OWIU Resuscitates an L.A. Mid-Century Modern Home Drawing on the Japanese Ryokan Aesthetic

Perched on a hill in Los Angeles, this 1,300-square-foot Echo Park residence, designed by OWIU Design for creative producer Sue Chan, merges Japanese minimalism with a cabin-like warmth. The home functions as both a tranquil retreat from the city and an ideal workspace, catering to Chan’s frequent travel between New York and Los Angeles by offering a curated environment that highlights the best of the West Coast. The property features a main house and a separate, newly constructed office unit. A curved walkway introduces visitors to the home, which is strategically built to embrace its natural surroundings. OWIU Design meticulously integrated existing trees into the fencing, creating openings for branches to continue their growth, thus blurring the lines between built structure and nature. The elevated position of the home provides expansive views of East Los Angeles, which are maximized through thoughtful architectural choices. The living room, designed for entertaining, seamlessly transitions to an outdoor deck overlooking the Echo Park hills, allowing for open-air gatherings. The interior layout is open-plan, connecting the kitchen directly to the living area. Privacy in the bedroom is achieved through a custom-fabricated shoji screen by local Japanese artisans. The bedroom itself is set on a discreetly raised platform, a signature design intervention by OWIU to subtly delineate spaces for meditation without the need for traditional walls. In the kitchen, co-designed with Reform, a slanted skylight ensures abundant natural light. The material palette, characterized by continuous cedar and oak finishes throughout the house, imbues the space with an earthy warmth reminiscent of a cabin. OWIU and Reform collaborated to optimize the compact kitchen space, incorporating hidden storage solutions and floating shelves to maintain a minimalist aesthetic and functionality. The separate office unit mirrors the main house in its use of cedar clad siding and oak finishes, maintaining material continuity while establishing a distinct functional purpose. This unit, unlike the main house designed for entertaining, is conceived as a sanctuary or hideaway. Similar to the main house's bedroom, the office features a raised platform, signifying a space of retreat and privacy. A prominent picture-window in the office frames views of the surrounding trees, further connecting the interior with the natural landscape and enhancing the sense of calm and focus. #EchoParkHome #OWIUDesign #SueChan #JapaneseMinimalism #CabinInspired #LosAngelesArchitecture #HomeOfficeDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong, co-founders of OWIU Design, have transformed a 1973 Ray Kappe-designed modernist home in the hills of La Cañada Flintridge, California, into a serene dwelling influenced by Japanese aesthetics. The couple, originally from Singapore, were drawn to the unique combination of the modernist house and its two-acre forested lot, which contrasts with the traditional suburban homes in the area. They embarked on a yearlong, full-gut renovation while meticulously preserving key elements like the redwood ceilings and wall panels, which exude the home's original character. A significant architectural modification involved replacing exterior walls with a 14-foot-tall glass box enclosure that offers expansive views of a newly installed swimming pool, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior design adopted a fluid approach, focusing on creating strategic viewpoints of nature rather than adhering to a rigid floor plan. Furniture selections are low and minimal to maintain unobstructed sightlines to the surrounding gardens and landscape. An example of this is the living room, which features Eames lounge and accent chairs and a Barcelona Day Bed, all chosen for their midcentury design and ability to complement the natural views. Japanese design philosophy deeply influenced the renovation, reflecting Gunawan and Wong's extensive travels to Japan. They admire the Japanese commitment to excellence and sought to integrate a restrained aesthetic, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese ryokans (inns) to evoke a sense of groundedness and tranquility within their home. This influence is evident in the use of tatami mats; a sleek black tatami, custom-made by a traditional tatami artisan, covers the primary bedroom's bed platform, providing a modern interpretation while respecting its traditional purpose. The outdoor areas also showcase a strong Japanese sensibility. The gardens feature a meticulously designed small stream with flowing water and a koi pond, developed with the consultation of a Kyoto-based landscape designer. The couple covers the koi pond at night to protect the fish from local wildlife. The renovation included a new facade accented by a sakura tree, which blooms with cherry blossoms every spring, further enhancing the Japanese garden theme. Water elements are strategically placed throughout the property, from the main entrance's Japanese-inspired water fountain to the stream and fish pond, all contributing to a continuous visual flow of water from the house to the distant Pacific Ocean, as advised by Japanese gardeners. The original sunroom was converted into a glass-enclosed space, further enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection. Custom white oak built-ins, an island, and cabinetry, constructed by Inflexion Builds, define the kitchen space. Art pieces, such as a parchment painting in the living room by a Korean artisan and an ink on canvas painting by Japanese artist Tomoka Naka, add personal and cultural touches. The primary bathroom features a large marble soaking tub, reminiscent of a Japanese ofuro, while the guest bathroom is enveloped in kiln-dried Douglas fir. Even the previously oddly-shaped pool was rebuilt to be more functional and aesthetically integrated with the surrounding landscape, providing a peaceful retreat with access to a nearby forest. #ModernistArchitecture #JapaneseDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LandscapeDesign #RayKappe #OWIUDesign #CaliforniaHomes #Tatami

