Punch Magazine - March 2024

PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM 77 structure folded seamlessly into the tranquil scenery around it. “Quiet luxury” is Linda’s descriptive catchphrase. “They had a clear vision and trusted us on the design,” she explains. “The design mimics their personalities. They’re very understated, humble people, so the design isn’t loud, yet it’s still very detailed and the materials are very luxurious and specific to each space.” Attracted to European style, the couple also wanted to honor the family’s Asian heritage, which is reflected in the architecture and carried into the interiors. SDS senior designer Yoko Kato appreciated the challenge— and the way the blended influences ultimately delivered the desired effect. “You have to capture the essence, not so much the specific elements,” she says. “You have to study really hard to see what works together. We mixed the styles and then put them in a modern way.” Step into the home, and that’s immediately conveyed. A defining feature in the front entry is custom wood paneling, lasercut in the shape of the client’s Japanese family crest, or kamon. “She had a kimono with the family symbol,” says Yoko, “and we incorporated that motif into the screens in the entry hall.” Another priority: durable and highly livable spaces. “They didn’t want a room that was handsoff; every room is conducive to having kids around,” Yoko says. “They wanted each room to have a specific vision but then we needed to make it cohesive.” To achieve that goal, the design team leaned into the use of color and wall coverings, including nature-related themes such as leafy patterns as well as beach, mountain and water elements. “They weren’t afraid of having a lot of colors and texture and patterns in a room,” relays Yoko, “but the overall palette is a muted, very soft pastel color.” In the dining room, the wallpaper evokes a water or mountain feeling—in a color that’s also soft and serene. The design team proposed an “amazing” light fixture, which they felt grounded the space. The homeowners agreed. “They loved it,” recounts Linda. “It has that earthy element but very light and natural—it felt a lot like them.” The furniture

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