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World's Most Beautiful Humidifier?

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Without a doubt. Designed by Tokyo-based Takeshi Ishiguro, who was inspired by his own public art exhibit "Smoke Ring," the Chimney Humidifier adds a sculptural note to a room while providing a cool hydrating mist (essential during the dry winter months).

Chimney Humidifier

Above: The Chimney Humidifier is $200 at Design Within Reach.

Chimney Humidifier

Above: The Chimney Humidifier is simple to operate; just fill the water tank and replace the top.

Chimney Humidifier

Above: The Chimney Humidifier can double as a scent diffuser (all that's required is a bottle of essential oil).

Are you mad for Japanese design? We are: see some of our favorite products in our Shopping Picks.


Design Sleuth: Framed Noguchi Prints

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Spotted on Skona Hem: A collection of framed washi paper prints by sculptor Isamu Noguchi; an inexpensive way of bringing a bit of the Japanese master designer's work into your interiors.

Above: The Gray Bowtie Print is available for $50 (unframed) from the Noguchi Museum in New York or framed at Greenhouse Eco-Living in Brooklyn. Photograph from Skona Hem.

Blue Shovel

Above: The unframed Blue Shovel is $50 from the Noguchi Museum. Photo via Frame SF.

Black and Orange Teardrop

Above: The Black and Orange Teardrop is $50 unframed from the Noguchi Museum. Photo via Frame SF.

Are you, like us, a devotee of Noguchi? See our product and project picks here.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on December 27, 2011.

Steal This Look: Japanese-Inspired Bathroom, Soaking Tub Included

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Our all-time favorite Japanese-inspired bath? This compact, spa-like bathing space in the Hughes/Kinugawa house by architect Andrew Lister. Recreate the look with the following elements:

Above: A vintage Noren entry hanging textile adds a dash of color in the Hughes/Kinugawa house. For something similar, visit Cloth & Goods in Portland, OR (we'd use a Table Runner from husband wife designers Rowland & Ricketts, who use historical Japanese techniques that are entirely organic and sustainable).

Above: A simple utility sink is mounted on a wooden shelf.

American Standard's Country Kitchen Sink

Above: American Standard's Country Kitchen Sink is made of durable vitreous china; $783.99 at Vintage Tub and Bath. For more ideas, see 10 Easy Pieces: Utility Sinks.

Universal Towel Warmer

Above: Perhaps the most handsome towel warmer we've seen: the Universal Towel Warmer from Waterworks; prices start at $1,600 for the nickel model.

Hinoki Bath Stool

Above: When daily bathing in the local bath house was common practice, bathers would don a yukata and carry a bucket filled with their soap, shampoo, and washcloth. This Japanese Bath Bucket is made from cypress; $63 from Goods from Japan. The Hinoki Bath Stool, produced by a wood craft studio in Kiso, is CA$170 from Mjolk.

Yoshii Bath Towels

Above: Cotton shirt stripe Yoshii Bath Towels, made in Japan, are $38 from Rikumo.

Above L: The Hinoki Wood Soap Dish is $20 from Spartan. Above R: Binchotan Scrub Towel; $18 at Terrain.

Above: Based in the Northern California town of Petaluma, Sonoma Forge makes rough-hewn, industrial-looking fixtures and fittings for the modern bath; the Short Deck Mount Waterbridge Lav Faucet has a 2.25-inch spout height and an 8-inch center spread; $1,440. Go to Sonoma Forge for dealer information.

Rectangular Hinoki Bath

Above: The Rectangular Hinoki Bath by Oxfordshire-based Indigenous Tiles is available with either straight or sloped ends. For something similar, consider a Japanese Ofuro Bath from Sea Otter Woodworks in Haines, Maine. Another good source is Tokyo-based Bartok Designs, founded by Italian architect Iacopo Torrini, who produces custom tubs and ships worldwide.

Want to learn the secrets of Japanese bathing? Remodelista's Sarah Lonsdale lived in Japan for 10 years; read her post How to Bathe Japanese Style for ideas.

A Minimalist Bakery in Kyoto

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Are bakeries the new coffee shop? Case-in-point, Panscape in Kyoto, where baking is elevated to an art form.

Bread is a relatively new addition to the Japanese diet (new, as in the 19th century), and bakeries typically tend to be designed after the style of breads made (think French and German). That said, we like this refreshingly new and modern look that Osaka architects Ninkipen created for Panscape.