Perched on a hill in Echo Park, Los Angeles, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow underwent a significant renovation to transform it into a serene retreat and functional workspace. The project was led by Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong of the architecture and design firm Only Way Is Up (OWIU) for their client, Sue Chan, a food and beverage multi-hyphenate behind Care of Chan. The original structure, while offering spectacular views, required extensive structural retrofitting, a roof replacement, and a complete interior gut remodel due to its challenging hilltop location. The primary goal of the renovation was to create a space that could serve as an ideal home office and a tranquil sanctuary, offering respite from the bustling city. Sue Chan, who frequently travels between New York and Los Angeles, sought a home that would highlight the best of Los Angeles living while providing a curated environment for work and relaxation. The design approach adopted by OWIU integrated Japanese design principles to achieve a meditative and calm atmosphere. Elements such as shoji screens and raised platforms were incorporated into both the main house and a newly constructed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Instead of enlarging the main house's footprint, which would have been prohibitively costly, the architects opted to build a separate ADU on the property to function as an office. This decision allowed for the creation of a distinct workspace while maintaining the original scale of the main residence. The overall aesthetic aimed for a minimal, zen, and calming environment, with an emphasis on optimizing the space for hosting guests. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Echo Park hills, the design team focused on creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas. The layout was meticulously planned to accommodate large gatherings, ensuring a natural flow from the kitchen to the living room and then onto the deck. This intentional design expanded the perceived size of the living space while introducing unique architectural elements throughout the home. The living room, in particular, was designed with a strong indoor-outdoor connection, opening directly onto a deck that offers expansive views of the hills. This design choice not only floods the space with natural light but also provides ample room for entertaining. The kitchen, a collaborative design with Reform, features a slanted skylight that bathes the area in natural light, complemented by cedar and oak wood finishes that introduce warmth. The bedroom, conceived as a private retreat, incorporates a shoji screen for privacy and is subtly elevated on a raised platform, distinguishing it as a space for relaxation without disrupting the open-plan feel. The entire home maintains an earthy, minimal aesthetic that prioritizes comfort and functionality. A curved walkway leads to the separate office/ADU, designed to not only serve as a practical pathway but also to highlight the property's natural surroundings, including lush greenery and hilltop vistas. The ADU mirrors the aesthetic of the main house with cedar-clad siding and oak finishes, featuring a raised platform and a picture window that frames the surrounding trees, reinforcing the sense of retreat and connection to nature. This detached unit was strategically designed to be a dedicated space for focused work, distinct from the main living area yet cohesive with the overall property design. The project successfully created a harmonious balance between a serene personal sanctuary and a functional space for work and entertaining, reflecting the client's lifestyle and appreciation for thoughtful design. #MidCenturyModern #HilltopBungalow #ZenSanctuary #EchoPark #LosAngelesRealEstate #HomeRenovation #OWIUDesign #JapaneseDesignPrinciples #ADU #IndoorOutdoorLiving

