Explore this Japanese-inspired property, embracing yūgen

This stunning haven was designed for a professional couple who had recently emigrated from Hong Kong, inspired by Japanese culture and the concept of yūgen – creating a beautiful, evocative sanctuary.

The couple purchased a 2-storey 1960s terraced house in Ealing, West London back in 2022, with a vision to make it their long-term family home.

However, the property hadn’t been lived in for years and needed complete refurbishment.

Having grown up in Hong Kong, with a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, the couple tasked Yoko Kloeden Design with creating a Japanese-inspired property.

The brief was to create a pared-back, wood-cladded home that included as many Japanese interior features as possible.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing of products were high on the couple’s priority list, so the studio worked with craftspeople who had been trained in Japan and who’d sourced authentic materials from the country to create the vision.

The end result is a pocket of peace within an urban area, with highlights including the Shoji paper-sliding screens and Tatami mattress room.

Natural materials, an electric heat pump and underfloor heating all ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of the build.

Overall, it really is a serene place for the couple to relax and unwind after a busy day in the city, paying homage to Japanese culture.

Entrance hall

Within East Asian homes, the entrance hallway is vital for instigating a warm welcome.

The client requested a clear separation between the entrance and the interior of the home, with ample storage for shoes, keys and letters.

Yoko’s team rose to the challenge by elongating the hallway to accommodate a full height shoe storage unit and console drawer with an integrated full-heigh mirror.

The material palette was kept minimal, with oak and concrete used throughout the house to create a sense of cohesion.

This resulted in the entrance hallway becoming a functional, yet elegant space; setting the tone for the rest of the home.

Downstairs areas

The client’s severe dust allergy, triggered by their move to the UK, ensured the design team minimised the use of fabric in the living dining space.

Instead, wooden slatted acoustic panels were added to improve acoustics and create a warm atmosphere whilst avoiding dust, pollen and microbes.

A bespoke grass rug from Japan completed the space, adding a unique touch to the room.

The kitchen has a minimal palette which was enhanced with grey marble countertops, adding elegance and durability to the design.

The sleek and practical space combines functionality and form, whilst maximising the space.

Guest spaces

A flexible partition for the open-plan space was requested which could be used as a home office or a guest bedroom.

The team suggested using traditional Shoji paper sliding screens and went on to create a set that could be closed for privacy when required.

As part of the design of this room, they also crafted a wooden platform that can be used to yoga practice or as a futon base – useful when utilising the room as a guest bedroom.

The guest bathroom was designed as a minimalist yet inviting space.

Using porcelain tiles from renowned Japanese tile manufacturer INAX, and created using split bamboo, the end result is a truly stunning understated bathroom with a calming feel.

Bespoke touches

As the couple were used to sleeping on a futon on the floor, the team had a bespoke tatami mattress made in Tokyo.

The design team also created a wall-to-wall oak headboard, inspired by a Nara boutique hotel – creating a comfortable and stylish bedroom reflecting the Japanese theme of the home.

The first floor was switched up to create a larger bathroom and landing, allowing space for both a freestanding bath and separate shower.

In this case, the palette was enhanced by using striking marble, adding a visual statement to the space.

Achieving yūgen

This unique and stunning renovation was brought to life by Japanese corporate investor turned designer, Yoko Kloeden, who’s been creating stunning projects in her Richmond base since 2016.

She takes a holistic approach to his designs, from the design and construction to the specialist finishes.

1. Create a space to pause before stepping into your sanctuary (living space).

With our Essence of Japan project, the original hallway was small but the client opted to elongate the space to create the floor-to-ceiling shoes cupboard.

This means you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the outside world, together with your shoes and coat, before stepping into your home.

2. Use wood as a tactile material

Wood is used throughout many of our projects. With Essence of Japan, we used it as a frame and tracks for the sliding screens, as well as for the floors, walls and furniture.

When you slide the doors, the wooden tracks create a much softer slide compared to metal tracks. These seemingly little details make a big difference when you use them every day.

3. Leave walls empty with intention

In our Essence of Japan project, the client preferred to keep a lot of walls intentionally empty instead of filling them with art or shelves, helping to create a meditative mood and allowing the noise in your head to calm and settle.

4. Use soft shades and screens to control lighting

To create a calm living environment, shoji paper screens and soft voile curtains help to let the soft natural light in. If you’re using artificial lights then opt for an opaque lamp shade rather than exposed light bulbs.

5. Use naturally occurring patterns as the only patterns

Naturally occurring patterns such as marble veins or wood grains are known to have a positive cognitive impact. In contrast, we react poorly to very smooth and shiny surfaces neurologically.