27-Year-Old Apartment Transformed with 'Doma'

The project aimed for a highly functional, Japanese-style interior, with the couple collaborating closely with a designer while maintaining a clear vision for their first home.

The original apartment layout included a partition that significantly blocked natural light from the windows, leading the owners to consult professionals to confirm structural safety before its removal.

After careful consideration, the kitchen and living space were reconfigured, and zones were swapped to prioritize maximizing daylight exposure in the main living area, thereby enhancing the overall brightness of the home.

A target of 1.2 to 1.3 million was established by the owners to realize their vision for the apartment's design and functionality.

Aiming to minimize wasted space, the couple integrated a transitional 'Doma' zone with open shoe storage in place of a standard TV area.

This transitional zone now includes open shoe storage, offering greater functionality and better utilization of the space compared to a standard entryway.

The custom pegboard storage system utilizes stainless steel nails as supports instead of traditional wooden dowels, with some materials salvaged from other parts of the renovation.

Electrostatic sheets are employed to protect the wooden boards from dirt accumulation caused by shoes, while the overall design requires minimal maintenance; users simply add wooden planks as needed for storage.

Sean, one of the homeowners, contributed artistic collections, including pieces by Taiwanese wool artist Anyetang, adding unique decorative elements to the practical design managed by Twiggy.

Twiggy engaged Sean in the decision-making process by offering him choices for final input on decorative elements like figures and art, balancing functionality with personal aesthetics.

By replacing bed sheets every three to four months and avoiding artificial air fresheners, the residents simplify maintenance and keep their living environment fresh.

Muji storage boxes are used to categorize miscellaneous items, preventing clutter, and a dedicated storage area is set up behind a wall for hanging clothes, inspired by Korean household organization techniques.

While regular clothes are still washed conventionally, this device is particularly useful for removing food odors and refreshing garments.

Dark-toned vintage furniture, sourced from Taipei, provides a necessary contrast to the predominantly light-toned interior, effectively balancing the overall aesthetic of the room.

The strategic placement of a vintage cabinet, a floor lamp, and a chair creates proper negative space, contributing to a harmonious and well-proportioned decor.

By adopting an island concept, the owners avoided the cost of relocating gas and water lines while incorporating two refrigerators and a stainless steel countertop to optimize kitchen workflow.

To meet their cooking needs, the owners installed two refrigerators, and a stainless steel countertop was chosen, despite its susceptibility to surface scratches, for its durability and aesthetic appeal.

The dishwasher is strategically positioned directly adjacent to dish storage, streamlining the cleaning process, and a dedicated spice pull-out drawer keeps condiments organized and protected from grease.

Pots and pans are openly displayed on shelves rather than being hidden in cabinets, contributing to a cozy and lived-in feel in the kitchen, according to the homeowner.

This open storage approach emphasizes practicality while simultaneously enhancing the aesthetic of the living environment.

The couple redesigned a standard bar stool, which originally featured a wood-grain surface, by removing its original seat.

They instead attached a blue cushion, creating a harmonious blend with the light wood frame and enhancing both comfort and visual appeal.

The sofa is deliberately placed against the longer wall of the living room, rather than facing the TV, to facilitate easier movement around the space and maintain an unobstructed view of the entire interior layout.

To accommodate versatile viewing needs, the couple utilizes a portable TV stand, allowing them to watch television from various locations including the living room, dining area, and even the bedroom.

This portable TV stand incorporates a back panel for efficient cable management, reflecting a commitment to modern design flexibility and minimizing clutter.

Low windows are fitted with white aluminum blinds, chosen to complement the Japanese-style aesthetic without giving the appearance of an office space, ensuring a consistent and warm ambiance.

A Noguchi light is strategically installed near the window, creating a unique reflection effect at night that the homeowner likens to seeing two moons, enhancing the room's cozy and artistic atmosphere.

Visual clutter is reduced in the master bedroom by relocating storage and dressing functions to a separate room, ensuring the sleeping area remains exclusively for rest.

Storage and dressing functions are relocated to a separate room, which has been converted into a dedicated dressing area, ensuring the master bedroom remains serene and uncluttered.

Closet organization benefits from open storage, which keeps clothing visible and prevents garments from being overlooked or forgotten.

This approach also eliminates the need for folding clothes, saving time and effort, and the room remains minimally dusty due to rarely opened windows.

Meticulous planning and the strategic removal of specific design elements allowed the project owners to keep total renovation costs below 2 million.

For instance, the couple originally desired an L-shaped kitchen but pivoted due to constraints related to plumbing and gas lines, as well as budget considerations, highlighting the importance of understanding personal needs versus generic trends in design.

Bright, open, and airy design choices alleviate stress and prevent feelings of oppression, transforming the home into a primary recovery space after work.

The decision to share their renovation journey on social media initially began as a personal record of their investment rather than a strategic branding effort, underscoring the personal significance of their living space.