OWIU Design, a Los Angeles-based studio, has completed the renovation of influencer Remi Ishizuka's ranch house near Austin, Texas. The project successfully merges the studio's minimalist Asian aesthetic with the traditional farmhouse style of the property. Ishizuka, born in Los Angeles and a second-generation child of Japanese and Chinese immigrants, sought to incorporate elements of her Asian heritage into her new home. She collaborated with OWIU co-principal Amanda Gunawan, who shares a similar background, to achieve this fusion of Asian and Californian design sensibilities. The two-story Pontious Ranch House, originally built in 2018 in a traditional ranch style, underwent a transformation that retained its original character while introducing contemporary elements. The designers worked closely with the initial builders, fostering a collaborative process that respected their mutual expertise and ensured a harmonious integration of old and new. The interior palette is dominated by warm, neutral tones, including various cream shades, which complement the existing exposed wood and stone structure. These colors are specifically chosen to reflect the immediate Texan landscape, creating a seamless visual dialogue between the home's exterior and interior environments. A key design feature in the living room is the softening of hard corners into rounded, more organic shapes, reminiscent of adobe architecture. A built-in window seat extends into a light-toned stone ledge, which gracefully continues past the fireplace, enhancing the room's fluid lines. The kitchen features a prominent, rough-hewn stone block that serves as a central anchor. Extending from this natural element are an island and a wooden dining table with rounded edges. The kitchen's design balances the raw texture of the stone with minimalist wooden cabinet fronts, a square range hood, and smooth marble surfaces, creating a rich interplay of textures and finishes. Another distinctive architectural detail is a circular opening, a recurring motif in Asian architecture, which connects an upstairs lounge to the stairwell void. This circular aperture elegantly frames a trio of paper pendant lamps, adding a visual focal point and a subtle nod to Asian design principles. A marble shelf bisects this circular opening, providing a display area that echoes another similar ledge above pale wood cabinetry on the opposing wall. The serene color scheme of cream tones and textured fabrics extends into the bedrooms, contributing to a cohesive and calming atmosphere throughout the house. This renovation is characterized by OWIU Design as a genuine blend of California and Texas design, also serving as a testament to the enduring friendship between the client and the designer. OWIU Design has a track record of incorporating Japanese design elements into their projects, including previous renovations such as Ray Kappe's Glass Ridge House and the mid-century Duane House, both in Los Angeles. They have also revamped a 1950s home and a loft in a converted biscuit factory with similar design approaches, consistently demonstrating their ability to infuse modern residences with a minimalist Asian aesthetic. #TexasRanch #JapaneseMinimalism #OWIUDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #AsianAesthetic #ContemporaryElements #NeutralPalette #RemiIshizuka

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

This article details the renovation and preservation of a 1956 mid-century modern home in Seattle, originally designed by renowned architect John T. Ridley, known for his work on the Space Needle. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence, first built for Dr. Phillip and Anna Wright Rogers, was later sold to the Gartler family, who lived there for six decades, diligently maintaining its original character before selling it in 2022. The home's rich history and architectural integrity were central to the new owners' vision, who sought to modernize it while honoring its mid-century modern roots, particularly its connection to nature and Japanese influences. Keri Petersen, creative director of KP Spaces, led the renovation project. She emphasized a design approach that respected the home's existing aesthetic, characterized by an earthy palette of browns, greens, and grays, and natural textures like rock, wood, and slate. The structural integrity and multi-level layout of the house were already well-designed, requiring minimal changes to the overall flow. The primary focus was on enhancing functionality and comfort for contemporary living without sacrificing its inherent soul. Key updates included the complete renovation of two bathrooms. These overhauls were inspired by the home's original tile and Japanese influences, incorporating slate walls and pebble flooring to maintain an organic feel. One bathroom saw the conversion of a floor-sunken tub into a walk-in shower, while another featured an updated Japanese soaking tub. These changes aimed to improve usability while integrating seamlessly with the existing design language. In the living areas, Japanese-inspired wallpaper was introduced in two locations, and custom screens were installed, designed to complement the home's existing screens and reinforce its unique aesthetic. The exterior also received attention, with the original cedar siding refreshed using a shou sugi ban-inspired finish to deepen its connection to the natural surroundings and the bridge leading to the entrance was repainted. Landscape changes were implemented to create new pathways and seating areas, further embracing the indoor-outdoor connection that was a hallmark of the original design. The project highlighted a balance between modernization and preservation. Keri Petersen articulated the responsibility of working on a historically significant home, stressing that the goal was to make updates feel as if they had always been part of the house. The renovation respected the past while accommodating the needs of the present, ensuring the home continued to tell its story meaningfully for its new inhabitants. The owners expressed satisfaction with the outcome, affirming the success of a design philosophy that prioritizes historical integrity and harmonious integration with nature. #MidCenturyModern #JapaneseInfluence #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalPreservation #SeattleDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #KPSpaces #JohnTRidley