This is the second branch for Panscape that Ninkipen has designed: The first had a retro, industrial feel, while this second outpost has a clean, minimal look with an all-white backdrop created to place emphasis on the warm colors of the bread as it comes out of the oven. The client wished to highlight the homemade qualities of the bread, so the architect strategically placed the brick oven opposite the entrance. In full view, it greets shoppers as they enter, while a glass display case in the window showcases the daily batches of loaves.

panscape osaka; remodelista

Above: A concrete step greets shoppers. Pan is Japanese for bread (taken from the Portuguese who introduced it into Japan).

panscape osaka; remodelista

Above: The white walls and concrete surfaces throw into contrast the gold leaf panel on the wall and the bread on display.

panscape osaka; remodelista

Above: A large piece of bubinga (a type of rosewood) serves as the counter for a glass display case.

panscape osaka; remodelista

Above: The charm of Panscape lies in details such as the sloping wall to the right of the entrance, highlighted by a tiny floral arrangement.

panscape osaka; remodelista

Above: A whimsical touch: a back lit custom-made "mouse hole."

panscape osaka; remodelista

Above: The bakery has two branches in Kyoto.

panscape osaka; remodelista

Check out our favorite coffee shop, Bird Coffee in nearby Osaka from the people behind the much loved Truck store.

My favorite? Tas Yard in Tokyo, located in my old neighborhood with a mix of garden, home goods and coffee.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on February 20, 2012.

World's Best Countertop Appliance

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The only kitchen appliance worthy of my architect’s clutter-free counter? The Zojirushi Induction Heat rice cooker.

There are rice cookers, and then there are rice cookers. When the Zojirushi Induction Heat rice cooker first came out about five years ago, a friend of mine had her husband bring one back from his Hong Kong business trip. Fortunately, I have a loyal brother who lives in Hong Kong and is not inclined to deny the wishes of his older sister, so on his next trip to London the rice cooker was mine.

Burlap-bags-of-rice

Above: Rice is the staple food of Asia, and a rice cooker is a common household appliance. Image via Sugar and Rice and Everything Spice. Zojirushi NP-HBC10 Rice Cooker

Above: The Zojirushi NP-HBC10 features evenly distributed induction heating, which is essential for perfectly cooked rice; $279.29 from Amazon.

Zojirushi NP-HBC10 Rice Cooker

Above: With the help of micro computer technology, cooking can be timed; thanks to The Ultimate Rice Cooker Cookbook, by Beth Hensberger and Julie Kaufman, I often cook an entire meal in my Zojirushi.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 10, 2012.

Japanese-Inspired Furniture from Hedge House

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Japanese style by way of Indiana? For a few years now, we've been mooning over the (unavailable in the US) Truck Furniture line, so we were excited to discover Hedge House, which offers well-priced, handmade furniture that eerily evokes the spirit of our favorite pieces from Truck.

Owner Philip Mast says his interest in furniture "was sparked while attending college for graphic design; on several occasions, I found myself envying how the furniture design students were able to design and build functional pieces of art." Fast forward 10 years, and Mast (after working in television for a decade) is designing furniture in his home town of Goshen, Indiana. He works with "two amazingly talented Amish wood workers, Elva Bontrager and Daniel Schrock, who build out of their shops at home and execute Hedge House designs with a consistent quality." To see more, go to Hedge House.

White Oak and Steel Desk

Above: The solid quarter-sawn White Oak and Steel Desk is $510.

Ventura Dining Table with Leaf Inserts

Above: The solid-walnut Ventura Dining Table with Leaf Inserts is $1,495. The Ventura Bench is $400. The Solid Adjustable Stool is $235 (it's available in quarter-sawn white oak and walnut).

Rosarita Dining Table

Above: The Rosarita Dining Table is made from 1-inch-thick quarter sawn white oak; top and sides are joined with interlocking metre, which makes it incredibly sturdy; $950 at Hedge House. The matching Rosarita Bench is $350.

Solid Walnut Queen Bed Frame and Headboard

Above: Solid Walnut Queen Bed Frame and Headboard; $1,395.

Want to see what all the fuss is about Truck? See Furniture: New from Truck in Japan and Bird Coffee in Osaka.

Steal This Look: A Simple Soba/Sake Party

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SPONSORED POST

We all appreciate a festive weekend dinner party (complete with wine, flowers, candles, and cocktails), but on occasion, we like to take to a quieter approach. Lately we've been dining at home in small groups, setting out a rustic Japanese table cloth on our coffee table and serving simple soba noodles and cold sake for a serene and easy dinner with friends. Here we present four vignettes to set the tone for a dinner party with a distinctive Japanese sensibility.

Photography via Analogue Life, unless otherwise noted.

What to Bring (If You're the Guest)

Steal This Look Japanese Dinner Party, Remodelista

Above: Bring a set of ceramics like two Spout Bowls made in France by Emilie Pedron for €32 each and excellent for serving sake. Or package homemade goods in Akebi Bags made in the Aomori Prefecture from Analogue Life; or a Furoshiki Cloth made with natural linen for $28 each from Ambatalia.

Prepare the Room

Japanese House Slippers at the Door, Remodelista

Above: Clean the wood floors and rugs in the living/dining room and dust the surrounding area before setting the table. Have guests remove their shoes, and offer them with house slippers to keep outside dirt from entering the home. Japanese House Slippers are $33.66 from Alexcious or Muji's Cotton Border Knit Washable Slippers are $16.25 each. Photograph by Richard W. M. Jones.

