Late fashion designer, Kenzo Takada's personal Japanese home in the heart of Paris

Kenzo House, the former residence of renowned Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, is a luxurious, Zen-inspired property nestled within an 18th-century apartment building in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Originally built by Kenzo in 1993, the house underwent a significant redesign in 2018 by award-winning architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the V&A Dundee. This 13,778-square-foot, four-story residence, now offered through Christie’s International Real Estate, masterfully blends Eastern and Western influences, much like Takada's own designs. The current owners, a French businessman and his family, acquired the property in 2016 after spending 15 years in Asia, where they admired Kuma's work and his philosophy of connecting architecture with nature. They commissioned Kuma to renovate Kenzo House, maintaining fidelity to Kenzo's original vision of an authentic Japanese house and garden. Kuma, in collaboration with architect Loïk Corre, who worked on Kenzo’s initial plans, reconfigured the layout to enhance harmony and fluidity, integrating the house more closely with its natural surroundings. He achieved this by adding natural Japanese building materials like cedar shingles, teak, clay, ceramic, stone, and bamboo to the exterior, enriching its texture and warmth. Internally, partition walls were replaced with timber slats, and an indoor lap pool was transformed into an _engawa_, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor crafted from wooden latticing. Large interior windows, a floating staircase, and sliding doors were installed, and all bedrooms were oriented to face the courtyard garden, bringing nature into the interior spaces. Kuma's design philosophy, centered on transparency and a deeper connection to nature, is evident throughout the renovation. He emphasizes the use of light and natural materials to create a new kind of transparency, a characteristic of Japanese architecture. The interiors feature sleek and soothing aesthetics, with French oak louvres, beams, and floors complementing the original wood finishes. Key furniture pieces, including Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs in the dining room and Walter Knoll pieces in the living room, were selected to maintain a calm atmosphere. The landscaped Japanese garden is a highlight of the property, perfected by Kuma. It features a stone-studded pond with nishiki carp, a traditional Japanese pavilion with a tea ceremony room, a waterfall, and several outdoor terraces. The careful selection of bamboo, junipers, lichens, mosses, and cherry trees evokes the tranquility of a Japanese landscape. The property now includes four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a Japanese suite opening onto the garden, two large reception rooms, two dining rooms, two kitchens, and three self-contained studio apartments for staff. Additional amenities encompass a music room, fitness room, wine cellar, lift, and private parking. Kenzo Takada himself remarked upon returning to his former home that it was “much more Japanese than before, and much more modern,” highlighting its evolution into a living work of art that inspires a Zen lifestyle. #LuxuryLiving #KenzoHouse #ParisRealEstate #JapaneseArchitecture #KengoKuma #InteriorDesign #ZenInspired #ChristiesRealEstate #ArchitecturalRenovation

The former residence of the late Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, known as The Kenzo House, is currently on the market through Christie's Real Estate. Located in the Bastille area of Paris, the four-story home was originally constructed by Takada in 1993 within the courtyard of an 18th-century Parisian building. Takada, who founded his eponymous label in Paris, sought to create a living space that harmoniously blended Eastern and Western design aesthetics, reflecting his own cultural background and artistic vision. The initial design of the house, which took seven years to complete, aimed to incorporate elements reminiscent of Japan, providing a tranquil contrast to the vibrant Parisian atmosphere that inspired his fashion work. The property underwent a significant redesign in 2018 by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma's architectural philosophy, focused on a “frame of nature,” guided the renovation, emphasizing the integration of natural materials and light to foster a deeper connection with the environment. Kuma's redesign utilized organic Japanese building materials such as ceramic, stone, bamboo, and various types of wood, aligning with his belief that these materials enhance the experience of nature within architectural spaces. He championed transparency as a characteristic of Japanese architecture, employing light and natural elements to achieve a distinctive form of visual and atmospheric clarity within the home. The Kenzo House features an expansive layout including four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a music room, a fitness room, a study, an elevator, and staff studio apartments. A central aspect of the property's appeal lies in its meticulously designed outdoor spaces. The garden includes a stone pond inhabited by nishiki carp, and extensive landscape gardens featuring cherry trees, maple trees, bamboos, moss, rocks, and waterfalls, all crafted to evoke the serene beauty of a traditional Japanese landscape. A key element of Kuma's redesign involved reorienting each bedroom to face the garden, visually and materially framing the house with nature. The property also boasts a Japanese pavilion with a traditional tea-ceremony room, complete with tatami mats and shoji sliding doors, opening directly onto the koi pond. Further incorporating Japanese design, a terrace with an outdoor lap swimming pool was converted into an engawa, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor made of wooden latticing, providing a covered outdoor dining and entertaining area with lush green foliage. An elegant stone bathtub offers panoramic views of the Parisian rooftops, contributing to the sense of luxury, peace, and pleasure envisioned in the home's design. #KenzoTakada #ParisRealEstate #JapaneseArchitecture #KengoKuma #LuxuryHomes #HomeDesign #EasternWesternFusion #ArchitecturalRenovation #GardenDesign

