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Look to Historic Japanese 'Machiya' Homes for Modern Intrigue
Ancient architectural roots meet modern tastes in these Kyoto homes, making them highly sought by design lovers everywhere
The machiya townhouses of Kyoto, Japan, originated in the Heian period (794–1185), and many have original details, like cedar-beamed ceilings that were hand carved hundreds of years ago by local artisans. Many homeowners today have updated the historic style with contemporary flair — Scandinavian furniture, modern artwork, retro record players — making these homes highly sought after by trend-following design enthusiasts all over the world. This interest highlights a recent larger trend of reviving traditional Japanese architecture and design with a samurai-sharp modern edge. Here's how the look is defined.
Machiya homes, used by Japanese merchants centuries ago in Kyoto as their personal living and business space, feature historic design elements, like shoji screens and tatami mat floors, that can instantly root visitors in an ancient Eastern atmosphere.
Today more and more of these machiya homes (found through Kyoto agencies like Aoi Kyoto Stay and Iori) have been renovated into sleek townhouses, with their distinctive traditional elements preserved, like lattice-wood exteriors and mushiko slit windows (designed for Japan's hot and humid summers). But diverse, modernized interiors have been created with midcentury furniture, retro record players and Scandinavian accessories.
Most of the cedar-beamed ceilings were hand carved hundreds of years ago and are cherished today, along with natural light and scenic views, just as they were by generations past.
Natural materials, like clay for the walls and washi Japanese paper for the sliding doors, were once used to help regulate humidity and heat during the hot summer months. Now bamboo doors and decorative fusuma (sliding doors) are used. Panoramic windows and skylights are also commonplace.
Natural materials, like clay for the walls and washi Japanese paper for the sliding doors, were once used to help regulate humidity and heat during the hot summer months. Now bamboo doors and decorative fusuma (sliding doors) are used. Panoramic windows and skylights are also commonplace.
The inspired functionality of the traditional structures' original design is remarkable in its simplicity and use of natural materials, but the addition of modern, minimalist designs and accoutrements, chosen by the owners or designers of each townhome, are what elevate the ambience and character of each space.
The traditional structure can act as a neutral backdrop for bold and modern artwork, dramatic statement pieces and anachronistic decor, like midcentury Swedish furniture.
Modern features, like heated floors, state-of-the-art bathroom fixtures, customized tubs and modernized shoji screens, deliver comfort.
Behind a machiya home is usually a stand-alone storehouse, once used for functional purposes in a merchant's specific line of work — such as a small space for sake brewing or a two-story storage for grain.
The renovated storehouses, separated from the main townhouse by small, enclosed gardens, now provide guests with an additional respite. Some owners choose to style the adjacent space as a workspace or formal art gallery, while others create a laid-back record room or lounge.
The renovated storehouses, separated from the main townhouse by small, enclosed gardens, now provide guests with an additional respite. Some owners choose to style the adjacent space as a workspace or formal art gallery, while others create a laid-back record room or lounge.