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Reflecting on My First College Design Project: Lessons and Growth

Harry Armstrong

Updated: Aug 30, 2024

The enduring popularity of Japanese-inspired design in modern homes can be attributed to its ability to create a harmonious living space that promotes relaxation, contemplation, and a sense of well-being. Whether it's through the use of traditional elements or a contemporary reinterpretation of Japanese aesthetics, this design style continues to captivate homeowners looking to infuse their living spaces with a touch of timeless elegance and tranquility.


As previously stated in my last blog post, while pursuing my education at Oregon State University, I engaged in a residential project that integrated Japanese-inspired design elements. This post will provide an analysis of a project executed by renowned professionals in the field, including Stuart Silk Architects for architecture, Melinda Sechrist and Louanne Low of Sechrist Design Associates Inc. for interior design, Thom Schultz and Doug Payne of Mercer Builders LLC for home construction, and Richard Hartlage of Land Morphology for landscape architecture. Additionally, this post will revisit my own college project for further examination.


Eastern Influence On Lake Washington Photography By: Aaron Leitz

The residence, showcasing Eastern influences, is nestled on a wooded plot with captivating views of Lake Washington, surrounded by abundant nature. The homeowner had a comprehensive set of requirements, aiming to integrate his bonsai and specimen trees while evoking a Japanese-1950s aesthetic that is both transparent and inviting. The design was envisioned as a single-story structure without any steps, featuring an entrance sequence that offers a transformative experience from the very moment one passes through the outer gate.



Maximizing daylight through the strategic placement of a continuous band of clerestory windows is not only a functional design choice but also a visually striking one. These windows are positioned high on the walls, allowing natural light to flood into the interior spaces while maintaining privacy. The interplay between light and shadow created by these windows enhances the architectural elements of the home, adding depth and dimension to the overall design.


In addition to their aesthetic appeal, clerestory windows serve a practical purpose by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day, thus contributing to energy efficiency. By harnessing the natural light that filters through these windows, the home becomes a more sustainable and environmentally friendly space.


Furthermore, the structural elements of the home are accentuated by the presence of these clerestory windows. The contrast between the solid walls and the transparent windows creates a sense of balance and harmony within the space. The play of light and shadow on the surfaces of the walls highlights the textures and materials used in the construction, adding a layer of complexity to the architectural composition.


Overall, the incorporation of a continuous band of clerestory windows not only maximizes daylight within the home but also elevates the design by creating a dynamic interplay between light, space, and structure.



The couple's frequent entertaining is effortlessly managed with the installation of cedar plank ceilings to absorb sound. The family room's media unit cleverly incorporates the husband's desk, offering a great view and ample drawer space. Despite its minimalist design, the kitchen boasts a surprising amount of storage. Ingeniously hidden within the walls are zig-zag tunnels that allow the couple's rescue cats to roam discreetly. Designers Melinda Sechrist and Louanne Low infused the space with touches of warmth to mirror the wife's discerning taste. Opting for alpaca fabrics in the living room brought a luxurious softness, while hues drawn from the clients' artwork, such as a deep blue from a painting for the dining room chairs and a rust tone inspired by a maple tree, added vibrancy. A cozy reading nook by the fireplace was added to the master bedroom for ultimate relaxation.



The Ligne Roset stools are set up by the island, which is covered in Calacatta Gold marble from Marmo e Granito. This same stone is used for the backsplash and to hide some shelves. The lighting comes from a set of Zaneen pendants from Lighting Supply. The kitchen cabinetry was done by Northwest Building Tech and Mercer Painting. For appliances, they've got Miele ovens and a Wolf cooktop from Albert Lee, Blanco sinks, and Waterstone faucets. And in the nearby family room, the sofa is draped in Schumacher mohair fabric.



In the main pavilion, the dining room has a cool LUMA Design Workshop table from Trammell-Gagne and some stylish Ligne Roset chairs in a bright blue Nobills fabric from Kelly Forslund. The fancy rock crystal Pagani Studio chandelier is from Holly Hunt in West Hollywood, California. And check out that cool painting by Ilya Zomb on the wall!


"We wanted the powder room to have a temple-like vibe," Low explains. They used an onyx slab from Meta Marble & Granite as a striking background for one of the homeowners' Buddhas. The custom counter, made by Decorative Metal Arts, features a Watermark faucet from Chown Hardware. Onyx tile from Statements lines the backsplash, while the Maya Romanoff wall covering is from Trammell-Gagne. The porcelain tile flooring is from Pental Surfaces.


