Our second incarnation in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo, occupies a ground-floor corner lot of a low-rise brick building. Designed in collaboration with Torafu Architects, the interior takes inspiration from the area’s post-war modern housing complexes, which allow for the coexistence of commercial and residential spaces. Considering the scale of the site, and the ample natural light that pours in through the windows, the store was conceived as an evocation of a home—somewhere cozy and comforting.
As visitors step in from the street, they are immersed in an environment of warm hues and textures. Taking cues from domestic timber furniture of the 1960s and 70s, the shelves, tables and cabinets were fashioned as free-standing and distinct from one another. Hewn from pine wood with curved edges and meticulous details, the pieces stand on thick, rounded legs that contribute a certain human quality. Pine develops a patina over time, becoming more and more charming as it ages. Underfoot, sisal carpet creates a hospitable, textured surface for weary feet and softens the acoustics for overwhelmed ears.