Seating

Steal This Look Japanese Dinner Party, Remodelista

Above: Have guests sit on floor mats, or if your table is on the taller side, short stools comfortable enough to dine on. The stackable Alvar Aalto 60 Stool is functional for different occasions and priced at $260 from All Modern. The Sori Yanagi Butterfly Stool in Maple is $705 or in rosewood for $930 from Design Within Reach.

Rush Floor Mats, Remodelista

Above: We favor Rush Floor Mats like these from UK-based Parma Lilac; for something similar, consider Ikea's well-priced banana fiber Alseda; $29.99 each or the set of five Sea Grass Mats for $48.17 from Rakuten.

On the Table

Sake Carafe and Kami Cups, Remodelista

Above L: Serve sake with Canoe's Sake Carafe, designed with an ice pocket for chilling without diluting the sake; $30 from Canoe in Portland, OR. Above R: The short Kami S Cup by Hidetoshi Takahashi is made from Castor Aralia wood for $37 each from Merchant No. 4.

Matteo Home Linen Napkins, Remodelista

Above: Set the table with garment-washed Linen Napkins from Matteo Home (they're each sewn with a half-inch hem and measure 22 by 22 inches), available in seven different dyes; $65 for a set of four. Mix up your linens with an additional Fog Linen Table Cloth in a stripe pattern for $85 from Alder & Co.

White Porcelain Teapot and Woven Basket, Remodelista

Above L: Consider a minimal, white porcelain pot for serving tea during and after the meal. Artist Eri Kawaguchi's Teapot, made at her Fukushima Prefecture studio, features fine kanyu (cracks) and is available from Analogue Life. Above R: For a woven serving tray, baskets are available through Studio KotoKoto, like Takami Yasuhiro's Large Ayanasu Bamboo Basket.

Sponsored by Dyson Digital Slim, DC44 Animal -The most powerful cordless vacuum.

Donabe: The Ultimate Rice Cooker (Plus a Recipe)

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Christine might have the ultimate Rice Cooker, but take note, donabe are the original rice cookers, the traditional clay cook pot used in Japan long before the advent of the electric version. Blame it on the likes of Momofuku or the resurgence of Korean cuisine, but clay pot cooking is gaining ground stateside.

We checked in with Naoko Moore, a Tokyo native who lives in Los Angeles and sells a line of traditional Japanese Iga Yaki pots, a type of pottery that dates back to 1832. We asked Moore, who gives classes in clay pot cooking, to share an easy recipe with us. Read on to learn how to make "dirty rice" (it's good).

clay pots from the Iga region in Japan; Remodelista

Above: A selection of clay pots from Toiro Kitchen. The clay used for the pots comes from 4-million-year-old earth layers from the Iga region in Japan.

The Kamado-san donabe rice cooker for clay pot cooking; Remodelista

Above: The Kamado-san donabe rice cooker comes in four sizes ranging from a 1-cup size for $120 to a 6-cup size for $325.

Rice cooked in a 'Kamado-san; Remodelista

Above: Rice cooked in a Kamado-san; the clay pots can be used on top of the stove or in the oven (perfect for going straight from oven to table).

Naoko Moore's recipe for Donabe Gobo Gohan, also known as "dirty" rice.

One of my favorite earthy dishes is burdock root ("gobo") rice made in a double-lid donabe rice cooker, the Kamado-san. I call it "dirty rice," because this aromatic root vegetable makes the rice so earthy both in flavor and color. To make this dish:

  • First, pulse the burdock root in a food processor until it's coarsely minced, about the same size as a rice grain.
  • Spread over the rice.
  • Instead of water, add dashi stock and seasoning to the rice and cook.

I like to serve the rice with some sautéed Japanese turnip "kabu" leaves. If you can't find kabu leaves, another leafy green such as dandelion or kale would work well, too.

Feel free to share any easy clay pot recipes with us in the comments below. Like the flavor of earthy clay pots? Here are five Clay Pots that we love.

Explore more Tabletop.


10 Radical Japanese Staircases

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Let's just say that Japanese safety codes would probably not pass muster in the US when it comes to staircases. Open banisters, tall ladders, and rail-free stairs are a part of the norm in Japan. Here's a roundup of some of our favorite dramatic staircases:

A wooden staircase with simple handrail

Above: A wooden staircase with simple handrail leads to a bedroom in this house designed by Tato Architects. Photograph by Satoshi Shigeta.

white modern Japanese stairs; Remodelista

Above: A stairway from the Threefold House by Japanese firm Takao Shiotsuka Atelier.

Modern black metal staircase in Japan; Remodelista

Above: Minimalist metal risers in this Tokyo home designed by Apollo Architects.

