Small-space logistics
Kaoli and Shige’s home was planned around a simple concept: to be as white and natural as possible, like the white chrysanthemum Matricaria after which it is named. "We never compromise on the concept," says Kaoli. "Before buying anything, we always think, will this suit Matricaria?"
The kitchen island is at the centre of their life at home; it’s where Kaoli holds cooking lessons with Tokiwa and the three of them eat meals side-by-side at the breakfast bar. Kaoli and Shige sleep on a mattress in the loft, their wash area leads off from their galley kitchen and they play games around the coffee table. And that suits them just fine. "Thanks to all the white, it’s a really bright space," says Kaoli. "So it feels relaxing, and bigger than it actually is."
Cleverly camouflaged storage
Amongst all the white, there are heaps of almost imperceptible storage ideas, from simple solutions like hanging towels on the back of doors and looping tea towels through cupboard handles, to piling vegetables in baskets hanging from the ceiling and using wall-mounted open shelves. ‘I love Shige’s handmade shelves – they’re the perfect fit for my coffee-making equipment.’ The mirrored bathroom cabinet reflects light, making the space feel bigger, and the area under the countertop sink is a sensible place to put cleaning products.