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Living room - living room idea in San Francisco
Mark Brand Architecture
Mark Brand Architecture
Average rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars31 ReviewsView Profile

Japanese Inspired Remodel in Noe Valley-Living Room

Asian Living Room, San Francisco

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner’s passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

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What Houzz contributors are saying
Bud Dietrich, AIA added this to Architect's Toolbox — Trim Wraps Up Style for RoomsJune 13, 2012

As mentioned earlier, this use of trim has a distinctly Japanese quality. Walls are made to feel less structural and...

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Ansa Stha added this to Ansa's IdeasSeptember 2, 2024

kitchen and bedroom divide