Japanese ladder as stairs; Remodelista

Above: A ladder leads up to a bedroom in this converted warehouse in Osaka designed by Yo Shimada of Tato Architects. Photograph by Satoshi Shigeta.

Wooden ladder in a Japanee house; Remodelista

Above: A ladder serves as a staircase to an upstairs room in this house in Yamazaki designed by Tato Architects.

Wooden stairs in a Tokyo house; Remodelista

Above: Wooden stairs in a Tokyo house by Makoto Koizumi, via Dwell.

White Japanese metal staircase with plywood treads

Above: A house in Kanagawa Japan with a white metal staircase and plywood treads by Apollo Architects.

Radical Japanese staircase; Remodelista

Above: Mixed materials: wooden stairs from a sunken kitchen lead to the main bedroom of this house in Saijo by Suppose Design Office; metal stairs lead to an upper level. Photograph by Toshiyuki Yano.

Ladder staircase in Japan; Remodelista

Above: Two sets of ladders access two stories in this Small Box House by Akasaka Shinichiro Atelier overlooking Sapporo.

Above: Open wood treads in a house in Osaka with bamboo clad walls designed by Katsuhiro Miyamoto & Associates.

Modern black metal staircase; Japan

Above: An Apartment in Katayama as seen on What We Do Is Secret. Photograph by Mitsutomo Matsunami.

For more stair inspiration, check out 10 Radical Staircases for Tight Spaces.

Required Reading: Nest by Truck

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If you're like us, a slavish fan of Truck Furniture (and the owner's entire approach to design), you might be interested in their latest book, "Truck Nest."

Osaka-based Truck, a collaborative venture from couple Tokuhiko Kise and Hiromi Karatsu recently released Truck Nest: Under the Tree, (the fourth book in the Truck Works series). In this latest volume, the couple captures the past nine years of their lives as home, store, workshop, and cafe owners. Tragically, the book is not available in the US. Contact Truck directly for distributors.

Truck Nest Book Cover, Remodelista

Above: Truck Nest is printed in both English and Japanese.

Truck Nest Book, Remodelista

Above: Kise and Karatsu writes about their family life and how they manage to create a comfortable home for themselves, their daughter, five dogs, and eight cats.

Truck Nest Book Featuring the Owner's Home, Remodelista

Above: Images from their home, featuring, of course, Truck furniture.

Truck Owners Home, Remodelista

Above: The family living quarters.

Interiors of Cafe Bird Coffee in Osaka, Remodelista

Above: Their cafe: Bird Coffee, located in Osaka, next door to the atelier.

Book Content of Truck Nest, Remodelista

Above: The couple is preoccupied with trees, forests, and beautiful furniture.

N.B.: No matter how busy we get, we make sure to squeeze in a daily inspirational read; whether a few book pages or skimming through a magazine. Here are 90 books we recommend from our reading list.

Japanese-Inspired Matchstick Blinds

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Last year, I went on a rampage and covered all the windows with simple white fabric roller blinds—inside mount, no frills. I had not anticipated all the options for cords and pulleys, borders, linings, and valances.

While you can go wild with trimmings, we favor a leaner look. Not as spartan as an all-white linen blind, we like these light-filtering matchstick blinds that are simple in design but add texture and a casual, summery note to rooms. Here are our some of our favorite finds.

Smith and Noble's Woven Flat Fold Shades

Above: We like the simple look of Smith and Noble's Woven Flat Fold Shades shown in Portia/ Camel; go to Smith & Noble for pricing information.

Standard woven wood shade; Remodelista

Above: The Shade Store is a good source for matchstick blinds; shown here is the Standard Woven Wood Shade in the Kismet pattern with a small valance (options include blackout lining, inside mount, decorative borders, and multiple lining and control options); pricing starts at $272 for a 36-inch-wide, 60-inch-long size. See the Shade Store for more details.

Bamboo roll up blind; Remodelista

Above: The Reed Designer Roll Up Bamboo Blind is $14.99 for a 5-foot-wide, 5.5-foot-long size at Matchstick Blinds.

Matchstick Roll-Up Window Shade

Above: The classic, inexpensive Matchstick Roll-Up Window Shade starts at $37 for a 6-foot-long blind (available in 5 widths) at Amazon.

For another simple window covering, check out Instant Curtains by the Genius Bouroullec Brothers.

See more of our Curtain offerings.

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 29, 2009.

