Modernizing a dilapidated old apartment

SHILPI CHAKRAVARTY SHILPI CHAKRAVARTY
Renovation 104, 一色玲児 建築設計事務所 / ISSHIKI REIJI ARCHITECTS 一色玲児 建築設計事務所 / ISSHIKI REIJI ARCHITECTS Living room
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Sapporo in Japan is well renowned for its snow festival as well as its modern architecture & design. The latter is what we are here to look at today, with this ideabook that takes us inside an architectural marvel that used to be a dirty and dull looking old house at some point in time. Absolutely plain with sombre interiors, the house underwent a complete metamorphosis in the capable hands of the team of Isshiki Reiji Architects and emerged an exemplary modern home with a stunning design.

Check it out!

Before: Flat & Glum; Disuse of Spaces

Previously, the living room bore a dismal appearance lacking any sheen. The furnishings & fixtures also were quite ordinary and unsightly- the grey carpet & the yellowed chandelier looked dirty and worn out. The wallpaper appeared very dull & monotonous and though light colored, it did nothing to enhance the brightness of the room. Inspite of being spacious, it seems like the spaces had not been utilized to their complete functionality.

Before: Outdated & Jaded

The spaces looked scruffy. The fixtures as well as the furnishings were commonplace. The palette and the wooden elements did not bring in enough warmth to gladden up the rooms. The former design could not be called one that exudes a feeling of cheerful positivity.

After: Magically Transformed!

Yes, it is indeed the same space you are looking at! Wonderful isn’t it? With the entire room clearly divided into spaces for lounging and dining, the look has been transformed completely. An elegantly done up capacious living room with simple & classy furnishings, this new version is far from its dreary past. Just look at the ottoman! The graceful wooden panels add a warm texture to the bright room bathed in the glory of white

After: Lounge in Plush Style

Conveying refined taste and delicate detailing, the design of the lounging space oozes chic mellowness and modish comfort. The wooden paneled wall with the pop up storage platform for TV accessories is the highlight of this area. Plenty of natural light pours into the lounge space through the translucent drapes on the expansive windows, illuminating the space. Natural wooden flooring has replaced the drab carpet; the chandelier has made way for the white lamp & bulb lights for a contemporary touch. Minimal furniture with just 2 roundish tables & a wooden cabinet leave a lot of room to prevent a cluttered look. The potted plants add freshness and the white rug looks singular on the wooden floor.

After: Twilight Elegance

This photo shows the living room after dark, wherein the cozy ambiance lingers on with sustained glow of compassion and harmony. The heaters are embedded in the walls, saving a lot of space.  The semi-open kitchen space is partially separated from the living room.  Decked in white, the kitchen is another feather in the designer’s cap.

After: Dine in Savory Spirit

The dining space of the living room faces the kitchen. Large glass windows let in ample natural light; the wall design with inbuilt racks saves a lot of space, décor items including the bonsai and the heater have been conveniently accommodated in these racks. The simple table and black chairs comprise the setting, for a hearty meal, illuminated by low lights.

After: Serene Optimism

This bedroom is all about oodles of cheery comfort in pristine white. The golden glow of the lamp adds to the radiance of the walls. Note that the carpet is again grey here, but it is not looking dull at all- complementary palette is a clever way to brighten spaces. The grey tones rather bring out the brightness of the clear white.

After: Convenience in Wood

This handy closet space provides plenty of room to store your clothing and other belongings. Properly lit with wooden planks on walls, it is replete with rods & racks for ample storage provision.

After: Splendour in Simplicity

The bathroom is sober and elegant with an ivory tonality. The image shows the washbasin facility in its simplistic beauty. The wall with the wooden framed mirror is in mosaic tiles that reflect the brightness. The wall cabinet with a glassy cover provisions for storing toiletries comfortably.

After: Less is More!

The double layered wood paneled wall design behind the toilet seat lends a new texture and brightness to this space. The open wooden rack is for small supplies like soap dispenser. This toilet is an example of smart use of a small space without any cluttering.

This redesigned home is a lovely proof of creation of a comfortable space without any complicated design. Take a look at this ideabook for another simplistic and elegant home revival that will please you beyond words… …

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