The WS house by Men Bureau is surrounded by unique terrain and the colors of the house blend with the environment. Each room takes natural light in a way to create a spacious atmosphere and maximizes the outside view. Each room is picturesque in its way, yet still modest and connected to each other. The interior of the home has a strong focus on natural materials and texture.
The floorboards are European Oak and were meticulously finished on-site with a black resin filling the knots. Deep timbers are the dominant flooring in this house. Inside of the house, you can see a contrast of raw and glazed ceramics as a hallmark of the Wabi Sabi style. All these things share a certain roughness, simplicity, and uniqueness that makes them beautiful, despite their imperfect shape and texture. The studio had to balance preserving the history of the house with making it habitable and adapting it to fit the way their clients want to live.
Therefore, they made several decisions to change the look of the interior of the house, for example – they added rounded corners to various areas and used a large number of circles and arcs. All of the colors they’ve used are quite neutral and warm. A subdued shade is sure to evoke a sense of calm and tranquility in the home. By enhancing the amount of natural light in the space, dark materials could then be selected.
Their bureau selected a dark timber veneer for the kitchen cabinetry because of its striking color and beautiful natural grain. Integrated appliances were incorporated to ensure a seamless look, with a focus on the materials. The sleekness of the marble countertop in this space gives contrast in texture. Brass details can be seen throughout the home in the hardware and lighting fixtures. The material palette – which includes dark stained walnut, antique brass, and natural textiles – was informed by the aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi philosophy.