the family's lifestyle and relationship with their pets. The second and third floors, designated for the younger family, feature a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a study, and various storage solutions. To seamlessly connect these distinct living spaces, Nendo introduced a massive 'stairway-like' structure that traverses all three levels. This architectural element serves as more than just a means of vertical circulation; it creatively houses essential functions such as bathrooms and additional storage, optimizing the use of space. The upper portion of the 'stairway' transforms into a semi-outdoor greenhouse. This area is rich with greenery and provides a sunny spot for the cats to climb and relax. This design decision blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, enhancing the living experience with natural elements. The stairway, filled with plants, subtly links the upper and lower floors along a diagonal axis, fostering a sense of connection among the three generations while preserving their individual privacy. Furthermore, this innovative structure extends conceptually beyond the building itself, connecting to the southward-facing road at ground level and reaching towards the sky through a rooflight, symbolizing a broader integration with its urban and natural surroundings. Project details confirm the location as Tokyo, Japan, with Nendo as the designer. Photography credits go to Takumi Ota and Daici Ano. #Nendo #StairwayHouse #TokyoArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #MultiGenerationalLiving #NaturalLight #IndoorPlants #JapaneseArchitecture #ModernHome

Executive maisonettes in Singapore, known for their generous real estate, offer significant opportunities for innovative home design. Many homeowners have leveraged this space to create unique and functional features that enhance daily living and aesthetic appeal. These designs range from serene, culturally-inspired interiors to dynamic, activity-oriented spaces. One popular design trend seen in executive maisonettes is the ryokan-style living room. This design incorporates elements like shoji screens, wood-heavy aesthetics, and slatted panels to conceal air conditioning units, creating a calm and sophisticated Japanese ambiance. Complementing this, balconies are often transformed into zen gardens with traditional Japanese decor such as mini _shishi-odoshi_, pebble features, and lush greenery, providing a tranquil escape within the home. For families with children or those who enjoy active lifestyles, integrating a climbing gym into the living space is a creative solution. Some maisonettes feature a jungle gym in the foyer, offering a dedicated indoor play area that remains within the homeowner's view. These setups sometimes include cozy nooks under staircases, reminiscent of the 'Harry Potter under the stairs' concept. Another iteration involves a 3-meter tall rock wall with adjustable holds, allowing for varied climbing experiences. Adding to the playful element, some homeowners replace traditional staircases with slides, combining functionality with an element of fun through sleek wood designs and integrated strip lights. Maximizing vertical space, suspension nets installed over stairwells serve as unique hideouts. These nets, often featuring side gates for access, provide a comfortable, hammock-like space for relaxation, offering a brief respite from urban life. Another innovative use of vertical space is the transformation of a curved airwell into a library reading nook. This design capitalizes on the architectural feature, softening the space with curved walls and utilizing ceiling-height shelves to enhance the sense of spaciousness. Modern and futuristic designs also find a place in executive maisonettes. One notable example is an all-white maisonette with a Black Mirror-inspired artificial skylight above the stairwell. This feature meticulously mimics natural light, offering clear, cloudless sky effects during the day and warm, sunset-like illumination in the evening. Strip lighting under each step further accentuates the sophisticated ambiance. Personal hobbies are also integrated into design, as seen in custom-designed curved shelves that act as a "vault" for sneaker collections, complete with strip lighting to emulate an upscale shoe store display. Embracing a more relaxed aesthetic, some maisonettes adopt a rustic California casual theme. This style is characterized by limewash-painted walls, a cream color palette, and redwood accents. Homes with indoor balconies and double-volume ceilings benefit from abundant natural light, and the addition of plants helps transition the interior design to views of natural landscapes outside. Finally, wabi-sabi inspired homes focus on natural imperfections and simplicity. These designs often feature minimalist layouts, an all-white theme to enhance spaciousness, and natural vegetation, such as planters at the base of stairwells. Thoughtful details like strip lights beneath these plant features complement dark wood and black leather furniture, contributing to an understated sophistication. These diverse design features highlight the potential of HDB executive maisonettes for creative and personalized home transformations, catering to various lifestyles and aesthetic preferences. #HDBExecutiveMaisonette #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SingaporeHomes #RyokanStyle #ClimbingGym #StaircaseSlide #SuspensionNet #ReadingNook #ArtificialSkylight #SneakerDisplay #CaliforniaCasual #WabiSabiDesign