10 Favorites: Smart and Skinny Houses in Japan

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Sitting on top of some of the most expensive property values in the world, the Japanese are fluent in narrow houses on sliver lots. Typically no wider than 15 feet, fitting in all the programmatic requirements requires real design ingenuity. Here are 10 favorites.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Ido, Kenji Architectural Studio, Osaka, Remodelista

Above: In Osaka, Ido, Kenji Architectural Studio increase the available light to this narrow house by rotating the second floor by 14 degrees, angling a pair of rooms towards a large corner window. Photograph by Yohei Sasakura via Dezeen.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, OH House by Yasuhiro Yamashita, Atelier Tekuto, Remodelista

Above: Accommodating parking space on a limited lot influenced the design of the OH house by Atelier Tekuto. Photograph by Toshihiro Sobajima via Architizer.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, 63.02 degrees by Schemata Architects, Remodelista

On a narrow site in the Nagano section of Tokyo the name of this house 63.02 degrees by Schemata Architects refers to the angle it is inclined toward the front road resulting in a wide angle and deep view of the neighbor's cherry tree. Photo by Takumi Ota via This is Paper.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Unemori Architects, Remodelista

Unemori Architects laid out a house for a couple and their child to be as small as possible (13 ft X 13 ft) so that it could sit in the center of the of the 110 square foot plot and still have air and light flow around it. Image by via Architizer.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects, Remodelista

Above: The thin west wing of this Tokyo house by Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects is 30 feet high and less than 6 feet wide. Image via Dezeen.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Mount Fuji Architects Studio, Near House, Remodelista

Above: On an L-shaped property in Tokyo, Mount Fuji Architects Studio have built a narrow gate house that leads back to another part of the house: views from from both the street and internal courtyard. Photography by Shigeo Ogawa via Design Boom.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Studio Loop, Remodelista

Above: Graphic red doors mark the entrance to a narrow house by Studio Loop in Tokyo. Photo by Kai Nakamura via HomeEdit.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Apollo Architects & Associates, Remodelista

Above: Tokyo and Seoul based Saitoshi Kurosaki of Apollo Architects & Associates have created floor to ceiling windows at the front of this narrow house to take advantage of the views of the park in front. Photograph by Mikihisa Matsuda via Apollo Architects & Associates.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Mizuishi Architect Atelier, Remodelista

Above: A narrow plot of land by the river in Tokyo dictates the floor plate of this house by Mizuishi Architect Atelier. Photo by Hiroshi Tanigawa via Design Boom.

10 Favorites: World's Thinnest Houses, Lucky Drops by Yasuhiro Yamashita, Atelier Tekuto, Remodelista

Above: Built on a trapezoidal piece of leftover land, this house measures 2.5 feet at its narrowest point and just under 10 feet at its widest. Architect Yasuhiro Yamashita of Atelier Tekuto named it "Lucky Drops," which is the Japanese equivalent to "the best for last." Photograph by Makato Yoshida via Atelier Tekuto.

Looking for more clever ways to save space? See 442 images of Space Saving Ideas in our Gallery of rooms and spaces

East Meets West: An Architect's Award-Winning First Commission

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They met on a film set and fell in love; prompting her to move from Tokyo to Auckland (and bring her Japanese bathtub with her, metaphorically speaking).

The film set of Memory and Desire, directed by Niki Caro, was clearly a hotbed of creative minds. Not only was it where Japanese actress Yuri Kinugawa and New Zealander film producer Owen Hughes met; it’s also where the couple met their architect to be, Andrew Lister (he is Caro’s husband). Years later, after the two couples had become good friends, Lister opened his architectural practice. On his first day, Kinugawa and Hughes walked in and gave him his first commission: their own house.

Friends first, they already knew they shared an appreciation for the tenets of European and Californian modernism. Taking his cues from Kinugawa’s appreciation of traditional Japanese architecture and ritual (hence the bathtub), Lister created an award-winning home for a couple who wanted to combine their dual heritage into one.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, double height bookcases, Remodelista

Above: A small space is made to feel expansive by a double-height living area, which houses Hughes' 5,000 books. Image via 10,000 World Architects.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: Kinugawa and Hughes at home in their open living and kitchen area. Photo by Rachael Smith for The Telegraph.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above L: The house is on a steep site overlooking an estuary in Auckland. A double-height glass wall has aluminum window mullions detailed in a Japanese style grid. Above R: Sculptural forms contrast with the dark natural materials. Photograph by Richard Powers.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: A multitude of sake cups in New Zealand carry connotations of home for Kinugawa. Photograph by Richard Powers.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: Japanese textiles and prints are mixed into the couple's home. Photo by Rachael Smith for The Telegraph.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: East meets west in the couple's raised platform bed. In traditional Japanese architecture, futons are typically placed on tatami mats on the floor. Image via Modern Residential Design.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: Rice paper adds texture to the wall behind the headboard. Photo by Rachael Smith for The Telegraph.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: Kinugawa brings the traditional Japanese bathing ritual to New Zealand. The tub is built from Lawson’s Cypress, with an open shower where users wash themselves first, then soak in the menthol-scented wooden tub. See Steal This Look: A Japanese-Inspired Bathroom, Soaking Tub Included for ideas on recreating the look. Photo by Richard Powers.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: A simple utility sink is mounted on a wooden shelf. Photo by Rachael Smith for The Telegraph

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: The house is clad in Canadian cedar. Photographs by Richard Powers.

