An “Ao” or “Blue” Studio in Saitama, Japan

Renovated by Keiji Ashizawa Design, the Ao Studio was remade for a pattern-maker and a restaurateur working from home in Saitama, Japan. The architects removed all of the internal walls and installed built-in furniture, creating a spacious open plan for designing, cooking, and entertaining. Their addition of large windows allows the couple to work by natural light, the spacious balcony makes room for outdoor parties, and the washed concrete walls give the apartment an industrial look. Altogether, the new interior soothes the eye and keeps the owners feeling creative with a neutral palette and youthful pops of blue.

Via architizer; photography by Takumi Ota