Homeowner Tomoko Matsuyama integrated a simple Japanese aesthetic into the 100-year-old townhouse she purchased in uptown Manhattan. Navigating a Life From East to West examines Ms. Matsuyama's collaboration with architect Michi Yanagishita of Front Studio. With the help of her architect, the two-unit building was made into a three-unit building, adding additional rental income while employing some clever design tricks...
Ms. Matsuyama lives in a duplex starting at the middle floor. An additional duplex rental unit shares half of a floor. Notice the lift-up cupboards in the kitchen and the open stairway. Ms. Matsuyama has a penchant for Warhol!
The above doorway functions in two ways: It either closes off the stairway and is open to the bedroom, or closes off the bedroom and is open to the stairway. This is a great trick in a small space, as long as there is room to turnaround at the top of the stair!
Check out the complete story and audio slideshow for more pictures and information.
(Pics: Ozier Muhammad)
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I like this place. Its a nice balance of warm and clean.
Cheers!
view SeanG's profile
I'm not crazy about the exposed brick. Too industrial for a townhouse circa 1900. But the sliding doors are pretty neat.
view sammie2's profile
i am sorry but its a yawn! boring but nice kitchen though
view benja-dena's profile
I like it a lot. It looks pared down but not cold. The interiors seem to authentically relate to the person who lives there.
view RichardinLA's profile