The Secret Behind Japanese Interiors
Japanese interiors feel calm for structural reasons rather than stylistic ones. Five principles do most of the work: emptiness treated as an element in itself (ma), materials that keep a room connected to the natural world (shizen), knowing when to stop (taru o shiru), honest surfaces that improve rather than degrade with age, and storage […]
Design Lessons from Japanese Vases
Recently, while exploring the traditions of Japanese ceramics, we were reminded of how profoundly objects can shape not just what we see, but what we feel. In Japan, the vase is never a mere container—it is an essential part of the composition, inseparable from the flowers, branches, and water it holds. This philosophy resonates deeply […]
In Praise of the Imperfect
Artificial materials may imitate the look of wood, stone, or linen, but they rarely offer the same emotional resonance. A home isn’t a showroom — it’s where we ground ourselves after long days, raise our children, and create calm in the chaos. At our studio, we’ve always believed that natural materials are worth choosing not […]
The Summer Threshold
Most of us instinctively feel better in nature — calmer, more present, more alive. It’s not a coincidence. Decades of research have shown that proximity to nature lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol levels, improves cognitive function, and even shortens recovery time from surgery. But what if you live in a dense city, with limited green […]
In Praise of the Subtle
We were recently featured by Monocle in the article “Discover Yūgen: The Japanese aesthetic transforming modern home design”, and we wanted to share the essence of that conversation with our readers. For centuries, Japanese design has offered the world a way to experience beauty beyond the obvious. Where Western traditions often favour bold statements, Japanese […]
Lessons from Chochikukyo
Earlier this spring, during my return to Kyoto, I carved out time to visit a place I had long wanted to experience — one not found on the usual tourist trail. Chochikukyo, or “The Hearing Bamboo House,” is only accessible by advance appointment. Hidden in a quiet residential neighbourhood, it’s the kind of place that […]
A Quiet Journey
At Yoko Kloeden Design, every project is shaped by a quiet respect for how architecture and interiors can support the way we live. Recently, I had the opportunity to share my story — and the philosophy behind our work — with The Sunday Times. I wanted to reflect on that article here, in my own […]
Timeless Interiors Rooted in Japanese Aesthetics
In a world of ever-changing trends, there is a growing desire for depth, subtlety, and quiet beauty in interior design. Yūgen (幽玄), a principle deeply rooted in Japanese architecture and aesthetics, offers a way to create homes that —feel as good as they look— spaces that evoke stillness, balance, and a profound connection to nature. […]
The Quiet Beauty of Yūgen
Yūgen (幽玄) is one of the most profound yet elusive concepts in Japanese aesthetics. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, classical poetry, and Noh theatre, it describes a beauty that is subtle, mysterious, and deeply felt rather than overtly expressed. The word first appeared in Heian-period (794–1185) waka poetry, where it conveyed the emotional depth hidden beneath […]
The Origin of ‘Wabi Sabi’
Often celebrated in the design world, the concept of ‘wabi sabi’ is not just a design principle but a way of life, deeply rooted in the cultural and historical evolution of Japan. In this journal, we explore the profound origins of wabi and sabi and how they challenge our modern understanding of beauty and values. […]