Acne Studios, the Swedish fashion label, has opened a new flagship store in Tokyo's Aoyama district, a move that encapsulates the brand's playful yet minimalist aesthetic. The store, located on a prominent corner of Omotesando, an area known for its architectural significance, was designed by Acne Studios' founder and creative director, Jonny Johansson, in collaboration with Stockholm-based studio Halleroed. This new location replaces a previous store on a nearby backstreet and represents the culmination of Johansson's long-standing connection and inspiration drawn from Japan. The conceptual foundation for the store was inspired by the idea of a 'garage' – an open, technical space. Johansson envisioned an interior that maintained the skeleton of the original building, incorporating extensive use of glass to create a seamless flow between the inside and outside, allowing visitors to feel connected to Aoyama. This structural openness is complemented by a unique design element: softly-textured pink granite stone. This material is used to connect various spaces, extending across floors and walls, and forms two prominent, airy staircases with clean, minimalist lines and subtly indented handrails. The choice of pink for the granite was deliberate, aimed at avoiding a 'banal' or 'naïve' impression. According to Ruxandra Halleröd, co-founder of Halleroed, the team explored various textures and materials before settling on a granite that intensifies in pink hue when flamed. This approach was intended to create a mature and nuanced pink, moving beyond typical feminine connotations to become a 'pop color' that aligns with Acne Studios' slightly vague yet distinct brand identity. Contrasting the soft pink granite, the store integrates reflective metal accents, angled mirrors, and dynamic stainless steel clothing hangers that are sharply suspended from the ceiling. This blend of materials and forms adds to the store's contemporary and edgy atmosphere. Further enhancing the creative interior are bespoke elements from long-term Acne Studios collaborators. British designer Max Lamb contributed a series of pieces, including shiny soft leather seats that appear to merge with the walls, tufted carpets, and 'Blob' chairs made from hand-dyed yarns. Illumination is provided by dozens of custom strip-lighting fixtures, conceived by designer Benoit Lalloz, which are strategically placed across ceilings and integrated into metal displays. Surrealist mannequins by artist Daniel Silver introduce an additional layer of artistry. Ruxandra Halleröd emphasizes that the design thrives on contrasts, mirroring Tokyo's own blend of high-tech and historical elements. The stark, hard-material-clad building contrasts with the irregular, shiny furniture, creating unexpected visual and tactile experiences. Christian Halleröd, also a co-founder of Halleroed, highlights Japan as a significant source of inspiration, particularly for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The store's opening is also marked by a collaboration with artist Takuro Kuwata, who created a series of candy-bright ceramic vessels and reinvented the brand's 'Camero' bag and denim jeans with rainbow designs and trompe l'œil effects. This reflects Johansson's perspective that "fashion is supposed to be fun" and a desire for luxury to be inclusive rather than exclusive, a philosophy that deeply informs the new Tokyo flagship. #AcneStudios #Tokyo #FlagshipStore #FashionDesign #RetailArchitecture #InteriorDesign #JapaneseCraftsmanship #ContemporaryArt