This blog post showcases an executive maisonette in Singapore that has undergone a remarkable transformation, adopting the aesthetics of an upper-class Japanese ryokan. The renovation, executed by Right Angle Studio, skillfully integrates Japanese minimalism and traditional design elements into an HDB flat, creating a sophisticated and tranquil living space. The design prioritizes the beauty of nature and simplicity, resulting in a timeless and elegant home. A key feature of this transformation is the extensive use of wood throughout the maisonette. Inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, the home incorporates numerous wood-clad surfaces, including ceilings and an oak-wood bar counter that also functions as an accent wall. Shoji screens are prominently featured on every window, enhancing the authentic Japanese ambiance and providing a sense of privacy and diffused light. These elements collectively contribute to a warm and natural interior. The staircase area is another focal point, showcasing innovative design. Large wooden feature steps extend beyond the traditional staircase, serving as a versatile seating platform or a decorative ledge for displaying artwork and other items. This thoughtful addition provides visual and textural depth to an otherwise conventional part of the house. Furthermore, an artificial skylight illuminates the stairwell, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. A unique built-in planter at the base of the staircase houses a Japanese maple tree, introducing a natural element indoors. The wood-clad balustrade on the staircase directs attention upwards, framing the wooden windows on the second floor and adding to the architectural interest. One of the most captivating aspects of the renovation is the mini zen garden balcony. Sliding full-length shoji screens separate the living area from this tranquil outdoor space. The balcony is meticulously designed with a mini shishi-odoshi, a traditional Japanese water fountain, a pebble feature, and an everfresh tree, all contributing to an authentic Japanese garden feel. The living area itself includes a faux fireplace, which further enhances the feeling of being in a serene, natural setting reminiscent of a Japanese retreat. The bedroom continues the Japanese theme with a modern interpretation. It features a platform tatami bed, creating a low-profile sleeping area characteristic of Japanese design. Slightly elevated side tables with integrated storage maintain the minimalist aesthetic while offering practical functionality. A half-wall curved wood feature in the bedroom adds a touch of architectural elegance, evoking the sophisticated atmosphere of a suite in a high-end Japanese hotel. Overall, the HDB maisonette successfully merges Japanese design principles with contemporary living, offering a refined and immersive experience that transports residents to a holiday-like setting in Japan. #HDBMaisonette #JapaneseInteriorDesign #RyokanAesthetic #ZenGarden #ShojiScreens #WoodCladInteriors #SingaporeHome #RightAngleStudio #HomeRenovation

Japanese homes are often celebrated for their distinctive aesthetic and functional design principles. This article explores eight key elements of Japanese home design that can be adapted and incorporated into Indian households to enhance their living spaces. These elements highlight a focus on natural materials, spatial efficiency, and a connection with nature, all contributing to a serene and comfortable environment. One prominent feature is the use of Tatami mats, which are traditional Japanese flooring elements made of woven rush. These mats offer a soft and visually appealing surface. Similar to the 'Chatais' once common in India, Tatami mats can introduce warmth and texture, making a space more inviting and comfortable underfoot. Another core principle of Japanese home design is the maximization of natural light. Traditional Japanese homes are engineered to allow ample sunlight, fostering a bright and airy atmosphere. Emulating this approach in Indian homes can promote a positive energy flow and reduce the reliance on artificial lighting during the day. Minimal decor is a hallmark of Japanese interior design. This approach emphasizes a clean, uncluttered environment, allowing the space itself to breathe and feel more expansive. In contrast to the increasing clutter often found in Indian homes, adopting a minimalist philosophy can lead to more organized and calming living areas. Furthermore, Japanese homes frequently incorporate low-lying furniture, such as floor cushions, low tables, and futons. This style creates cozy and intimate seating arrangements, encouraging a return to traditional floor-sitting customs that are part of India's cultural heritage. Woodwork is a significant element in Japanese architecture, visible in floors, ceilings, and structural components. The pervasive use of wood adds natural beauty and warmth to interiors, creating a harmonious and organic feel. Indian homes can benefit from integrating more wooden elements to achieve a similar aesthetic and connection to nature. Many Japanese homes also feature a designated 'Zen space,' a quiet area for meditation, contemplation, or simply