Using clean lines and flexible design inspired by Japanese design, Architect John Procter of Procter & Shaw transformed a London apartment into a calm and aesthetically pleasing sanctuary.

Situated in a tree-lined street in Belsize Park, Shoji Apartment was briefed with a Japanese Boho theme in mind. Even though the apartment is small in size, smart thinking and careful planning maximises the potential for optimum space-saving.

The use of bright and natural materials, clean lines and soft yellow lighting to compliment the high ceilings and bay windows, creates an airy and spacious abode.

Procter began by gutting the original interior, allowing the light to travel throughout the space. The home is built around the sleeping pod, which is raised off the floor to allow for more storage below. The pod is surrounded by translucent polycarbonate screens, which can be moved to conceal and reveal the space. The screens are opened during the day to allow the light to flow through the space and the bed is converted into a reading nook that overlooks the street outside, while at night, the pod becomes a quiet cocoon. 

The kitchen is built into the birch ply cabinetry and can be tucked and stored away, with the dining/breakfast table being the main focal point.

Looking for more architectural inspiration? Check out this Scandi style micro apartment in Paris.

The post Never Too Small: Boho Japanese London Small Apartment appeared first on Visi.

We scoped out the design and sampled the Pan-Asian fare at Joburg’s much-talked-about new restaurant, Tang, which is now a finalist in the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards.

Clad in black and a mask, and sporting an enviable mohawk, the waitron pours warm, lemongrass-scented water into a ceramic vessel through a small hole. Two other holes are filled with small, tightly rolled towels. As I chat with friends over a chilled glass of recommended rosé, she instructs us to pop a towel into the water. It slowly blooms into a fluffy, bona fide napkin, and the table gasps with delight; we remark on how we’ve missed the little things – not least of them the pleasure of a midweek lunch out.

Apparently, many others have too, because Tang, the newest addition to Johannesburg’s restaurant scene, is surprisingly full. A group of businessmen converses jovially; tables dotted around the room are filled with couples canoodling; and elegantly dressed women laugh over sexy cocktails, bopping to Buddha Bar-esque sounds. The fare includes small plates, mains and bowls brimming with delicacies inspired by contemporary Japanese izakayas (similar to tapas bars) and Cantonese eateries of Hong Kong.

This means you get a taste of everything, from sushi, dim sum, tacos and salads to more substantial offerings in the form of a Robata grill (smoky cuts of meat prepared over fire, served with sauces and fries), decadent wok dishes and signature fare of Wagyu cheeseburger, soft-shell crab and Peking duck – a patron favourite. Chef de cuisine Wesley Chen, the former executive chef of Asian eatery Boudha Lounge, and chef Vixa Kalenga of Willoughby & Co fame are responsible for the menu.

Having opened its doors in May 2021, Tang has already earned its first accolade: the Hospitality Council’s Luxe Restaurant Award 2021. In keeping with this, owner and hospitality entrepreneur Nicky van der Walt has achieved a balance of luxe yet accessible dining.

With interiors by Tristan du Plessis, winner of Best Overall Restaurant at the 2019 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, it’s an elegant, minimal environment with a darkly sexy energy – all marble, travertine, granite, timber and high ceilings, which are lowered by Dutch brand Moooi’s hanging basket lamps. There is no directional light in the restaurant, with a halo effect preferred to spotlights over tables. Nicky says he fell in love with the venue formerly occupied by Wang Thai restaurant, and spent many days imagining how he’d like to transform it. Inspired by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, who specialises in modern tropical design, Nicky wanted a pared-down space that’s not overly ornamental. “My brief to Tristan was ‘modern tropical’ – I wanted to bring the outside in, and create a jungle, Zen and luxury,” he says.

The covered courtyard overlooks Nelson Mandela Square, while the quiet all-white space with modular seating that flanks the right-hand side of the restaurant offers cosy proximity to the bar. Ask the barman to mix you The Sakura: gin, sake, cherry blossom, orange-flower water and lemon. “I wanted Tang to feel like you’re on holiday,” says Nicky. “It mustn’t feel like you’re in Johannesburg – or any city, for that matter – but rather that you’ve been transported somewhere that you can’t pinpoint…”

Looking for more on local and international design? Take a look a the shortlist of finalists for the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards 2021.

The post Zen & The Art of Luxe Cuisine appeared first on Visi.

If you’re a Japanophile, the beautifully remodelled Tjing Tjing on Longmarket Street in Cape Town will have you dreaming of Harajuku and Omotesando in Tokyo.