Hughes Kinugawa House, Andrew Lister, Auckland, New Zealand, Remodelista

Above: The architect Andrew Lister practices in New Zealand.

Window detailing can make a significant difference in the reading of a room. See 299 images of Windows in our Gallery of rooms and spaces.

If you were to follow the love of your life across bodies of water and great swathes of cultural differences, what would you bring to your new world that connected you back to your old world? Let us know in the comments section below.

Stockholm Meets Kyoto: The Ceremony Set

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Swedish architecture and design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune has partnered with Toronto-based Mjölk to create the Ceremony Set, a Scandinavian nod to the Japanese tea ceremony.

In this Scandinavian version, the act of drinking coffee is the ritual focus, with a porcelain milk pitcher and maple lid that doubles as a dish, set on reversible hard maple trays in pure brass, copper, and blackened steel. Conceived in Stockholm, inspired by Japan, and made in Canada, it makes for a perfect marriage of form and function. For pricing details and availability, contact Mjölk directly.

Reversible hard maple trays in pure brass, blackened steel and copper by Mjolk: Remodelista

Above: The reversible Canadian hard maple trays shown in pure brass, blackened steel, and copper.

White porcelain pitcher and maple board by Mjolk: Remodelista

Above: The reverse side of the board is made from Canadian hard maple made by Scott Eunson, and Adrian Kuzyk. Ceramist, Alissa Coe created the white porcelain pitcher.

blackened steel tray with wooden pitcher lid by Mjolk: Remodelista

Above: The blackened steel tray with wooden pitcher lid that doubles as a sugar bowl.

See more of our features on Mjölk, and if you are curious to learn more from owners Jon and Juli, check out their Perfect Day in Toronto.

We've also profiled many of projects from Claesson Koivisto Rune, also worth persuing.

Shou-Sugi-Ban Wood Siding

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The latest trend in wood siding? Burned, charred siding.

Via the blog Pursuing Wabi, one family's account of building a house in Southern California with Mexico City–born, San Diego–based architect Sebastian Mariscal. "Traditional Japanese homes commonly used shou-sugi-ban as external siding," the owner writes. "The sugi was burned to resist rot and fire (it's harder for something already charcoaled to catch fire again). The result is a board that has a dynamic appearance. From different angles it can look black, silver, or dark brown."

Shou-sugi-ban Wood Siding How-To, Remodelista

Shou-sugi-ban Wood Siding How-To, Remodelista

Shou-sugi-ban Wood Siding How-To, Remodelista

Shou-sugi-ban Wood Siding How-To, Remodelista

Shou-sugi-ban Wood Siding How-To, Remodelista

Above: The wood boards are burned, brushed, washed, and oiled. For more, see A Teahouse, Charred and Blackened (On Purpose).

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 6, 2009.


Born of Friendship: Warang Wayan

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Yuri Tsuchiya, who loves traveling around Asia, and Masami Ishida, who loves touring Africa, met in their mid-twenties when they worked together in the same shop. Today Yuri and Masami live worlds apart, in Indonesia and Morocco. But these kindred design spirits stay connected through Warang Wayan, a joint venture featuring goods from both their favorite lands.

The name Warang Wayan is an amalgamation of these ladies' two worlds. Warang is a village in Africa, and Wayan is Yuri's husband, a woodworker and the talent behind Warang Wayan's sublime wooden collection. Made from hardwood teak, which is indigenous to the couple's Balinese home, each utensil or vessel is hand carved either by Wayan or by the local craftsmen he employs. "Born of their laughter," these quiet wooden pieces speak volumes of the bonds of those who make beauty together.

All images courtesy of OEN Shop.

Warang Wayan spoons: Remodelista

Above: Wooden spoons as well as a small dish by Warang Wayan are said to be "born of laughter" by the Balinese workers, who enjoy joking and the sound of wooden hammers. Available at OEN; $38.

Warang Wayan wooden pieces: Remodelista

Above: Adorned with only the markings of the grain and the carvers tools, Warang Wayan's pieces highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Warang Wayan bowl: Remodelista

Above: Reminiscent of a "boat without a sail" this little bowl is perfect for sugar or spices; $23.

Warang Wayan spoon and tray: Remodelista

Above: A small spoon hovers over Warang Wayan's large teak tray; $18.

Warang Wayan per teaspoon: Remodelista

Above: A pear-shaped teaspoon is perfect for ice cream and other creamy delights; $15.

Warang Wayan rice paddle: Remodelista

Above: A generous rice paddle is great for serving or stirring; $38.

N.B. Can't get enough wooden spoons? (We can't.) Browse more of our favorite standout stirrers.

5 Favorites: Instant Springlike Bedroom from Urban Barn

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SPONSORED POST

Here at Remodelista, we're continually rearranging and reinvigorating the main living spaces in our homes. Just in time for spring, Canadian-based Urban Barn has released their new collection, featuring contemporary furniture pieces—from rustic wooden bed frames to bold, graphic printed chairs, and more.