Giselle Go and Philippe Terrien, co-founders of the Japanese clean beauty brand DamDam, embarked on a search for a tranquil weekend retreat near Tokyo. Their initial criteria included proximity to the city, high privacy, and a mountainside location. After a prolonged search, a friend, Naoko Kawamura, introduced them to a 75-year-old property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji. The house, initially dilapidated, held historical significance as it was built by American postwar photojournalist Horace Bristol, known for his work on John Steinbeck’s 'Grapes of Wrath' and for magazines like 'Life,' 'Time,' and 'National Geographic' in the 1950s. Recognizing the challenges of renovating such an old property, especially one situated on protected heritage land, the couple enlisted the expertise of Motosuke Mandai of Mandai Architects. Their vision was to revive the house while preserving its past and integrating modern comforts. A significant part of the renovation involved working closely with the local temple that oversees the protected area to ensure all regulations were met. The couple meticulously retained original elements like wood beams, ceilings, and shoji screens. When original features such as the wood floors or the wood-burning stove could not be salvaged, they were replaced with identical materials to maintain the house's authentic character. The entrance to the home functions as both an entryway and a mudroom, where it is customary to remove shoes and don soft house slippers, a Japanese tradition. This space features a Hang-It-All coatrack by Eames for Herman Miller, a stool by Timber Crew, and a washi tray by Craig Ancelowitz, both for DamDam Atelier. Artwork includes a calligraphy on canvas by Mikiko Kayama and a wall sculpture by Yuichiro Kobayashi. The living room, a favorite indoor spot for the couple, boasts an Akari 21A pendant light by Isamu Noguchi, an Archimoon Soft table lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, and Glo-ball table and floor lamps by Jasper Morrison for Flos. The sofa is an N701 modular model from Ethnicraft, complemented by an Airframe coffee table by David Chipperfield for Cassina. This room offers direct views of the sunset over the sea, with garden-facing windows framing the sofa, and features a wood-burning stove for winter warmth. The dining room serves as a dual-purpose workspace. Original shoji screens provide privacy from the north-side bamboo, while the room opens to sea views on the west. This area includes a Flowerpot Verner Panton 1968 pendant light from &Tradition, Series 7 dining chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, and an Airframe dining table by David Chipperfield for Cassina, which was restored with a new walnut-wood top by Timber Crew. Custom shelving by Douguya and an Akari 3x table lamp by Isamu Noguchi further personalize the space, along with washi artwork and a painting by Philippe’s son, James. The kitchen, a beloved space for Philippe, was enlarged by removing an old bathroom, placing it centrally within the home with garden access. To address the lack of natural light, Motosuke Mandai incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows into the traditional ranma (wall panels), creating the illusion of a floating roof and flooding the interiors with sunlight. An engawa, a traditional Japanese hallway, was transformed into a sunroom, enlarged and opened to a seaside deck for sunset aperitifs and gardening activities. This room is furnished with an Akari 1AG table lamp by Isamu Noguchi, an antique rattan table, a vintage lounge chair, and a Malawi chair from Couleur Locale. The decor reflects the multicultural backgrounds of Giselle, who is Filipino, and Philippe, who is French, blending midcentury-modern design, vintage finds, Japanese crafts, and textiles from their travels. The furniture, much of which was crafted by artisans known to them, imbues the home with a personal touch. The only fully enclosed room is the bedroom, which offers a private sanctuary feel, without glass windows on the ranma. The bed frame is by Timber Crew, and the table lamp is the Archimoon Soft by Philippe Starck for Flos. Wood stools designed by Timber Crew for DamDam Atelier complete the room. A large ofuro (bathtub) at the end of the bathroom provides a relaxing space. The interior design blends Japanese architectural elements like sugi-finish floors and preserved pinewood ceilings with a diverse collection of furnishings, embodying an old-world travel museum aesthetic that reflects the owners’ journeys and personal connections. #JapaneseHouse #ZenHideaway #HistoricRenovation #InteriorDesign #TokyoHome #ArchitecturalDesign #MidCenturyModern #MulticulturalDecor #DamDam

Sunny Simmons and Caroline Smith, a husband and wife duo, transformed a former auto body shop in San Francisco into Onsen, a Japanese-inspired bathhouse and restaurant. This ambitious three-year project involved a complete revamp of the space, with the couple even residing in an Airstream inside the automotive building during the renovation period. Sunny, a craft builder, prioritized retaining the original character of the building while integrating modern amenities. He meticulously collected wood over time, which was then used throughout the building, contributing to its unique aesthetic and connection to the past. The aesthetic of Onsen is deeply influenced by Japanese bathhouse culture, yet it incorporates the couple's personal touch and a focus on community. Caroline curated the art that adorns the walls of the treatment rooms and the restaurant, adding a distinct artistic dimension to the space. The bathhouse section of Onsen features six treatment rooms and a communal bathing area. A notable highlight is the cold plunge shower installation, which draws inspiration from steampunk fiction, providing a distinctive and invigorating experience for patrons. Each treatment room within the bathhouse offers a unique environment. One room is a dry sauna constructed entirely from redwood, evoking the feel of a traditional sauna. Another room showcases striking black and white tiles, adding a graphic element to its design. The communal bathing room’s five-head cold shower plunge system exemplifies the blend of traditional inspiration with a unique, artistic interpretation. The walls are further decorated with a collection of bathhouse tickets from various locations around the world, adding to the authentic and global feel of the space. Beyond the bathhouse, Onsen features an intimate, chef-driven restaurant and tearoom at the front of the building. This culinary space offers fresh, seasonal cuisine and tea service, complementing the tranquil and rejuvenating experience of the bathhouse. The owners' commitment extends beyond commercial enterprise to community engagement. On Tuesdays, when the business is closed, Simmons and Smith plan to open their facility to the neighborhood, offering services to those who might not otherwise have access. This initiative reflects their dedication to giving back and fostering a sense of community. The entire transformation, from an industrial auto body shop to a serene Japanese-inspired haven, showcases a blend of historical preservation, modern design, and community spirit. #ZenBathhouse #JapaneseDesign #SanFrancisco #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorDesign #CommunitySpace #CraftBuilding #Wellness

