A “Little Chaos” Is What Makes This Japan Rental Apartment So Charming
Four years ago, when Katsumi and Wakana Kobayashi moved into their one-bedroom apartment in Japan’s Nagano prefecture, they weren’t exactly thrilled by the interiors. “Hospital company housing” is how Wakana described the original space.
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Even though the original decor wasn’t the couple’s favorite feature, the arrangement itself was a pretty sweet deal. Katsumi’s parents own the apartment and rent it out to the couple (and, at the time, their soon-to-be-born daughter).
But soon after moving in, the couple started making changes. One of Wakana’s proudest projects was removing the wall between the living room and bedroom. While it technically reduced their rooms from two to one, it likely made the space feel much more expansive. However, one of the most aesthetically pleasing transformations occurred on the walls.
“My favorite part is the concrete wall with haphazardly applied putty that appeared when I stripped the wallpaper,” Wakana admits.
The rustic, almost Brutalist-style concrete walls are the perfect modern backdrop for the family’s abundant indoor greenery. “I love the depth that comes from combining different textures and tones — it makes the space feel more alive, like it’s constantly evolving with us,” Wakana says.
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Resources
LIVING ROOM
- Brigantin sofa — Ligne roset
- Cushions — Dusendusen, Luna del Pinal, jiu jie
- TV stand — kare
- The table lamp on top of the TV — Apoc store (lamp made by Teun Zwets)
- The blanket draped over the sofa — Luna del Pinal
- Chandelier — Vistosi
- Cable jewelry ーBless
- Balancing stool ー Setup 2000
- Boucherouite rug — Vintage shop
- Sideboard ー Vintage shop
- Resin vase — Designed by Gaetano Pesce
- Eyeball clock ー Etsy
- Candleholder ー Aot studio
DINING ROOM
- Chairs — kartell, leander, gastone Rinaldi
- Tissue case ー SHOKKI
- Electric kettle ー HARIO
KITCHEN
- Cake pedestals — John Derian
- Tiles ー palet.company
BEDROOM
- Duvet cover, pillowcase, bed sheet — SUKU HOME
- Side table ー Kartell
- Vase ー Studio reiser
- Planter pot ー Willy Guhl
- Planter pot ー Kaleyflowers
- Azilal rug ー Zarabiya deco
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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