finding peace. In the face of increasing urban noise and stress, incorporating such a space in Indian homes can provide a much-needed sanctuary for mental well-being. Sliding doors, known as fusuma or shoji, are a practical and aesthetic feature in traditional Japanese homes. These doors enhance accessibility and, with their translucent panels, allow light to diffuse through the house even when closed. Implementing similar sliding door systems can optimize space and light in Indian residences. Finally, Japanese homes excel at blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is achieved through indoor plants, meticulously maintained gardens, and the extensive use of natural materials like wood. This strong connection with nature contributes to a tranquil, pleasant, and harmonious living environment, a quality that can significantly enhance Indian homes by integrating more natural elements and green spaces. #JapaneseHomes #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #MinimalDecor #NaturalLight #TatamiMats #ZenSpace #Woodwork #SlidingDoors

Double-height ceilings introduce a significant stylistic element into interior design, creating expansive and dramatic spaces. This architectural feature presents numerous possibilities for decoration, accommodating large-scale elements like grand chandeliers and bold surface treatments. The article showcases 19 distinct examples from the archives of Architectural Digest, illustrating how various designers have leveraged the generous verticality of these rooms across different settings. Each example highlights unique design choices and inspirations, ranging from sophisticated urban residences to rustic estates and modernist layouts. One featured space is a New York pied-à-terre, where interior designer Jean-Louis Deniot collaborated with SPAN Architecture. The double-height living room features a Deniot-designed daybed, vintage pieces such as a FontanaArte side table, an Ado Chale cocktail table, and an Edward Wormley sofa. Art by Mauro Perucchetti, 1950s table lamps, and a custom silk rug complete the elegant ensemble. Another illustration is a Tennessee house renovated by DA|AD and decorated by McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors, where a floral light sculpture by U-Ram Choe is a focal point in the double-height living room, complemented by Great Plains fabric curtains, a Chista cocktail table, and vintage Tommi Parzinger and William Haines Designs seating. A Los Angeles home, renovated by Commune, exhibits a double-height living room with reclaimed-oak paneling for a rustic feel, contrasted by dark custom-blended Benjamin Moore paint on beams and trim. Notable furnishings include a custom floor lamp by Downtown, a cocktail table by Alma Allen for Commune, a Vladimir Kagan Contour chaise, and an overscale floor lamp by Bottega Veneta. The residence of decorator Laura Santos in New York features a curvilinear Vladimir Kagan sofa, a vintage cocktail table, a 1940s French floor lamp, and a Dune bench, all set against walls painted in Benjamin Moore white. John Mellencamp's South Carolina house, designed by Monique Gibson, includes a double-height living hall inspired by a church nave. This space is furnished with a custom dining table adorned with a whale-rib sculpture and various wing and armchairs from Lucca Antiques. In a Long Island home redesigned by Thierry Despont, a barrel-vaulted great room boasts a custom Jeff Zimmerman light fixture, an ottoman clad in cowhide, and Guglielmo Ulrich wood-frame armchairs. Architect Benedikt Bolza's Umbrian estate features a double-height master bath with custom-designed mirrors, heated copper towel racks, and travertine-top washstands. A Toronto home by Katherine Newman and Peter Cebulak presents a double-height library with mahogany- and satinwood-inlaid paneling. India Mahdavi's renovation of a Connecticut estate includes a double-height formal dining area with Hans J. Wegner chairs and a custom table by Mahdavi. A Los Cabos, Mexico, home designed by Olson Kundig Architects and Terry Hunziker incorporates an overhead alder trellis in its double-height living room, which opens to the beach. An entrance hall in a Los Angeles home, renovated by Oscar Shamamian and Michael S. Smith, blends American and English furniture with contemporary art. A Russian country retreat by Gabhan O’Keeffe features a drawing room with a double sofa and Charles Edwards floor lamps. In a Manhattan duplex by ODA-Architecture, a Luceplan USA light fixture illuminates a double-height living room with Poltrona Frau sofas and a marble cocktail table. Frédéric Fekkai and Shirin von Wulffen's villa near Aix-en-Provence includes a double-height solarium with a Marie Christophe chandelier and antique furniture. Darren Star's Hollywood home, renovated by Mark Rios and Waldo Fernandez, has a double-height family room centered around a bronze-clad fireplace. A Manhattan apartment by David Mann features a splendidly austere double-height entrance hall with an Hervé Van der Straeten pendant light and gray onyx floors. An Aspen getaway by William Sofield showcases a double-height living room with custom-made sofas and a blackened-steel cocktail table. Francis D’Haene transformed a barn-inspired home in Remsenburg, New York, into a minimalist haven with a double-height living area. Finally, a Manhattan penthouse by Delphine Krakoff and Mark Ferguson features a double-height tower room with George Smith sofas and a vintage Tobia Scarpa cocktail table. These examples collectively demonstrate the versatility and aesthetic impact of double-height ceilings in creating dramatic and functional interior spaces. #DoubleHeightCeilings #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalElements #LivingRooms #DesignInspiration #HighCeilings #RoomDrama