The Kinuta Terrace, a 36-unit apartment complex built in the 1980s and located in a residential area of central Tokyo, has undergone a significant renovation. The developer enlisted the expertise of Tokyo-based Keiji Ashizawa Design and Copenhagen’s Norm Architects to transform two of the units into model apartments. The primary objective was to offer prospective residents design inspiration and styling concepts, with a strong emphasis on integrating nature and light into minimalist interiors. Inspired by the complex's integrated courtyard, which provides direct garden access—a valuable asset in a densely populated city like Tokyo—the renovation aimed to create an atmosphere as natural as possible within the apartments. The designers sought to bring the outdoors inside while simultaneously ensuring a sense of privacy. This was achieved through a strategic reconfiguration of the apartment layouts, resulting in larger, more open living areas that are flooded with natural light. The material palette chosen for the interiors is deliberately understated, featuring natural tones such as rustic concrete walls juxtaposed with light oak flooring, further enhancing the connection to nature. A significant aspect of the project involved the development of custom furnishings. Many pieces are crafted from light cypress, pale grays, and beige, aligning with the natural aesthetic. Frederik Werner, a designer and associate partner at Norm Architects, emphasized the importance of natural materials that age gracefully and tactile textures. He believes these elements are crucial for human well-being, contributing to the longevity of products and timeless aesthetics, and helping urban dwellers reconnect with nature. The collaboration extended to Karimoku, a prominent Japanese wooden furniture manufacturer, leading to the creation of the Kinuta Collection. This 12-piece bespoke furniture line is now part of a new brand called Karimoku Case Study. While currently available only at the AXIS Gallery in Japan, plans are in place for worldwide distribution. The collection includes a pale gray sofa with a cypress frame and a coffee table with a black-tinted glass top, and many designs draw inspiration from Japanese temples and gardens, incorporating thoughtful details. Examples from the collection include the Kinuta A-S01 sofa, a simple, multifunctional piece with an oak finish and Kvadrat fabrics, designed to invite light and air into double-height spaces. The Kinuta A-CT01 coffee table features a cypress wood frame and a thin pane of black-tinted glass, its height designed to match the sofa and even allow for use while sitting on the floor, referencing traditional Japanese short-legged dining tables. The Kinuta A-DT01 dining table reflects the 'crude beauty and roughness' of the original apartment interiors, with a structure designed to echo the apartments’ geometric layout and a balance of light and heavy elements, appearing delicate from some angles and robust where needed. Another piece, the Kinuta N–SS01 bookshelf, draws inspiration from umbrella and shoe racks found near the entrances of Japanese temples and shrines. Repetitive patterns are used throughout the design, with staircases, rails, and wall panels mimicking elements of the courtyard, an architectural approach echoed in the furniture. The designers paid careful attention to light, transparency, and shadows, both within the interiors and in the exterior design of the building. Werner highlights the mutual fascination and appreciation between Japanese and Scandinavian design traditions, particularly in their shared respect for natural materials and the creation of physical and mental sanctuaries. He concludes that these sanctuaries, composed of natural elements, peace, and calm, are increasingly vital in an era of large-scale urbanization, with Tokyo serving as a prime example. #TokyoApartments #MinimalistDesign #ScandinavianDesign #JapaneseDesign #NormArchitects #KeijiAshizawaDesign #KinutaCollection #NaturalMaterials #InteriorRenovation #UrbanLiving

Td-Atelier and Endo Shorijo Design, two Japanese design studios, have recently completed the renovation of a 120-year-old machiya townhouse in Kyoto, named House in Marutamachi. The project focuses on integrating minimalist interiors while preserving the original architectural elements of the historic residence. Machiya houses, traditional wooden townhouses characteristic of Kyoto, are rapidly disappearing, with approximately 800 such structures being destroyed annually. The studios aimed to counter this trend by blending traditional architecture with modern design and functionality. The renovation spans two floors of the long and narrow house, nestled between two other residential properties. The design approach involved retaining the building's existing wooden columns and beams as foundational elements. To accommodate modern living spaces, white volumes were strategically introduced to house the kitchen and study. This method allowed for the creation of new rooms without compromising the integrity of the original structure by avoiding harsh structural alterations. The varying sizes of these white volumes were deliberately chosen to evoke the diverse skyline of a city, creating dynamic interplay between old and new. The spatial arrangement is characterized by gaps and omissions between the newly introduced volumes and the existing architectural components such as columns, beams, walls, and floors. This design choice fosters a sense of continuity throughout the space, allowing the historical and contemporary elements to coexist harmoniously. The material palette is intentionally minimal, featuring a combination of light and dark woods, alongside smooth concrete surfaces. This subdued selection enhances the serene and understated aesthetic of the interiors. A notable example of material reuse from the original house is seen in the traditional tea room, where salvaged materials contribute to its authentic character. On the second floor, a timber breakfast bar is illuminated by a thin, sculptural light fixture, providing a contemporary focal point. This area is complemented by subtle-coloured stools, further emphasizing the minimalist theme. The exterior of the house also received careful consideration, with the garden maintaining original architectural features. These include sandy-hued lanterns and a chōzubachi, a traditional stone water bowl historically used for ritual hand washing before a tea ceremony. These elements connect the renovated machiya to its historical and cultural context. House in Marutamachi was recognized for its design, being shortlisted for the house interior of the year at the 2022 Dezeen Awards. The project exemplifies a successful approach to renovating historical structures in a way that respects their heritage while adapting them for contemporary use, addressing the broader issue of preserving Kyoto's traditional townhouses. #KyotoRenovation #MachiyaHouses #MinimalistInteriorDesign #TraditionalJapaneseArchitecture #TdAtelier #EndoShorijoDesign #ResidentialRenovation #JapaneseDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation

