Japanese-Style Apartment with Spa
A couple with a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, honed by years spent living in Japan and other countries, finally found their dream apartment in Moscow. They desired an interior that authentically reflected Japanese aesthetics and wanted a Japanese designer to ensure this authenticity.
Creating a genuinely Japanese interior without resorting to clichés akin to chain sushi restaurants posed a unique challenge. The inspiration for this project stemmed from a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn designed for private and serene retreats, often situated near hot springs or scenic spots to offer guests top-notch service and holistic relaxation.
Upon entering, the apartment immediately transports you to Japan with a dark stone flooring segment called a genkan. This dedicated area for removing shoes, with a single step up, prevents outside dirt from spreading indoors, a signature feature in Japanese homes from private residences to high-rise apartments. Walking through a dimly lit corridor with interior lighting, one encounters two niches specifically crafted for the hostess’s kimono collection. These niches feature fabric similar to the kimonos, accentuating their cultural value.
Under the staircase leading to the roof terrace lies a small stone garden with living plants, reminiscent of a nakaniwa — an indoor garden typically found in the center of Japanese homes, known only to its occupants. The corridor directs you to the main living space, a master bedroom with a spacious lounge area. Inspired by the iconic Japanese andon lantern, the design features sliding wooden doors concealing a bed bathed in warm, ambient light. The bed itself sits on Japanese-style mattresses arranged over tatami mats, with a decorative panel overhead crafted from three types of washi paper encased in glass.
To the right of the bed, a discreet entrance leads to a bathroom that doubles as a full-fledged spa. With elements replicating an onsen, the designer included wooden stools for traditional Japanese washing and a large wooden bathtub lined with Towada stone tiles.
This minimalist design incorporates several Japanese elements without overwhelming the space. The entire apartment is adorned in muted tones, free of bright colors, and features subdued interior lighting. This design approach aligns with the Japanese aesthetic concept of sabi, which values simplicity, rough textures, and the gentle diffusion of light through rice paper. The result is a tranquil haven perfect for unwinding after bustling workdays.
