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Writer's pictureYeung Kay

Japanese Hinoki Haven: A 19-Pyeong Apartment Transformation!

A Homeowner's Tale: From Purchase to PerfectionOur protagonist (a.k.a. the homeowner) recounts their quest to revamp a 19-pyeong apartment into a blissful Japanese-style abode for themselves and their mom. The goal? To create a space as versatile as a chameleon, where each season brings a new vibe!


The Decorating Drama Begins 🎭Once upon a time, as their family home geared up for redevelopment, our hero bought this used apartment nearby. The original layout? A one-bedroom, two-bathroom, one-kitchen, one-balcony affair – rather simple and clean, yet yearning for transformation.





Calling in the Design Cavalry 🛠️Enter Yi-Mu Interior Design, found through a friend's recommendation. Initially worried about clashing ideas, our homeowner was pleasantly surprised by the team's listening ears and detail-oriented approach. And so, the design journey began without a hitch!


A Simple Makeover Wishlist 📝With just the homeowner and their elderly mom, simplicity was key. The wishlist included:

  1. Knocking down walls to create a two-bedroom, one-living room layout.

  2. The larger room for mom, the longer one for our homeowner's work-and-sleep combo.

  3. A single bathroom (less is more!).

  4. The spare bathroom space transformed into a treasure trove for collectibles.

  5. A living room with a wooden frame to honor their late father.

  6. An overall Japanese-style aesthetic with a woody touch.


Design Deep Dive 🎨Thanks to their Japanese grandmother's influence, our homeowner craved a bright, minimalist, wood-accented space. They personally picked hinoki and teak wood for the shelving and table tops, ensuring every inch screamed authenticity.








The Grand Reveal: Before & After 🤩

  • Living Room: Stepping through the entrance, you're greeted by a naturally lit space, with a custom-made hinoki shelf (assembled using old-school techniques without a single metal piece!).





  • Dining & Kitchen: A cozy kitchen and a dining table that doubles as a prep island, boasting an elegant teak top.


  • Bedroom: Featuring glass partitions instead of solid walls for a spacious, light-filled vibe. Plus, sliding doors everywhere for that sleek, space-saving look.





  • Bathroom: A complete overhaul with gray, wood, and white elements, and yes, a bathtub for those relaxing soaks.



  • Storage Room: A special nook for the homeowner's art collection, cleverly integrated with the living room.



Decorating Epilogue 🌿From a 50-pyeong house to this compact gem, the homeowner mastered the art of decluttering. The result? A seemingly airy home packed with smart storage solutions.


A Little Wisdom to Share 🌼Even after some time, the home still radiates the calming scent of hinoki wood, creating a forest-like sanctuary. The homeowner cherishes the flexibility of their 'basic layout' design, allowing for artistic displays that keep the home ever-evolving. They look forward to watching the trees outside grow, bringing nature's beauty right into their living room.


And that's the story of turning a humble abode into a Japanese-inspired, hinoki-scented haven – a true testament to the magic of thoughtful design and a little bit of wood! 🏡🌸


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