OEO Studio, based in Copenhagen, has completed a luxury apartment in Tokyo's Opus Arisugawa Terrace & Residence, collaborating with Japanese property developer ReBita. The project seamlessly integrates Scandinavian design principles with traditional Japanese aesthetics and materials, reflecting a cross-cultural design philosophy. The apartment showcases OEO Studio's expertise in creating spaces that are both clean and rich in local character. The interior design features a kitchen crafted in Denmark by Garde Hvalsøe, known for its handcrafted cabinetry, and furniture from prominent brands such as Gubi, Stellar Works, and Brdr Krüger in the living room. Art pieces by Finnish artist Jaakko Mattila and Danish photographer Søren Rønholt further enhance the Scandinavian influence. The apartment’s layout promotes a natural flow between designated areas, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Textural elements are central to the design, with rammed earth walls in the entryway providing a connection to nature, and columns made from Japanese Ōya stone dividing the living and kitchen spaces. Entrance areas are distinguished by deep blue indigo tiles, while Finnish birch paper yarn rugs, featuring patterns inspired by traditional Japanese textiles, introduce tactile comfort. The flooring creates visual interest through a juxtaposition of stone in the living room and wood in adjacent areas. A notable design feature is a movable wall that allows for flexible privacy settings. The bedrooms explore contrasts, with one designed in a darker palette and another in a lighter one, furnished with pieces from Karakter, Brdr Krüger, Stellar Works, and Fritz Hansen. The en-suite bathrooms continue the material narrative with stonework and wooden cabinetry, highlighted by a hinoki wood bathtub. This project exemplifies OEO Studio's ability to blend diverse cultural influences into a cohesive and luxurious living environment. The studio drew upon its established design heritage, integrating it thoughtfully with Japanese traditions to create an apartment that respects both backgrounds while offering a contemporary, elegant aesthetic. The use of natural materials and a focus on craftsmanship underscore the design's commitment to quality and longevity. The combination of Danish and Japanese design elements creates a unique dialogue between minimalist principles and a profound appreciation for texture and natural forms, resulting in a residence that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in its context. #OEOStudio #TokyoApartment #ScandinavianDesign #JapaneseHeritage #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #CrossCulturalDesign #NaturalMaterials

In Situ & Partners, an international architectural and interior design firm, developed a sophisticated pied-à-terre in Hong Kong Central, featuring panoramic city views. The project integrates Japanese design principles with contemporary elegance, emphasizing a minimalist aesthetic. Yacine Bensalem, Principal at In Situ & Partners, highlighted that the "less is more" philosophy of Japanese design guided the project, resulting in a space defined by clean lines, natural materials, and a calming neutral color palette. The 2000-square-foot apartment offers a tranquil atmosphere from the moment of entry. The residence's primary living area is an expansive T-shaped space, thoughtfully divided into a dining room, living room, and a traditional tatami tea room. This layout facilitates distinct functional zones while maintaining an open feel. Light parquet flooring and warm wood cabinetry establish a cohesive backdrop, complemented by European design objects. To introduce fluidity, a custom rug with a wavy pattern, evoking Zen garden sand designs, was incorporated. All technological components are discreetly concealed within the ceiling to maintain an uncluttered aesthetic. Bensalem expressed appreciation for the interior's elegant rigor, noting its simplicity and strong connection to nature. Each element is harmoniously integrated to uphold the home’s aesthetic coherence. Adjacent to the living area, a studio space separated by a glass and wood screen provides a communal desk with city views, continuing the theme of natural elements. The kitchen features sleek, custom-made cabinetry in matte lacquer, aligning with the apartment's overall minimalist design. The primary bedroom is designed as a sanctuary, utilizing soft textiles and tranquil colors. Adhering to feng shui principles, a Japanese landscape silk painting is displayed above a custom-made fabric headboard, and the window ledge is upholstered in brown leather. The en-suite his and hers walk-in closets feature checkered glass doors and traditional washi paper accents, adding a refined touch. A highlight of the residence is the authentic Japanese-style primary bathroom, which features original fixtures and materials. A circular bathtub, crafted by Japanese artisans, is the focal point, surrounded by fragrant wood fluted panels and Italian Ceppo di Gre stone. This design element underscores the blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern luxurious materials, creating a unique and serene bathing experience. The overall design prioritizes harmony, functionality, and a seamless integration of cultural influences. #JapaneseDesign #HongKongApartment #PiedATerre #MinimalistInterior #InSituAndPartners #TatamiTeaRoom #ZenGardenInspired #NaturalMaterials #FengShui