Revisiting my college project

A decade ago, at the outset of my interior design education, my youthful perspective was drawn to the design principles of Japanese aesthetics. Despite my keen interest, I lacked a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively apply these principles to achieve a harmonious balance between form and function within a space.


The course I completed previously was an Introduction to Design Communications, encompassing fundamental principles such as hand drafting, lettering, illustrative sketching, perspective, and orthographic projections.



Both the Washington Lake house and my college project share a common focus on incorporating Japanese design elements into their interior design. Below I will state the similarities between the two projects and my improved approach to incorporating Japanese design principles more efficiently today.


The living room provides access to the dining room, featuring traditional Japanese sliding doors that lead back to the house entrance. For an outdoor ambiance in the living room, a river feature starts at the base of the bookshelf on the west wall, flowing through the south wall and into the swimming pool. Stone walls frame the built-in bookshelf, and walnut flooring extends from the living room to the dining area and hallway, evoking a natural feel.


The dining room is adorned with a light green-brown color scheme that complements the bamboo panels on the ceiling and east wall. The dining table and chairs are adjustable, allowing for a chabudai setup for floor dining or standard seating for guests.


As my knowledge of materials was expanding during this course, I aimed to introduce an Asian influence by incorporating bamboo, a material closely linked to Asian culture, into my project. If I were to tackle this project today, I would opt for cedar panels instead of bamboo. Cedar is frequently used in contemporary residences due to its durability as a softwood, uniform grain, smooth texture, and minimal knots.


The kitchen is designed to be inviting, with warm colors and a spacious layout. Red and tan tiles adorn the floor, while the sink is conveniently placed in the island/bar for meal preparation and entertaining. Windows on the east side of the kitchen, coupled with a breakfast nook, ensure ample morning sunlight. On the west wall of the kitchen, a depiction of the rising sun crafted from red tiles symbolizes Japanese culture, blending seamlessly with the surrounding cupboards and cabinets.


Today, I would create a more enduring design by integrating marble to seamlessly merge the shelves, counters, and backsplash, giving a monolithic feel. Swapping out the red and tan tiles with polished concrete flooring would achieve a more Eastern aesthetic.


The master bath will showcase jade from floor to ceiling, except for the concrete shower area, creating a distinctive contrast. Privacy in the shower is ensured by thick bamboo plants outside the glass wall. A waterfall shower head adds a touch of nature to the space. 


If I were to redo this project today, I aim to transform the master bathroom into a serene sanctuary conducive to relaxation, peace, and mindfulness. Similar to the Washington Lake house designers, the goal was to create a bathroom that evoked the feeling of entering a temple - a sanctuary for spirituality and tranquility.


Conclusion

My appreciation for Japanese design has undergone a significant transformation since my initial exposure during the Introduction to Design Communications project in 2014. This journey of exploration and learning has been instrumental in shaping my current approach to design. Japanese design principles are deeply rooted in the use of organic and natural materials such as wood, stone, and paper. The emphasis on these elements not only adds a sense of authenticity and timelessness to the design but also fosters a connection to nature.


One of the key characteristics of Japanese design that continues to inspire me is the sophisticated yet understated color palette. The preference for neutral tones, particularly darker and earthy hues like brown and green, creates a sense of harmony and tranquility in the space. This deliberate choice of colors reflects a profound respect for nature and its changing seasons, infusing the design with a sense of balance and serenity.


Furthermore, the concept of minimalism plays a pivotal role in Japanese design philosophy. By keeping the space uncluttered and focusing on essential elements, the design achieves a sense of simplicity and elegance. This minimalist approach not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also promotes a sense of clarity and mindfulness.


Another significant aspect of Japanese design that I find captivating is the emphasis on natural lighting. Maximizing the use of natural light not only brightens the space but also creates a seamless connection between the interior and exterior environments. This practice not only enhances the overall ambiance of the space but also contributes to a sense of well-being and vitality.


In conclusion, my evolving understanding of Japanese design has deeply influenced my current work, inspiring me to incorporate elements of nature, minimalism, and natural lighting to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also harmonious and functional. 


I am committing to my exploration and celebration of Asian design styles. I invite you to join this journey by subscribing to my blog, following me on social media, or contacting me for a consultation. Let me know if you have your own experience with Japanese or other Asian design styles that you want to share with me!




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