Perched atop a hill in Echo Park, Los Angeles, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom Mid-Century Modern bungalow underwent a comprehensive renovation to transform it into a serene sanctuary. The property, owned by Sue Chan, a food and beverage multi-hyphenate, required significant structural retrofitting due to its steep hillside location, along with a full gut remodel of its interiors and a roof replacement. The architecture and design firm Only Way Is Up (OWIU), led by Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong, spearheaded the project with the goal of creating a space that served both as an ideal home office and a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Chan, who frequently travels between New York and Los Angeles, desired a home that encapsulated the essence of Los Angeles while maintaining a curated environment for work and calm. To achieve this vision, the designers drew heavily from Japanese design principles, integrating elements such as shoji screens and raised platforms to cultivate a meditative atmosphere within the home and a newly constructed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Rather than expanding the main house, which would have been cost-prohibitive, a separate unit was built on the property to function as a dedicated office and ADU. This strategic decision provided additional functional space without compromising the original structure. The design philosophy also embraced the natural beauty of the surrounding Echo Park hills, using the landscape as a constant source of inspiration. The interior layout was meticulously planned to facilitate seamless flow, particularly for entertaining. The design team maximized the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, linking the kitchen to the living room and extending it to a deck that offers panoramic views of the hills. This integration makes the space feel considerably larger and introduces unique architectural elements throughout the house. The living room, in particular, was conceived to blend indoor and outdoor living harmoniously, providing ample space for hosting and bathing the interior in natural light. The kitchen, a collaboration with Reform, features a slanted skylight that ensures an abundance of natural illumination, complemented by cedar and oak wood finishes that impart warmth to the space. The bedroom is designed as a private sanctuary, incorporating a shoji screen for privacy and situated on a subtly raised platform, signaling it as a space for retreat without disrupting the open floor plan. An earthy, minimal aesthetic ties these spaces together, prioritizing comfort and functionality. A curved walkway connects the main house to the detached office/ADU, serving both as a practical path and an artistic introduction to the property’s natural elements, showcasing lush greenery and hilltop vistas. The office/ADU mirrors the aesthetic of the main house, featuring cedar-clad siding and oak finishes that create visual harmony. Inside, a raised platform and a picture window frame the surrounding trees, enhancing the sense of retreat and connection to nature. This separate unit was designed as a sanctuary for focused work, maintaining distinct functionality while remaining cohesive with the overall design. Despite challenges, such as integrating the new structure with existing trees, the OWIU team creatively incorporated the natural environment, even creating small holes in the fencing to accommodate branches, ensuring the trees' health and the design's integrity. The result is a home that balances a serene retreat with an ideal space for entertaining and work, reflecting the best of Los Angeles living. #MidCenturyModern #HilltopBungalow #LosAngelesHome #ZenSanctuary #HomeRenovation #JapaneseDesign #ADU #IndoorOutdoorLiving #EchoPark #ArchitecturalDesign

The article presents the renovation of a 1970s wooden house located in Sumida City, Japan, undertaken by the architecture firm ROOVICE. Originally a dark and compact 65m² residence, the project focused on adaptive reuse with modest updates to align it with contemporary living standards. The revitalization effort is detailed through various aspects of its design and implementation. The project involved a comprehensive overhaul of the existing structure. The renovation aimed to maximize natural light and create more open, functional spaces. Key interventions included reconfiguring the interior layout, replacing outdated materials, and introducing modern amenities while preserving the house's inherent character. The design philosophy emphasized thoughtful, subtle changes rather than radical transformations, ensuring that the updated house retained a connection to its past while embracing modern needs. Material selection played a crucial role in the renovation. Wood, being the primary material of the original structure, was thoughtfully integrated into the new design. This likely involved restoring existing wooden elements, using new timber for structural enhancements or finishes, and ensuring a cohesive aesthetic that celebrated the material's warmth and texture. The choice of materials contributed to both the durability and the visual appeal of the renovated spaces. The layout modifications addressed the previous issues of darkness and compactness. Strategies to increase natural light might have included enlarging windows, creating new openings, or reorienting certain rooms. The aim was to foster a brighter and more spacious feel within the limited footprint of 65m². This spatial reconfiguration would have considered the daily activities of the occupants, designing areas that flowed seamlessly into one another and provided flexibility in use. ROOVICE, led by architect Sorai Takei, executed the project in 2023. The photographs by Akira Nakamura document the completed house, highlighting its transformed interior and exterior. The firm’s approach demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices by revitalizing an existing building, thereby reducing the environmental impact associated with new construction. The project also serves as an example of how older residential properties in dense urban areas like Sumida can be successfully adapted for modern living. In terms of manufacturers, the project utilized products from Electrolux, Globo Daily, Miratap, and toolbox. These suppliers likely provided various fixtures, appliances, and construction components that integrated into the updated design. The mention of these manufacturers offers insight into the specific choices made for the interior fit-out and functional elements of the house. Overall, the renovation of the House in Sumida by ROOVICE showcases a mindful approach to adaptive reuse. It illustrates how a dated residential structure can be transformed into a functional and aesthetically pleasing modern home through strategic design decisions, careful material selection, and an understanding of contemporary lifestyle demands. The project contributes to the ongoing discourse on revitalizing existing urban housing stock. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseRenovation #JapaneseArchitecture #AdaptiveReuse #WoodenHouse #InteriorDesign #SumidaCity #ROOVICE #ArchitecturalPhotography