Urban Barn opened their first store in British Columbia in 1990 in a space with rustic wooden floors and doors reminiscent of an old barn. The first store inspired the company name, a company that now includes 40 locations throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. With furniture, home decor, and accessories sourced locally and abroad, Urban Barn also travels overseas to bring rare finds to Canadian customers. Urban Barn's spring collection offers a mix of classically shaped pinewood pieces and graphic textiles in bright colors. We've selected our favorite items from the collection for an instant, spring bedroom.

For more information and to see more of their collection, visit Urban Barn (Urban Barn's collection is available to Canadian customers only). And for those with commitment issues, take a look at Urban Barn's The Make Room feature to create a mock-up plan of a space in your home with their furniture and decor.

Chalet Tall Dresser from Urban Barn

Above: The Chalet Tall Dresser is made from FSC-certified pinewood (reclaimed from the shipping industry) with a light gray, sun-dried ash finish and accented with brass hardware. The dresser measures 43.31 inches wide, 49.41 inches in height, and 19.69 inches in depth; it's currently on sale for CA$1,019 (originally CA$1,199).

Yellow and White Lattice Bedding from Urban Barn

Above: The Lattice Bedding Set features a graphic pattern in a Dijon yellow on 100 percent cotton, 300-thread-count fabric. The set includes a duvet cover and two standard pillow shams at CA$99 for the queen and CA$119 for the king.

Chalet Queen Bed from Urban Barn

Above: The Chalet Bed Frame, as with the dresser, is made from FSC-certified pinewood and inspired by a modern approach to rustic cabin living. The queen size, currently on sale for CA$1,189 (originally CA$1,399) measures 82 inches wide and 52 inches high; the king size is on sale for CA$1,359 (originally CA$1,599).

Rufus Armchair from Urban Barn

Above: The Rufus Chair can be custom ordered in hundreds of fabrics, including the Dixon Pewter print fabric (shown) for spring; locate a store in Canada online at Urban Barn.

Recycled Carafe and Cup from Urban Barn

Above L: The Authentic Caraf is made in Spain from recycled glass and inspired by vintage glassware for CA$12. Above R: To complete the set, the Authentic Old Fashioned Glasses are CA$7 each.

5 Favorites: Japanese-Inspired Mesh Pendant Lights

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A while back we admired this vintage fishing basket repurposed as a pendant light, spotted in the home of Hitoshi Uchida.

It's among the many details we admire in Uchida's home in Kamakura, Japan, which was featured on The Selby. For those not traveling to global antique markets (Uchida is the proprietor of cult favorite J'Antiques Tokyo), we went trawling for sources for creating something similar.

DIY pendant lamp made from an antique fishing basket

Above: For something similar, consider the South Bend Floating Wire Basket; $14.99 via Amazon, and add a Burnside Classic Cloth-Covered Cord Pendant; $100 at Rejuvenation.


Mesh Beehive Pendant & Mesh Cylinder Pendant

Above R: Mesh Beehive Pendant; $168. Above R: Mesh Cylinder Pendant; $168 from Anthropologie.

Chicken Wire Basket Pendant Light

Above: The Chicken Wire Basket Pendant Light is $149 from Barn Light Electric.

Mesh Flatbrim Pendant

Above L: Similar wire pendant lights can be found on Etsy. Above R: Mesh Flatbrim Pendant; $168 from Anthropologie.

A Room with a View: Cafe Aura in Japan

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Cafe Aura is located in the mountainous town of Karuizawa, a place famous for more reasons than one—a summer get-away destination for Tokyo dwellers, a spot John Lennon and Yoko Ono admired and repeatedly visited, and to date is the only city in the world that has hosted both summer and winter Olympic events.

When award-winning Japanese architect Takato Tamagami took on the project in 2010, his clients had three main requests: for the surrounding scenery to be incorporated into the design (to get the full effect of the dramatic views). create a garden where guests could enjoy outdoor events, and lastly, design a perfect retreat for peace and rest. Undoubtedly, Tamagami and his team managed to fulfill all three wishes. For more information, visit Cafe Aura.

Photography by Masaya Yoshimura.

Panoramic View From Cafe Aura, Remodelista

Above: The patio area offers a stunning view over the valley.

Interiors of Cafe Aura, Remodelista.

Above: On sunny days, guests can enjoy panoramas of the Japanese Southern Alps and the Yatsugatake Mountains.

Interiors of Cafe Aura, Remodelista.

Above: The view from the large windows makes you feel part of the surrounding nature.

Corridors of Cafe Aura, Remelista.

Above: The beams supporting the roof and structure are integrated into the walls.

The Exterior of Cafe Aura, Remodelista.

Above: The cantilevered structure stands on the top of a steep hill.

The Exterior of Cafe Aura, Remodelista.

