Seeking Peace and a Makeover

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Lately I've felt a bit bombarded with to-do's, events and just general chaos. So sadly, I haven't had much down time to think about architecture or interiors. Niseko was a nice respite but getting back to the quotidian grind has been exhausting. I'm generally not one to complain but boy, I could use a nap! This looks like a good spot.


In spite of my best intentions, I find myself surfing the web in the few quiet moments I have. I've been really drawn to ivories, whites and neutrals lately. This is my favorite new scarf.



Some inexpensive vases I've been thinking about



Maybe a little comfort food while we're at it? I've been wanting to try this clafoutis recipe from one of my favorite food bloggers, Mimi Thorisson. By the way, have you seen her book? My copy finally arrived and it is sumptuous.



I have been starting to shop online a bit for somethings for our US House. I'm absolutely over our Japanese apartment. I once read that babies were usually the end of blogs. I can see that, they certainly require undivided attention for many hours of the day. But I think more so my decline in frequency is attributable to life being more complicated, and really not being excited about our very utilitarian house here in Japan. I find myself surrounded by what was a normal, even Spartan, amount of stuff which suddenly seems overwhelming. I'm not sure if you've ever shopped in Japan at places like Homac or Nitori but furniture here is more of the Ikea variety, maybe not as nicely made. I would say Muji is the exception as their things are very nicely made, but even they are quite minimalist. Occasionally I'll stumble upon a handmade furniture maker of cabinets or chairs or even the odd antique shop. These are exciting finds but otherwise, function tends to dominate form. But in that spirit, did you know Muji Japan keeps a design blog? It is called Idea Park and I saw this makeover the other day.

Before:




After:







Alright, off to finally get that nap!


Parnassus said...

Hello Ann, Every once in a while, I find a great appeal in the clean slate approach; when colors and items are not too demanding, the environment seems more relaxing. After a while, however, I start to want more interest, history and visual challenge in the things around me. I would consider this evolved type of environment more energizing and distinctive.
--Jim

ArchitectDesign™ said...

what a great makeover - off to check out their blog. Things are crazy here too and as you say the blog is the first thing to suffer. Here though it's not a baby but a huge renovation of our house *sigh*. Can't even get to the pretty fun stuff because so much infrastructure needs to be replaced and updated - eating up the budget! ARGH

Kristy said...

I can't wait to see what you do with your US home. I'm sure it will be beautiful!