The Mori House, originally designed in 1963 by Saul Zaik, a prominent figure in Pacific Northwest architecture, has been revitalized by SHED Architecture & Design. Located in a forested area of Portland, Oregon, the redesign aims to blend mid-century modern aesthetics with Japanese-inspired minimalism to suit a young family's design preferences and functional needs. The property features a main house, a detached garage and studio, and a teahouse pavilion, all connected by elevated decks and surrounded by tall trees, fostering a strong connection to nature. SHED Architecture & Design's renovation honors Zaik's original vision, which emphasized clear geometries and natural materials. The primary goal of the remodel was to enhance the flow of light and space, blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor environments. A significant alteration involved replacing the original spiral staircase and loft with an open, vaulted ceiling. This change reveals the nail-laminated wood roof structure and introduces a new central skylight, which bathes the living areas in natural light and accentuates the architectural rhythm of the home. The main floor is designed with an open-plan layout, where the living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly connect along the southern side. Expansive glazing offers unobstructed views of the surrounding forest. A strategically relocated fireplace in the living room provides a focal point and, on clear days, offers views extending to Mount Saint Helens. The kitchen is a testament to refined craftsmanship, featuring custom fir accents and horizontal windows that frame views of mature rhododendrons, integrating the natural landscape into the interior design. The primary suite, situated on the northern side of the house, is designed as a luxurious and tranquil retreat. It includes a walk-in closet and a bathroom equipped with a Japanese soaking tub, combining comfort with elegant simplicity. Fir slats above the entry doors to the suite softly diffuse light, maintaining a visual link to the central skylight. The lower level of the house has also been transformed into a versatile space, accommodating three flexible rooms that can function as bedrooms, offices, or fitness areas, alongside a shared bathroom and a dedicated wine cellar. A cozy lounge area on this level, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, reinforces the home's deep connection to its natural, wooded surroundings. #Architecture #HouseDesign #InteriorDesign #JapaneseAesthetics #JapaneseMinimalism #MidCenturyModern #PortlandArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #SHEDArchitectureAndDesign

Los Angeles is renowned globally for its collection of masterful midcentury homes, with notable residences by architects such as Richard Neutra, Raphael Soriano, Craig Ellwood, Pierre Koenig, and A. Quincy Jones. The ongoing preservation and renovation of these iconic structures for contemporary living are highlighted through a curated selection of projects. These renovations showcase how modern architects and homeowners approach the challenge of updating historical homes while respecting their original midcentury roots. One featured project is a vibrant renovation in Los Feliz, where a previously dark and disconnected midcentury house was transformed into a family home rich with color and narrative. This involved a collaborative design effort, incorporating bright hues like saffron and pink stucco, and creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate an experimental filmmaker's art collection. Another example is the restoration of a Brentwood home by food blogger Claire Thomas. Her approach was to honor the home’s 65-year history, preserving original elements like drapes and researching era-appropriate color palettes. This renovation focused on celebrating and maintaining the home’s integrity rather than radical alteration. In Eagle Rock, a couple updated their midcentury home, transforming a tired, chalky-green facade into a warm, contemporary residence suitable for their family. This extensive renovation included installing white oak hardwood floors, adding Fleetwood sliding doors, extending the master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, expanding the kitchen, and remodeling the guest house, ensuring no room was left untouched. Architect Dan Brunn undertook a breezy renovation in the Hollywood Hills, addressing a 1957 Edward Fickett–designed home that, despite its architectural history, lacked modern functionality. The renovation focused on reimagining the closed-off kitchen while preserving the post-and-beam structure and opening up selective areas to the outdoors. Writer Susan Orlean restored Rudolph M. Schindler’s Kallis House, often considered his late-period masterpiece, known for its "Schindler frame" allowing large glazed openings. The restoration aimed to maintain the architectural integrity while updating the home for contemporary comfort. Similarly, a Pacific Palisades home, untouched for over 40 years, received a sustainable revamp by architect Kevin Southerland, who preserved its "good bones" and integrated eco-friendly materials, including a new cement board exterior for durability. Interior walls were reconfigured to create a more livable, open floor plan with a balance of public and private spaces. An award-winning renovation in La Canada Flintridge by Osborn Architects and Jamie Bush + CO focused on a 5,000-square-foot home, using materials that created a unique architectural presence appreciative of the San Gabriel Mountains landscape. This project emphasized the seamless blend of interior and exterior spaces through large windows and continuous material usage, such as redwood cedar. Other notable renovations include a light-filled home in Silver Lake with views of downtown L.A., an elevated ranch house bordering Crestwood Hills that received updates to feel period-appropriate, Kristen Wiig’s restored Silver Lake home designed by Richard Neutra’s apprentice, a glamorous Buff & Hensman midcentury home above Mulholland Drive, and a John Kewell-designed home in Silver Lake with treehouse vibes. The collection also features the McLeod Residence, a midcentury stunner once photographed by Julius Shulman, and an A. Quincy Jones–designed house restored by architect Bruce Norelius. A sensitive restoration of a Pierre Koenig-designed Scott House, a 1963 residence updated by comedian Adam Carolla, and a Monterey Hills ranch that received a suave update from interior stylist Tony Wei further illustrate the diverse approaches to preserving and enhancing Los Angeles's midcentury architectural heritage. #MidcenturyModern #HomeRenovation #LosAngelesArchitecture #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #HistoricalHomes #CaliforniaModernism #HomeRestoration