In Japan, commercial house production often leads to houses being treated as commodities, with limited owner input in design. To counter this, ikmo architects, led by Yuko Higo, developed an alternative called Cotoiro. This project emerged from a design competition sponsored by a window sash manufacturer and a commercial house seller, which challenged participants to envision novel ways of integrating windows into living spaces. The core inspiration for Cotoiro stemmed from observing how cats utilize windowsills, leading ikmo architects to conceptualize the windowsill not merely as a boundary but as an expandable, configurable micro-room. These expanded window-rooms, or _mado-beya_, are designed to accommodate various activities like reading, studying, napping, or engaging in conversations, while providing access to fresh air and natural light. Homebuyers are given the flexibility to choose from 25 different _mado-beya_ designs, which can then be attached to a basic cubical house structure. The architects aimed to create homes where interior spaces are less rigidly separated from the exterior, encouraging a more dynamic interaction with the outside world through these unique window-rooms. Even as a product for a general clientele, the Cotoiro concept is intended to promote a more vibrant and engaged window-living experience. The architects anticipate that the Cotoiro house will have a broader societal impact beyond individual homeowners. Yuko Higo believes that the small, interactive spaces of the _mado-beya_ will foster communication among neighbors and that the visible human activities within these window-rooms will enhance the attractiveness of the town. Furthermore, the diverse configurations of Cotoiro houses, when collectively assembled, are expected to contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape. The initial prototype of the Cotoiro house, a simplified version of the competition entry, is situated in Oita city and is slated for sale later in the year, serving as a model for this innovative approach to residential design. #JapaneseArchitecture #WindowDesign #FlexibleLiving #CustomizableHomes #UrbanPlanning #ArchitecturalInnovation #ResidentialDesign

Architect Andrew Lister designed a distinctive home for actor Yuri Kinugawa and film producer Owen Hughes in the Auckland suburb of Waterview. The residence, characterized by its tall silhouette, narrow upper window, and a blank cedar-clad facade, adheres to the principles of the Direct Compass, a Japanese discipline akin to feng shui. The home's exterior, covered in cedar weatherboards, initially appears utilitarian, yet conceals a thoughtfully designed interior. The house's structure is composed of two primary boxes connected by a passageway and an adjoining bathroom. Despite its compact footprint, the design creates an illusion of greater spaciousness, as noted by Hughes. A prominent feature of the living room is a two-story bookcase spanning the entire northern wall, housing Hughes’ extensive book collection. This vertical storage solution ingeniously maximizes space, drawing the eye upwards and adding visual texture without encroaching on floor area. The central area of the home is laid out efficiently, with the kitchen to the left and the bedroom to the right. Above these spaces, two offices are stacked, accessible via a stairway at the rear of the room. The interior is enriched by family antiques and Japanese textiles, which introduce complementary textures, transforming the angular space into a welcoming environment. Following Direct Compass principles, the bedroom, considered vital for family relationships, overlooks a small zen garden on the south side of the house. This placement is believed to promote mental clarity due to cooler temperatures. A six-foot-long passageway clearly delineates the transition from the public kitchen and dining areas to the private bedroom. The traditional Japanese bathroom, situated off the central passageway, serves as a space for washing before bathing in a wood-lined onsen (tub). While the north side of the house offers views of an estuary, the street-facing facade maintains a minimalist, private appearance. In stark contrast, the west-facing side features a double-height glass wall that can be fully opened, merging the living space with a veranda. This outdoor area overlooks the garden, estuary, and harbor, providing a setting for observing sunsets and occasional dolphin sightings. The home's exterior features low-maintenance Canadian cedar cladding and aluminum joinery, designed to age gracefully and harmonize with the surrounding garden's sculptural desert plants. The durability of these materials is crucial, given the home's exposure to south-westerly winds laden with salt from the estuary, a condition the chosen plants tolerate well. #JapaneseDesign #BoxHome #TwoStoryBookcase #SmallSpaceLiving #DirectCompass #AucklandArchitecture #CedarCladding #ZenGarden #OpenPlanLiving

