Going abroad and looking at Japan from a distance, it dawns on me once again how materially rich this country is.
“Cheap is the best!”
“I would say that the latest is better even if it costs a bit more.”
“Adapting what’s in vogue is my priority.”
“Adapting what’s in vogue is my priority.”
With the vast array of choices available, buying standards also differ greatly.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a growing number of people who are opting for a simpler lifestyle by lessening the amount of material things around them. While it is certainly true that overwhelming our surroundings with things can make us lose sight of what is really important, paring our homes down io a bare-boned and lifeless space can be a sad thing too.
This is why rethinking the yardsticks for our choices might just be the most important thing we can do now to achieve that balance.
The things we buy, in an amazing way, can tell us so much about how we live. One person may live her hopes and dreams through beautiful things, while another spins for himself an image of his ideal lifestyle by going down to the last touch and sound; yet another treasures the calming effect that certain objects can bring to her home.
What do we really want for our families, for ourselves?
When can we usually find the little joys in our lives?
Waking up in the morning, cleaning the house; while doing the dishes or cooking, try asking yourself a few simple questions. By doing so and discovering your own “yardsticks”, shopping will surely become an exciting and enjoyable experience again.
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*This chest was bought from the same department store where I got my cupboard. The antique mirror and old bind table were from an interior and zakka shop in Sapporo called "Long Parish".
*I find strength in beautiful things. The much admired Lucie Rie's book is always placed within sight and I like to pick it up and look at it now and then.
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A Look at The Home of Miwa Kojima
When I first started living by myself, the department store was where I went searching for furniture. I wanted good quality products that I could love and live with for a long time, so I splurged my bonus pay on an expensive cupboard. It was a costly item, and I returned many times to check it out and consider, but eventually I bought it. My friends were shocked at the price tag, but I have not regretted nor gotten tired of it. It has become a treasured item in my everyday life.
The thing that I am particular about when making my choices is whether something has character, or a sense of elegance to it. Objects with a beautiful balance of form and colours can give such a graceful and dignified presence. I also find womanly lines and subtly gorgeous things calming and inspiring. It might just be that I am looking for qualities in things that are lacking inside of me. Thinking of this further convinces me to go for good quality.
To me, the furniture and everyday objects that I love may serve as a good guide to knowing myself better.
When I go shopping, I usually end up going for things that feel right on first sight. Ever since I was a child, I have never been much interested in things that are trendy or in fashion, just things that felt right for me. Surrounded by my favourite things, I really love this little space that I am in now.
Below from left:
My design related job keeps me busy in the hours after noon until night. That is why the few hours of private time that I have after I wake up are so important to me. The first thing I do after waking up is to have a freshly squeezed glass of fruit or vegetable juice. It has become my daily ritual for years now. I then take around an hour to do a bit of cleaning. It’s hard to settle down in a home that is not clean, so I always make it a point to give the floor a wipe. After that I relax with yoga, followed by a cup of green tea. I believe that having a clean and airy space and taking care of yourself will help ease the stresses in life. That is why for my home surroundings, I try to give priority to items that can fit in and support my own lifestyle rhythm.
Top:
*Living in an apartment doesn't allow me to do as much gardening as I would like but I always try to have flowers and green plants around me at home.
*Living in an apartment doesn't allow me to do as much gardening as I would like but I always try to have flowers and green plants around me at home.
Below from left:
*The cushion with the number '3' was designed by me and can be found on my online shop http://www.tete-tete.com
*One of the exhibits that was displayed at the gallery that I run, "Room 11". It's title is "Flower Bud". I love how delicate it is and beautiful the petals look.
*These are the "Flower vases of April" bought from a shop named Galerie Doux Dimanche in Jiyugaoka. I arranged them with an image of flowers and greens growing by the windowsill in mind.
*This chest was bought from the same department store where I got my cupboard. The antique mirror and old bind table were from an interior and zakka shop in Sapporo called "Long Parish".
*I find strength in beautiful things. The much admired Lucie Rie's book is always placed within sight and I like to pick it up and look at it now and then.
Photos clockwise from left:
*There are no curtains in my bedroom yet, but I've just found some good fabric so I'll be sewing them during my spare time.
*First thing to do after I wake up, make my bed. The quilted bed cover was made by my mother and I've loved using it since my primary school days.
*The juice I made from organic carrots and apples with my juicer. I leave the skin on to get all the fibre and vitamins I need.
*The silver spoons from Kobo Aizawa is a staple in my home. I've been using these for a long time but occasionally I'll use a soft cloth to give them a quick polish.
Photos clockwise from top left:
*The earthern pot which I use to steam my rice is called "kamadosan" and is from Nagayaen. I think the pot behind from 4th market looks really stylish too.
*If I've an hour to spare, I'll usually prepare some side dishes beforehand. That's when my enamel food containers come into the play.
*I found this teapot from a shop called Keibunsha when I went to Kyoto for a holiday. It was so heavy, but I was carrying it in my hand luggage even when I got on the plane .
*Made in Netherlands coffeemaker. The filter is metallic but the resulting taste is as though it has been filtered by hand.
All photos and japanese text ©Come Home! 2010 Vol. 21
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