Metaphor Interior Architecture, a Jakarta-based interior design consultancy, services clients globally. This firm, composed of creative individuals, aims to provide optimal design solutions, specifically focusing on The Zora Kanade cluster. Christine, a senior associate, spearheads the design for Kanade Type 12. She reveals that her prior work on the Samasana Club House at The Zora provided a foundational understanding of the developer's design aspirations for the Kanade Cluster, which she extended to its three show unit houses. Her approach to the design brief involved analyzing the high-end target market and varied price points of the three housing units to determine appropriate interior design concepts. This led to distinct designs for each show unit, all incorporating a Japanese sensibility tailored for a modern, affluent demographic. Christine explains that the Japanese philosophy is translated not through direct imitation, but through the principle of 'balancing,' akin to Zen philosophy. This balance is evident in the harmonious use of colors, materials, and room composition, which collectively contribute to the desired ambiance. Elaborating on design balance, Christine highlights that each room's decor aligns with its function. For instance, a spacious area between the living and dining rooms demonstrates their strategy for balancing different zones within a single space. They also collaborate with Henco Home Decor to supply custom-designed furniture. Regarding color palettes, earth tones like brown or gray form the base, augmented by accent colors such as burnt orange, teal, and combinations thereof. While orange might not be traditionally Japanese, teal and olive are chosen for their natural associations, reflecting leaf colors. These accent colors are strategically employed to infuse a modern and luxurious feel into the Japanese aesthetic. Acknowledging the Japanese preference for simplicity, Christine clarifies that the target market's demand for luxury necessitated a nuanced approach to color, resulting in a unique modern atmosphere. The three show units, contrary to having a common thread, are each designed with distinct interior concepts to cater to their specific target markets. For example, the Type 12 unit targets a mature clientele prioritizing luxury, while Type 8+ and Type 10 units are designed with younger families in mind, featuring more youthful aesthetics. To ensure each unit resonates with potential buyers, the design process incorporates diverse consumer style preferences. These customer needs are then translated into unique designs for each unit, varying in color and overall concept. Material selection prioritizes both aesthetics and ease of maintenance, with choices like solid surface, marble, or laminate ensuring durability and practicality. #InteriorDesign #JapaneseDesign #LuxuryHomes #MetaphorInteriorArchitecture #HomeDecoration #DesignPhilosophy #ColorPalette #MaterialSelection

The renowned architect Tadao Ando, celebrated for his minimalist designs and mastery of concrete, has completed a four-story residence for an art collector in Tokyo's exclusive Moto-Azabu neighborhood. This project exemplifies Ando's consistent architectural philosophy, which emphasizes a restricted material palette and precise geometric configurations, mirroring principles seen in his earlier works. Ando's journey to architectural prominence is unique, marked by a lack of formal training. Born in Osaka, Japan, he began as a carpenter's apprentice, later became a professional boxer, and ultimately educated himself in architecture through extensive reading and observation. His dedication led to him receiving the Pritzker Prize in 1995, an honor whose prize money he donated to victims of the Kobe earthquake. His international career has since flourished, encompassing diverse projects from residential homes for prominent figures like Tom Ford to museums for billionaire François Pinault. The Moto-Azabu house showcases Ando's signature use of exposed concrete, which he approaches with the same reverence Michelangelo applied to marble. The building's exterior is a dramatic, angular structure. Inside, the design features a subtly complex geometry of two overlapping L-shaped walls. One wall defines the southwestern boundary of the site, while a slightly angled interior wall creates illuminated nooks that highlight the owner's collection of furniture by designers such as Charlotte Perriand and Jean Prouvé. The seamless integration of natural light and austere concrete creates spaces that are both sublime and sacred. Ando's method for working with concrete is notable, involving collaboration with master craftsmen and the use of varnished wood molds to achieve a silky finish. He meticulously aligns seams and joints and intentionally exposes "tie holes"—circular markings from the casting process—to emphasize the abstract geometries of his designs. This approach reflects his unwavering commitment to his core architectural beliefs. Often compared to Le Corbusier, whose work profoundly influenced him, Ando's architectural kinship also extends to Louis Kahn, given their shared appreciation for monolithic forms, concrete, and natural light. Despite some recent projects, such as a New York residential building, that hint at commercial compromise, Ando maintains that the strength of architecture lies in the design process rather than the scale. He finds particular fulfillment in designing homes, as they directly facilitate everyday life and represent the highest potential of architecture. #TadaoAndo #JapaneseArchitecture #ConcreteDesign #ArchitecturalPhilosophy #ModernArchitecture #PritzkerPrize #HouseDesign #MotoAzabu #MinimalistDesign