Ceilings, often overlooked, offer an additional surface for design innovation beyond traditional paint or wallpaper. A growing trend in interior design involves the use of wood-paneled ceilings, moving away from their conventional association with rustic cabin dens to a more contemporary aesthetic. Designer Dee Murphy, for instance, implemented precut lumber in her kitchen to introduce depth to an otherwise all-white area. She initially sought wood beams for an old-world feel but found them unsuitable due to her kitchen's size and cabinet height. Cladding the entire ceiling with wood provided the desired warmth and texture. For those considering wood-paneled ceilings, Murphy offers several practical tips. First, opting for unstained, natural wood allows its inherent age and texture to contribute to the design, much like her preference for ungrouted tiles to highlight organic material states. Second, scaling is crucial; this style is most effective in rooms with higher ceilings, ideally nine feet or more. Integrating cabinetry that extends to the ceiling helps to draw the eye upward, enhancing the visual impact of the wood. Furthermore, flush-mount lighting is recommended over pendant lights to avoid visually bisecting the room. Third, designers should be mindful of surface irregularities, especially in older properties. Murphy encountered an uneven ceiling in her project, necessitating adjustments to the trim for a seamless finish. The article showcases various examples of wood-paneled ceilings that successfully integrate this design element across different styles. A European-inspired kitchen by Murphy features zellige tiles and gilded fixtures, with overhead hardwood adding a rustic yet refined touch. Emily Henderson transformed a flat bedroom ceiling into a vaulted, paneled one, imbuing it with Scandinavian charm. This not only expanded the sense of space but also brightened the room due to the lighter wood reflecting light. In a Williamsburg, Brooklyn loft, Elizabeth Roberts utilized the existing high ceilings and exposed beams by contrasting them with stark white walls, making the architectural details and natural accents like butcher-block counters and open shelving stand out. For an open-concept setting, Shannon Wilkins designed a Nordic-inspired A-frame cabin where wood planks unify the cooking, dining, and living areas, reinforcing the cabin aesthetic through a neutral color palette. In a more traditional approach, Amber Lewis incorporated a darker stained wood ceiling in a Spanish-style living room. This design choice, supported by ample natural light, complemented the room's arches, beams, and a moodier furniture palette without making the space feel cramped or dated. These diverse applications demonstrate the versatility of wood ceilings in enhancing room character, providing both aesthetic appeal and a sense of warmth and dimension to various interior designs. #WoodCeilings #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DesignInspiration #RusticDesign #ModernInteriors #CeilingDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDetails

The often-overlooked ceiling presents a significant opportunity for aesthetic enhancement in home design, moving beyond its traditional role as an afterthought. Attractive ceilings can establish powerful aesthetic statements and serve as crucial backdrops for interior concepts. Recent trends, as observed at Milan Design Week, highlight the popularity of brightly colored and patterned ceilings, incorporating bold colors, contemporary gypsum or wooden mouldings, and fabric designs featuring hand-painted landscapes, chinoiserie, or toile de Jouy patterns that are easy to apply. Jen McCombie, head of marketing at Indigo Living, emphasizes the unique appeal and ease of application of these wallpapers. Dan Lee, co-founder of Ovo Group, suggests that adding coving with concealed LED lights or uplit cornices with organic, layered forms, reminiscent of Zaha Hadid's work, can make a grand design statement. Such statement ceilings enhance a room's spatial hierarchy, making it feel more voluminous and sophisticated. Crystel See, retail operations manager at Organic Modernism, points out that leaving wood or metal ceiling beams exposed is another effective way to create visually interesting ceilings. While homes with high ceilings offer elegance and luxury, they can sometimes feel cold or disconnected from the floor area due to unused wall space above the eight-foot mark. To counteract this, warmth and coziness should be prioritized. To better integrate the lower and upper sections of high-ceilinged rooms, See recommends decorating one or two walls all the way up to the ceiling with paintings or ornaments. This strategy utilizes the large blank canvas of the upper wall space to introduce color, texture, and design details, drawing the eye upwards and highlighting the loftiness of the space. Possible elements for enlivening dead ceiling space include tall shelving, fabric wall hangings, decorative masks, baskets, fans, or faux antler heads. Book-lovers can even create a feature wall of bookcases or floating shelves in the upper sections of walls. For rooms with low ceilings, Michelle Koller, creative director of Tequila Kola, advises using darker paints or wallpaper to visually reduce the scale, creating a more intimate atmosphere. Artistic