Evoking the Essence of Japan
In spring last year, we created a Japan-inspired peaceful haven in Ealing, London for a professional couple who recently emigrated from Hong Kong.
The couple had a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, and tasked us with bringing their vision to life. Sustainability and ethical sourcing were top priorities. The result is a pocket of peace in the urban area, where the couple can relax and retreat after a busy day at work.
Inspired by this transformation, we sat down with our client to discuss their experience working with the studio, the impact of these changes to their life, and their thoughts on the whole process - looking back almost a year later.
What was your home like before?
Our home, pre-renovation, was showing its age and outdated interior. It had not been lived for years and was badly in need of a comprehensive refurbishment to breathe new life to make it our home.
Why did you select Yoko Kloeden Design?
In our search for the perfect designer, Yoko emerged as a standout choice, thanks to her aesthetics and a design ethos that aligned with our vision. When we were in Hong Kong, we visited Japan many times and love its culture and design. The fact that Yoko’s team manages the entire process and can recommend builders and engineers was a big plus as we had not done any renovation before.
How does Yoko’s love of nature / use of natural materials in the home resonate with you?
Yoko’s profound connection with nature deeply resonated with our own appreciation for the outdoors. We wished to incorporate a minimalist style and her thoughtful choice of materials spoke volumes, expressing a design language that echoed our sensibilities.
What do you believe were the biggest achievements?
One of the project’s significant achievements was the realisation of our expectations in terms of quality and standards. Additionally, Yoko’s team efficiently addressed and resolved certain aspects that required follow up.
What were your most valuable takeaways from completing the entire process?
The design journey demanded substantial soul-searching, navigating decisions on the design and materials. It entailed a delicate balance between functionality and aesthetics, and it was a thoughtful and introspective process for us.
What is your favourite room of the house, and why?
If we had to pick one, our favoured sanctuary is undeniably the master bedroom, adorned with materials sourced from Nara, Japan. Beyond aesthetics, the maintained sense of decluttered tranquillity in this space significantly contributes to our peaceful nights.
Would you like to know more about this project? The full case study PDF is available to download here.
This project was also featured in Elle Deccoration UK, click here to read what the press said about the project.
Home renovation is often cited as one of the most stressful experiences a person goes through in their life so our job is to make it as less stressful as possible. If you are thinking about creating your dream home and would like to learn more about how we work and what we do, please get in touch.
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