Permitted Development vs Planning Permission
If you are thinking about extending or remodelling your home, one of the first questions you will face is whether you need planning permission. It sounds simple, but the answer rarely is. In England, certain types of building work are covered by permitted development rights — a set of national rules that allow homeowners to […]
How to Create a Japanese Bathroom
Creating a Japanese bathroom is about more than decor – it’s about embracing a cultural ritual of bathing that has evolved over centuries. One of the most common questions we hear is, “How do I create a Japanese bathroom in my own home?” Japan’s strong bathing culture is rooted in the country’s unique geography and […]
Conservation Areas: Working Within Constraints
Conservation Areas are places recognised for their special architectural or historic character. Across London, this includes many Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian neighbourhoods, garden suburbs, and high streets. Living in one means your home is part of a carefully protected environment—and that any changes to it must preserve what makes the area distinctive. This brings constraints. […]
Where Home Meets Garden
In Japanese design philosophy, Nagame (眺め) refers to the art of framing a view—seeing the outside world not as something separate, but as an extension of everyday life. Hikari (光), light, is treated not as a technical requirement, but as a living presence that shifts through a space over the course of the day. For […]
How to Blend Japanese Minimalism with Victorian Architecture
Victorian and other period homes across London have an inherent depth — generous proportions, crafted details and a sense of history that cannot be fabricated. These qualities align beautifully with the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of Yūgen, which values subtlety, atmosphere and the quiet presence of beauty rather than overt display. At Yoko Kloeden Design, we […]
The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make Early On
When it comes to renovating your home, there’s one mistake we see time and again. And it’s not picking the wrong paint colour or misjudging the lighting. It happens before any trades have been hired.Before any samples arrive.Before anyone knows how much the project will actually cost. The mistake is this: starting with decisions before […]
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 […]
Bringing Nature Indoors
More than ever, homeowners are looking to create spaces that feel deeply connected to nature—homes that offer a sense of calm, balance, and effortless beauty. But integrating the outdoors isn’t just about adding plants. True indoor-outdoor harmony comes from thoughtful architectural choices, material selection, and spatial design. At our studio, we specialise in crafting interiors […]
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 embodies a beauty that is subtle, mysterious, and deeply felt rather than overtly expressed. First defined in Heian-period (794–1185) waka poetry, yūgen became a guiding principle in Noh theatre, where playwright […]
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. […]