homeowners might consider painting a mural for a fresco-like ceiling feature or incorporating a tall grandfather clock. Kate Babington, managing director of TREE, refers to the ceiling as the “fifth wall” and suggests painting low ceilings in a shade lighter than the other walls to create an illusion of greater height, a particularly useful tip for homes in Hong Kong where high ceilings are less common. Koller agrees that lighter, neutral colors or wallpaper can help divert attention from the lack of ceiling height. Additionally, selecting low-profile furniture such as sofas, chairs, and tables is crucial for low-ceilinged rooms, as bulky items can make the space feel smaller; low-slung furniture leaves more open space above, contributing to a breezier, open feel. Chandeliers and pendant lamps are excellent accents for jazzing up ceilings, especially in spaces with ample height. Replacing standard light fixtures with well-designed hanging lamps can instantly elevate a room. Lee recommends long, cluster lamps for high ceilings to emphasize verticality, while Babington favors statement pendants made from natural materials like handwoven rattan, which add texture and cast alluring shadows. See suggests rope fixtures with Edison light bulbs, and notes that modern glass and bronze chandeliers are also popular choices for high ceilings. For low ceilings, Lee advises using mirror installations to create an illusion of height and opting for flat ceiling lamps for a streamlined look, explicitly recommending against overhead lighting or ceiling fans in favor of wall-mounted lights or strategically placed mirrors. Statement ceilings offer a unique focal point, but balance is key; McCombie stresses that ceilings should complement the overall decor and support the elements below, ensuring they enhance rather than overwhelm the aesthetic. #CeilingDesign #InteriorLighting #HomeDecoration #HighCeilings #LowCeilings #SpatialHierarchy #DesignTrends #WallpaperDesigns #FurniturePlacement

Wood ceilings offer a distinctive way to introduce warmth, texture, and style into interior spaces, transforming an often-overlooked surface into a focal point. This approach to interior design goes beyond the conventional use of wood flooring, extending its aesthetic and tactile qualities to the overhead plane. The article showcases various examples of wood ceilings, each demonstrating a unique design concept and contributing to the overall ambiance of a room. One example features a rough-sawn pine ceiling in an office by Kevin Browne Architecture, paired with a Douglas fir beam. This combination creates a rustic yet refined atmosphere, visually lowering the tall ceiling to foster comfort and creativity within a bright environment. Another illustration highlights a hallway by Hendricks Architecture, where cedar of varying grades envelops both the walls and ceiling, transforming a transitional space into an impressive design element. For a touch of luxury, a walk-in closet designed by Petoskey Kitchens, Designs by Dawn, incorporates dark beams and knotty wood on the ceiling, harmonizing with recessed-panel cabinetry to evoke the ambiance of a high-end lodge. In contrast, Highland Homes, Inc. presents a French farmhouse-inspired dining room with a light-toned wood ceiling. This design, alongside delicate off-white walls, creates an airy and bright feel, contrasting with darker wood flooring and emphasizing the room's open character. WA Design Architects demonstrate how a curved wood ceiling can create a theatrical effect in a living room, drawing attention to a panoramic view through large windows. Exposed bowstring trusses complement the ceiling's curves, adding industrial drama. Jan Gleysteen Architects, Inc. opts for dark coffered wood ceilings and paneled walls in a family room, achieving an old-world refinement and polished aesthetic. Centre Sky Architecture Ltd. provides an example of a homey family room with a ceiling reminiscent of reclaimed barn wood, using light wood, buff textured brick, and tan walls and beams to maintain a unified, rustic palette. Pinnacle Custom Builders, Inc. showcases an ultra-modern lofted family nook where a planked wood ceiling contrasts sharply with bold black beams and supports, creating a contemporary look. A double-height living area by Teton Heritage Builders features Western red cedar covering the ceiling, imbuing the expansive space with visual warmth. This grand room incorporates wood on almost every surface, enhancing its luxurious feel. Aspen Leaf Interiors illustrates a contemporary living space where dark ceiling planks provide coziness and a strong contrast to the abundant natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Finally, Timberlake Custom Homes presents a snug, lofted retreat that feels expansive due to its wide-planked wood ceilings, appropriately scaled furnishings, and triangular beams. These elements add definition and sophistication to the space, maximizing its perceived size and aesthetic appeal. Each of these examples underscores the versatility of wood as a ceiling material, capable of enhancing various interior styles from rustic to modern, and contributing significantly to a room's overall design and atmosphere. #WoodCeiling #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDesign #RusticDesign #ModernDesign #CeilingIdeas #HomeRenovation #LuxuryInteriors