Los Angeles-based designers Whitney Brown and Carlos Naude, founders of Working Holiday Studio, embarked on a multi-year search for a midcentury home to remodel. They ultimately found a neglected 1960s ranch-style house in Woodland Hills, which they immediately recognized for its potential, despite its current state. The couple, with previous renovation experience from projects like Casa Mami in Joshua Tree and The Ruby Street in Highland Park, were well-equipped to undertake this new challenge. Their goal was to transform the house into a serene and calming space, which they affectionately named the Zen Den. Their design aesthetic was heavily influenced by the sleek minimalism of Scandinavian and Japanese designs, a blend often referred to as 'Japandi,' and also incorporated Mexican influences as a nod to Carlos's heritage. The overarching aim was to create a home that felt soothing and aesthetically pleasing. A central element in achieving this tranquil atmosphere was maximizing natural light. The designers understood that updating the doors and windows would significantly alter the home's entire aesthetic. After thorough research, they selected Western Window Systems, noting the company's ability to provide streamlined, modern, and sustainable windows and doors. The collaboration with Western Window Systems was smooth, with the company providing comprehensive support from initial sketches to installation. Throughout the renovation, skylights, picture windows, and sliding doors were strategically added to flood the interiors with light and frame the views of the surrounding canyons. This emphasis on fenestration also facilitated a strong indoor/outdoor connection, particularly with the addition of swing-out doors in the dining room, enhancing the home's suitability for entertaining. The exterior of the home was painted a dark charcoal, and the landscaping was updated with native, low-maintenance plantings. Inside, the remodel involved removing a wall in the kitchen to create a more open-plan living space, a design choice that Whitney initially had reservations about but found to be effective in a midcentury context. The living room features a sofa in an accent color, chosen for practicality with a young child while still making a statement. A pivoting glass door replaced the original wooden entry door, further enhancing the indoor/outdoor flow and bringing in more light. The bathroom showcases a monochromatic color scheme in warm grays, combined with a well-positioned skylight, to create a sense of tranquility. Double-pane, aluminum-clad windows and doors were installed throughout, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their energy-reducing and sustainable properties. The renovated home now serves as both the couple's personal residence and a design showroom for Working Holiday Studio. The transformation has created a retreat-like environment that feels like a vacation, allowing the family to enjoy the peace and quiet of their surroundings. The project successfully blended various design influences to create a harmonious and light-filled space, demonstrating how a neglected midcentury home can be revitalized into a modern, serene dwelling. #JapandiDesign #MidcenturyModern #HomeRenovation #NaturalLight #WesternWindowSystems #InteriorDesign #OpenConcept #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign

ROOVICE has completed the Shirokanedai House project, a renovation of a 50-year-old wooden residence in Tokyo's Minato ward, Japan. The primary objective of this project was to upgrade the 1970s two-story house for enhanced earthquake resistance, establishing safety as the fundamental principle guiding all subsequent aesthetic and functional improvements. The renovation successfully integrates traditional Japanese architectural elements with contemporary design principles, aiming to improve the property's overall functionality, safety, and visual appeal for continued rental use. The decision to renovate rather than demolish was driven by the prohibitive costs associated with demolition in Japan and the property's sound structural condition. The ground floor underwent a significant transformation to create a more open and inviting living space. This involved the removal of existing dividing walls and ceiling boards, effectively merging the former kitchen with two tatami rooms into a single, expansive area. The previously dim, grayish walls were repainted in a crisp white, and new windows were installed to maximize natural light penetration, contributing to a brighter atmosphere. The traditional tatami floors were replaced with hemlock wood flooring, and the kotatsu stove pit was covered. The kitchen and corridor areas were updated with durable clinker tiles, and a custom-made kitchen counter was installed, adding a contemporary touch. A distinctive triangle-shaped built-in cupboard in the corridor wall was visually accentuated by a diagonal wall connecting it to the kitchen wall. A new glass door, designed to complement the cupboard's style, was also added, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic coherence. Further enhancements on the ground floor included the bathroom, which was reconfigured to accommodate a washing machine. The front room's flooring was updated with practical PVC sheeting. A new bathtub and white wall tiles were installed, while traditional Tamaishi tiles, reminiscent of the Shōwa era, were selected for the bathroom and toilet floors. The wooden steps connecting the living room to the garden were replaced with stone steps, fostering a more robust connection between the interior and exterior spaces. Upstairs, the renovation maintained a respectful link to the home’s traditional roots while introducing modern updates. The kitchenette in the corridor was removed, and the wall in this area was tiled with the same clinker tiles used on the ground floor, ensuring design consistency. New tatami mats were laid in the tatami rooms, and the shoji doors were refurbished, preserving their traditional character. The outer corridor’s flooring and windows were updated to align with the ground floor's design. All walls throughout the upper level were painted white, contributing to a cohesive and bright ambiance. In the third room on the second floor, old wood boards were replaced with new lauan wood ones, and a beige carpet was laid, offering a soft contrast to the wooden elements. The balcony received waterproofing treatments, and its fencing was repainted black, concluding the comprehensive refresh of the home's exterior. #ROOVICE #HouseRenovation #EarthquakeResistance #JapaneseArchitecture #TokyoRenovation #ShirokanedaiHouse #TraditionalModernDesign #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalUpdate

The design world has consistently looked for philosophies to enhance domestic environments, moving from feng shui to wabi sabi and hygge. A new approach, rooted in the Japanese principle of yūgen, is now gaining attention through the work of London-based interior designer Yoko Kloeden. Yūgen, which broadly translates to a deep sense of presence and peace derived from life's subtle beauty, guides Kloeden's interior design philosophy, aiming to cultivate tranquility and harmony in homes. Kloeden's journey into this discipline began later in life, following a career change from corporate work. Her inspiration stemmed from the profound sense of calm she experienced in the temples of her hometown, Kyoto, a feeling she later identified as yūgen. She sought to translate this ethereal concept into tangible interior design principles. To achieve this, Kloeden developed five core principles: hikari (light), nagame (view), ma (space), shizen (nature), and taru o shiru (less is more). These principles collectively inform her design choices, promoting balanced and serene living spaces. Each principle plays a crucial role in shaping a yūgen-inspired home. Hikari emphasizes the importance of natural light, which affects mood and perception of space. Nagame focuses on the views from within the home, encouraging deliberate connections with the external environment. Ma highlights the significance of negative space and the arrangement of elements to create flow and openness. Shizen integrates natural elements and materials into the interior, fostering a connection with the outdoors. Taru o shiru advocates for a minimalist approach, emphasizing quality over quantity and the beauty of simplicity. Kloeden stresses the importance of sensory experiences in her designs, particularly touch and smell. She advocates for the use of organic, natural, and slightly imperfect materials, such as timber, noting their positive impact on well-being through their innate scent, sound, and feel. She believes that materials bearing the marks of their creation process can help individuals feel more grounded and connected to a larger narrative. Ultimately, Kloeden's philosophy serves as a reminder of the fundamental human need for connection to nature, natural light, and warm, tactile surroundings. Her work transcends mere aesthetic trends, proposing a method for creating soulful environments that offer refuge and rejuvenation. By thoughtfully integrating these Japanese principles, Kloeden aims to bring the quietude and peace found in traditional Kyoto temples into contemporary homes, transforming everyday living spaces into sanctuaries for relaxation and introspection. #JapaneseAesthetic #InteriorDesign #Yugen #HomeDecor #MindfulLiving #DesignPhilosophy #NaturalMaterials #SoniaZhuravlyova

Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design undertook a comprehensive makeover of a 19th-century townhouse in Rittenhouse Square, transforming it into a space that harmoniously blends historical elements with modern and Japanese-inspired aesthetics. The clients, who had a strong appreciation for the Far East, sought a design that would reflect their experiences while respecting the building's historical context. The townhouse, despite its grand origins, had undergone numerous renovations over the years, leaving only the original staircase and a living room fireplace intact. The design team, led by Marco Angelucci, aimed to create a hybrid space that gradually transitions from traditional public areas to more overtly modern and Asian-influenced private spaces. The main floor showcases this gradual transition. The living room, located at the front of the house, retains the most traditional detail, complementing the existing fireplace with newly introduced classical architectural references. The furniture in this space, while modern, pays homage to traditional designs, such as the contemporary chairs inspired by wingback chairs. A postmodern chandelier with floral motifs provides an early indication of the modern sensibility that pervades the rest of the home. Moving through the main floor, the dining room acts as a stylistic bridge, incorporating Streamline Moderne influences while retaining traditional baseboards and ceiling trim. The kitchen, at the rear, embraces a fully modern aesthetic with contemporary furniture and a striking metal sculpture. However, even in this modern space, subtle nods to tradition are present in the coffered cabinetry, mullioned sliding doors, and sofa detailing. The Japanese influence becomes more prominent in the private areas of the house. The main-floor powder room features a hand-painted traditional Japanese landscape by local artist Chris Lynn, which can be removed and relocated if the clients move. The primary suite and other upstairs bathrooms also heavily feature a Japanese sensibility. Many second-floor rooms integrate elements of Moderne design with traditional accents, while the primary bedroom subtly hints at tradition, bringing modern and Asian themes to the forefront. Floating nightstands, integrated into recesses flanking the bed, exemplify this blend. The primary bathroom evokes a Zen-like atmosphere with Chinese red accents on the vanity and a wooden surround for the soaking tub. The basement media lounge is entirely modern, serving as the dedicated space for televisions, which the clients preferred not to have in other rooms. This space is designed for both conversation and media viewing, featuring a unique orange chair with a single arm and back, allowing for flexible seating arrangements. A clever design element in the basement is a large artwork that conceals an electrical panel and other mechanical controls. The basement was also excavated to achieve higher ceilings, further enhancing the modern feel. The project was a collaborative effort involving Peter Zimmerman Architects, lighting designer Filament 33, landscape designer Digs, and contractor Shay Construction, with Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design leading the coordination and execution to deliver a space that truly reflects the clients' personalities and vision. #InteriorDesign #RittenhouseSquare #TownhouseMakeover #JapaneseInspired #ModernAesthetic #HistoricalRenovation #MargueriteRodgers #PhiladelphiaHomes #LuxuryDesign

This blog post showcases a contemporary Californian retreat designed as an ultimate escape for a young family that divides its time between various locations in the United States, including Washington, Idaho, and Hawaii. This single-story house features seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, all centered around a courtyard with a water feature and stepping stones, creating a zen-like atmosphere that connects different parts of the house. Each wing of the home provides a distinct living space, offering private quarters for relaxation, while the main area consists of an expansive open-plan living space that seamlessly extends into the surrounding desert landscape. The design, led by Lucas Interiors, aims to balance function and form, focusing on an effortless indoor-outdoor living experience through extensive glass doors that open to numerous exterior areas, crafted with the assistance of BYLA Landscape Architects. The property, situated on a golf course, features breathtaking views that inspired its transformation. The designers introduced organic forms and textures to soften the rectilinear architecture and its strong lines, utilizing a limited number of materials to achieve a harmonious aesthetic. A key design element is a Japanese-inspired speakeasy bar, drawing inspiration from Bar Tambi in Tokyo. This bar contrasts with the home's generally lighter, sunnier desert-style spaces, featuring rich emerald greens, navy blues, bronze accents, and dark, moody woods. The core palette of the home is neutral to establish a tranquil and organic environment, with colors layered to evoke the mood of the desert landscape. The home's primary bathroom has undergone a significant remodel, incorporating a Japanese "wet room" concept with a soaking tub, emphasizing a restorative and social experience for the clients. This design choice highlights a blend of Japanese aesthetics and functionality. Further cultural influences from Japanese gardens are evident in the use of natural materials and tactile fabrics throughout the spacious interiors. The design incorporates robust materials like steel, wire-brushed woods, and large-format stone to add depth and interest, elevating the overall aesthetic. Custom pieces, such as Alexander Lamont woven copper lanterns flanking the primary bedroom's custom bed platform, juxtapose the crisp, linear architecture and complement the soft textiles. The design also emphasizes flexibility and privacy, accommodating varied groups of people for different durations. Despite its open layout, the house provides intimate areas for retreat, balancing a grand, open Californian feel with private spaces. The extensive entertaining areas are refined by smaller, welcoming spots for relaxation, successfully fulfilling the owners' desire for a serene and versatile retreat. #CaliforniaDesign #JapaneseInfluence #ModernHome #InteriorDesign #SpeakeasyBar #IndoorOutdoorLiving #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #DesertHome

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