This article highlights ten furniture and lighting designs from Japanese brands and designers, curated to coincide with Designart Tokyo, an annual design festival that showcases architecture, interiors, product design, and art across various locations in Tokyo. The selection features a range of products including outdoor lantern lamps, sculptural tables, and carved wooden chairs, all previously showcased on Dezeen Showroom. Among the featured designs is the Kawara Armchair by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Koyori. This chair is characterized by its classic shape, designed for dining or meeting settings, and its representation of high-quality Japanese craftsmanship. The box-like structure of the chair is intended to provide comfort. Another notable piece is the Sculpture Casting Bronze table by Time & Style, which incorporates a metal casting technique traditionally used for Buddhist statues in Japan for its large, sculptural base. This base is paired with an elliptical oak tabletop available in two sizes. Eterble fabric tablecloths by Japanese tableware brand Eterble are also presented. These tablecloths are made from recycled fabric, sourced from discarded items from weddings, hotels, and function rooms, and are offered in a neutral color palette. Seiki Design Studio, led by Kyoto-based designer Seiki Ishii, introduces the Bell lamp, a mobile lamp crafted from recycled glass. Its bell-shaped lampshade and blue loop allow it to be hung on a wall or placed on a floor stand. The Sou sofa, designed by Teruhiro Yanagihara for Swedish manufacturer Offecct, combines a wooden base with various cushioned seat options. Its minimalist design draws inspiration from both Japanese and Scandinavian design traditions. The Spectrum Workstation Round ST160, a collaboration between German studio Geckeler Michels and Japanese furniture manufacturer Karimoku, is a table made from Japanese oak. It features a circular cable tunnel in its center to manage cables efficiently while maintaining an aesthetic appeal. Product designer Yoshiki Matsuyama's Cachalot lamp for Ambientec is a portable light with a shape inspired by a whale's body. It consists of an LED light unit within a sculptural acrylic case, mounted on a die-cast zinc base. The DC10 chair by Inoda + Sveje for Miyazaki Chair Factory showcases a frame made from a carved piece of wood, emphasizing the natural material's color and grain. Its construction blends traditional handcrafting with modern CNC technology. The TO side table, created by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa for Italian brand Plank, is a minimalist piece featuring a circular base and tabletop. Made from four-millimeter-thick steel, it comes in various powdered-coated finishes. Finally, the Sparkler Lanterns by Kensaku Oshiro for Poltrona Frau are outdoor lamps available in three sizes. Their perforated shells, made from woven polypropylene rope, create unique patterns of light and shadow. This collection underscores a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design across various home furnishing categories from Japan. #JapaneseDesign #FurnitureDesign #LightingDesign #DezeenShowroom #DesignartTokyo #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #Craftsmanship #SustainableDesign

The Xchange Apartment in Kyoto, designed by architecture studio TANK, reimagines traditional Japanese craft techniques to transform a previously "drab" flat into a guesthouse for artists. Principal Naritake Fukumoto drew inspiration from kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, to create a unique flooring aesthetic. For the living room, Fukumoto intentionally selected a type of cement flooring prone to cracking. Once the cracks naturally formed, a gold-colored epoxy resin was used to fill these imperfections, mirroring the kintsugi philosophy of celebrating the beauty in imperfection rather than concealing it. This innovative application transforms what might typically be seen as a flaw into a deliberate and artistic design element. Beyond the living area, the bathroom and kitchen floors, which are slightly elevated, feature another adaptation of a traditional Japanese craft: lacquerware. Instead of directly applying lacquer, the architect used a layer of fiber-reinforced plastic netting covered with transparent resin. This method creates a translucent yet visually complex texture, revealing the underlying glass-fiber layers over the wooden base. This technique not only achieves a distinctive aesthetic but also provides material strength and waterproofing, essential for these utility areas. The choice of materials and methods in these spaces reflects a conscious effort to integrate local traditions into contemporary interior design. The apartment's overall decor maintains a minimalist approach, featuring white walls and simple furnishings. Exposed concrete beams, subtly marked with paint stains, contribute to the raw, artistic ambiance. Practical design elements are also incorporated, such as a pair of mirrored doors that can be opened to form a private dressing area. Glass doors lead to a narrow balcony, offering residents picturesque views of the nearby Kiyomizu Temple and the surrounding five mountains, connecting the interior space with Kyoto's natural and cultural landscape. The design aims to create an intuitive and creative atmosphere, encouraging residents to explore both the apartment's unique features and the city outside. TANK, a Tokyo-based studio established in 2010, is known for its inventive architectural projects that often play with conventional elements and perceptions of space. Previous works include an apartment where carpet sections double as flip-flops and a home featuring floorboards on the ceiling, demonstrating a consistent innovative and unconventional design philosophy. The Xchange Apartment continues this tradition by integrating traditional Japanese repair and craft techniques into its modern design, highlighting the potential for contemporary spaces to draw depth and character from historical methods. The photography for the project was provided by Kenta Hasegawa, effectively capturing the apartment's distinctive details and overall aesthetic. The project team included Naritake Fukumoto as the architect, with construction handled by LOÖWE and TANK, emphasizing a collaborative approach to realizing this distinctive residential space. #KyotoApartment #KintsugiInspired #JapaneseCraft #ResinFlooring #MinimalistInterior #FiberReinforcedPlastic #GuesthouseDesign #TANKArchitects #TraditionalModernBlend