Above: A view from the elevated outdoor terrace.

N.B.: Looking for other beautifully designed cafe spots around the world? Here are another 183 coffee houses you might find inspiring.

The Outsider's Guide to Tokyo: 10 Cutting-Edge Cafes, Shops, and Restaurants

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Sometimes the best insights into a city can come from an outsider, so when we heard that our SF-based friend Jay Carroll of One Trip Pass was headed to Tokyo, we asked him to take his camera and report back on his finds. Carroll has one of the plummiest jobs around as concept designer for Levi's, which means he travels the globe in search of inspiration. Here's what he discovered for us:

Photography by Jay Carroll

Bombay Bazaar in Daikanyama, Tokyo: Remodelista

Above: Bombay Bazaar in Daikanyama.

Remodelista: Favorite cafe?
Jay Carroll: Bombay Bazaar in Daikanyama is an underground bohemian café constructed mainly from driftwood, mosaic tiles, and mud walls. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a shaved ice with red beans after you've shopped the streets of Diakanyama.

Tamiser Antiques in Ebisu,Tokyo: Remodelista

Above: Antiques Tamiser in Ebisu (also see Tamiser).

RM: Favorite antiques shop?
JC: Tamiser smells like Italian potpourri and is filled with great antique wooden tables, pottery, light fixtures, and stacks of rare books.

Katsuyuki Tanaka, owner and sole barista of Bear Pond coffee shop in Kitazawa: Remodelista

Above: Katsuyuki Tanaka, owner and sole barista of Bear Pond in Kitazawa.

RM: Favorite coffee shop?
JC: Bear Pond in Kitazawa. Owner Katsuyuki Tanaka is a man of extreme passion, make that obsession. When we met, he flipped through piles of notebooks he has compiled documenting everything about coffee. In a fever, his right eye twitching, he hit on everything from the temperature and perfect Ph of an espresso shot to the type of music that was being played on the radio during the time Chemex was invented. The shot he gave me filled about an eighth of the cup, was thick as roofing tar and had me buzzing through the busy streets of Tokyo all day, no crash. A pilgrimage to be made for the coffee obsessed.

Tokyo coffee shop Bear Pond in Kitazawa: Remodelista

Above: Window seating at Bear Pond.

Kapital clothing store in Ebisu Tokyo: Remodelista

Above: Cult clothing store Kapital in Ebisu.

RM: Favorite clothing shop?
JC: When I first went to Tokyo in 2008 I was urged to visit Kapital by a friend in New York. I did, and my entire Tokyo trip became about seeing all of their five Tokyo stores. It’s not a shopping experience, it’s a five senses experience; Kapital transports you into their world, a wild and beautiful one.

Okura in Daikanyama, Tokyo: Remodelista

Above: The interior of clothing store Okura in Daikanyama.

RM: Other clothing shops worth visiting?
JC: Okura sells clothes and accessories, which are all indigo dyed. Even the stairs have an indigo runner, and I love to see how it’s changed each time I visit.

Tas Yard coffee shop in Harajuku, Tokyo; Remodelista

Above: Tas Yard in Harajuku. (See our previous post on Tas Yard.)

RM: Favorite shopping street?
JC: Owner Shin Nakahara operates a furniture shop, coffee shop, and a restaurant all within a two-block radius in Harajuku. All sell their own product lines and evoke a very familiar laid-back, modern California spirit. Tas Yard is my favorite place to go for lunch; it makes me feel at home when I'm so far away.

Pacific Furniture Service in Ebisu, Tokyo: Remodelista

Above: Pacific Furniture Service in Ebisu.

RM: Go-to furniture shop?
JC: Pacific Furniture Service makes chairs, desks, coffee tables, and beds; my guess is that the inspiration is what a typical high school teacher’s lounge looked like in 1959, but in the best possible way. Midcentury modern mixed with midcentury practical. It’s a focused and nostalgic step back in time.

Hardware store, Pacific Parts Center, Ebisu, Tokyo: Remodelista

Above: Hardware store Pacific Parts Center.

RM: Favorite hardware store?
JC: Down the street from Pacific Furniture Center is their curated (and my dream) hardware store, Pacific Parts Center, with clean and simple, sometimes vintage inspired, functional hardware. Buyer beware: purchases can make for an interesting TSA exchange at the airport.

RM: Other favorite destinations?
JC: Definitely worth a visit are Eatrip restaurant in Harajuku and Tsutaya Book Store in Daikanyama. It's interesting to note that many of the places I've listed here look like they could be Japanese interpretations of California culture—or, better yet, interpretations of California’s interpretation of Japanese culture.

Need somewhere to stay in Tokyo? Claska is a favorite of ours. And for more lodging, shopping, and dining ideas, check out our Tokyo City Guide.

What's missing from our roundup? If you have any great recommendations for us to check out in Tokyo, we would love to add them to the list. Please let us know in the box below.

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