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

The Ace Hotel in Kyoto, Japan, set to open in spring, is drawing attention for its unique design and thoughtful amenities. This project is a collaboration between Ace Hotel's longtime partner Commune Design and local architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium. The hotel aims to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury, offering a fresh perspective on hotel room design. The guest rooms in the Ace Hotel Kyoto feature standard luxury elements such as minibars, lounges, and spacious vanities, but elevate them with distinct Japanese-inspired touches. These include tatami mattresses, Tivoli radios, and original artworks from local artists. A particular focus has been placed on optimizing storage solutions, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal within the rooms. One of the standout design elements is the enhanced medicine cabinets in the bathrooms. Unlike typical apartment fixtures, these cabinets are crafted from tamo wood, a local wood similar to western American ash. They feature a sliding door at the bottom, which allows for discreet storage of everyday items while also providing an opportunity to display more visually appealing bottles or decorative elements. For rooms with double vanities, a column of integrated niches offers convenient storage for shared toiletries, addressing a common organizational challenge for couples. Another innovative feature is the multipurpose sofa bed, a simplified version inspired by traditional Japanese futon seating. This design addresses the common issue of cumbersome sofa beds in hotel rooms. The bolster cushion of this sofa doubles as a blanket, making it easy for guests to convert it for a quick nap or additional sleeping space without a complex unfolding process. This thoughtful detail emphasizes ease of use and comfort. Furthermore, the hotel reinterprets the room divider in its Historic guest rooms. Instead of conventional solid walls or partitions, perforated black shades are used. These shades can be rolled down to a desk partition, effectively dividing a large, open room into distinct, more private zones. This design choice offers flexibility in space usage and creates a sense of seclusion within the larger room, providing guests with a 'haven within a haven.' The overall design philosophy focuses on creating an experience that encourages guests to fully enjoy their hotel stay, making the room an integral part of their travel experience. #AceHotelKyoto #HotelDesign #JapaneseAesthetics #KengoKuma #CommuneDesign #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #BathroomDesign #Kyoto

Carmen Haid, a former PR guru known for her work with fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent, Alber Elbaz, Hedi Slimane, and Tom Ford, now splits her time between London, her interior design studio and home in Marrakesh, and a penthouse apartment in Paris. Located in the 7th arrondissement near Le Bon Marché, her Parisian residence reflects her passion for vintage curation and design. Haid identifies herself as a “vintage curator,” adept at discovering exceptional pieces in Parisian markets, particularly silverware, as she notes France's appreciation for "the art of the table." She finds continuous inspiration in Paris's fashion, art, and design scene. Haid's current endeavor involves operating as a "design detective," meticulously sourcing vintage items and crafting original designs for her Atelier Mayer label. Initially launched in 2008 as an online platform for haute vintage fashion, Atelier Mayer was re-established in 2022 as an interiors brand specializing in rare vintage objects. This venture operates from her Marrakesh studio, Kasbah Tameslohte, which serves as a private retreat, showroom, and creative hub. In Marrakesh, Haid collaborates with local artisans, recently transforming a warehouse at the Mandarin Oriental hotel into an art and design space with the help of artist/architect Idriss Karnachi, art dealer Martin Summers, and designer Romeo Gigli. The Paris penthouse showcases numerous Atelier Mayer products, including home fragrances, hand soaps, scented candles in jewel-toned ceramics, and hand-woven cushions. Haid's journey into vintage furniture began out of necessity during a period of frequent relocation, including a stint in New York after Brexit. This personal experience evolved into a professional passion, as she now furnishes entire rooms for clients exclusively with vintage pieces. The apartment's decor is a personal narrative, featuring signed cards from Anna Wintour and photographs with esteemed designers. Haid collects graphics from the Wiener Werkstätte and the late-19th-century Vienna Secession movement. A significant collection of Yves Saint Laurent's original "Love" posters, sent to friends each Christmas between 1970 and 2007, adorns her walls, symbolizing her belief that a home should be filled with love. Beyond fashion history, Haid's interests include esoteric art, exemplified by the _Pole Star_ copper, eye-shaped artworks by Balland-Galante in her dining area. These contemporary pieces, while reminiscent of surrealist 1930s Schiaparelli, are regarded by Haid as "holistic art" that enhances emotional energy, leveraging copper's perceived therapeutic properties. Haid faced a challenge arranging her irregularly shaped bedroom, which has five differently edged walls, making feng shui difficult. To address this, she commissioned French artist Christina Maximoff to create a large gold-leaf mural, transforming the space into a peaceful and surreal sanctuary. Her apartment, situated near St Germain des Prés, also features bedrooms accessible via a spiral staircase, often hosting family and friends. Haid enjoys entertaining, creating elaborate soirées where guests can help themselves from numerous dishes and enjoy cocktails on the balcony with views of the Eiffel Tower. She draws inspiration from figures like Robin Birley, appreciating his combination of old-world dining etiquette with fun and chic. For Haid, true luxury in entertaining lies in meticulous attention to detail, transforming an event into a distinct experience. The master bedroom features a mural by Christina Maximoff and Hollywood Regency gilt palm lamps, while the guest bathroom is adorned with L’Échappée Belle wallpaper by French artist Delphine Cauly. The balcony furniture, made in Marrakesh, consists of bespoke zellige-tiled pieces and terracotta pots from Atelier Mayer. #CarmenHaid #ParisPenthouse #VintageDesign #AtelierMayer #InteriorDesign #FashionHistory #MarrakeshStudio #DesignCurator #LuxuryInteriors