Tjing Tjing, the shrine-red rooftop bar on Cape Town’s Longmarket Street, has always had a Japanese slant: Its mansard roof is papered with black-and-white photos from owner Ilse Koekemoer’s trip to Tokyo. But that Japanese influence has filtered down through the floors of this nearly 200-year-old building. After a major renovation, Tjing Tjing launched three striking new restaurant spaces in July: Torii, Momiji and Momiji Lounge.

Designer Francois du Plessis, who has been involved for the past eight years, introduced architect Suzanne Schekman of Untitled Design Hub for this ambitious project.

On the ground floor, neon lights in the shape of the Japanese character for torii (gates at the entrance to a Shinto shrine) announce the new location of the Japanese street food inspired restaurant.

Wallpaper designed by Terence Kitching and Kim Bischofberger and printed by Robin Sprong creates a vibrant layering of imagery from old Japan with modern pop culture references. Industrial designer Warren Franken designed the steel-and-wood bar that occupies the central space, the oak booths that line the wall and the oak bars that create a screen to shield diners from the passage.

Ceiling lights gradually change colour at the touch of an app, setting the scene for bento boxes, fluffy pancakes, milk bread croque monsieur and beautiful wagashi and pastries. Make it past the temptations to the first floor, and you’ll find two more new spaces to explore. Tjing Tjing Momiji is inspired by kaiseki dining, Japan’s answer to haute cuisine.

Here, chef Christi Semczyszyn demonstrates her skills with a 10- to 12-course tasting experience that recreates the rigour and ceremony of kaiseki menus. After the energy and bold reds of downstairs, it’s a calmer, sophisticated space.

Pale maple booths are contrasted with black cushions, a black staircase and carbon-stained ash screens.

The reservations-only Momiji Lounge offers a different vibe altogether. Sunken seats, dark-grey hues and a moodily lit bar set the scene for whimsical cocktails inspired by Japanese fairy tales. Sip a saki-and vodka- based Princess Kaguya (the moon princess who was born from a bamboo shoot on earth), or a Kitsune (named for a Japanese shape-shifting fox), which features shōchū, plum wine, Caperatif, shiso infusion and yuzu juice.

It’s enough to make you want to hop on a plane to Tokyo.

For more information, visit tjingtjing.co.za.

The post Inside Tjing Tjing appeared first on Visi.

South African designer Gavin Rajah has collaborated with @home on a second limited-edition homeware collection.

Previously, Gavin Rajah collaborated with the homeware brand on the Prêt À Vivre collection, which launched in store in November last year.

“The original Prêt á Vivre collection was well received, and showed just how hungry consumers are for quality products that convey beauty and fashion as well as comfort and luxury,” says Head of @home, Chris Swart.

The new collection, entitled Geisha and Koi, makes use of traditional Japanese motifs, including koi fish, fans, clouds and waves. A refined approach has been used on each piece in this collection, made up of rich textures, beading and embroidery, pigmented tones and geometric quilting. The collection is made (and hand-embroidered) by local artisans.

New massage oil candles, made from 100% soy wax and essential oils, have also been launched as part of the range.

For more information, visit home.co.za.

The post New Collection: Gavin Rajah X @home appeared first on Visi.

Within a striking steel and glass façade lies Nobu Hotel; a place of culinary wonder and harmonious design that sees East meet West.

Located in London’s Shoreditch, Nobu Hotel is an extension of the highly-acclaimed restaurant and hotel portfolio headed by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor/director Robert De Niro. The design of the hotel is contemporary yet simultaneously reminiscent of Shoreditch’s industrial heritage and incorporates elements of Japanese culture, art and philosophy.

The architecture is by Ron Arad Associates and Ben Adams Architects, while interior designs were headed by Studio Mica and Studio PCH. An eclectic balance of textures like clay pottery, wood shoji screens, traditional patchwork and charcoal stone create the Japanese feel in the interiors, while modern fixtures and designer furniture pieces give the hotel a contemporary finish. Nobu Hotel offers 148 guest rooms each with their own custom-made yukata robes and traditional Japanese tea sets.

Chef Nobu’s signature Japanese-Peruvian menu attracts a guest hall filled with A-list celebs and discerning palettes from the world over. The restaurant boasts a bar, chef’s table, sushi counter and outdoor courtyard. For those wanting to indulge in tapas, there is a fireside Lobby Lounge that offers gourmet cocktails and small snacks in an ambient and relaxed setting.

Fancy a night at this London gem? Find out more, here.

(h/t) design-milk.com

The post Cool Spaces: Nobu Hotel Shoreditch appeared first on Visi.

Japanese artist Segawa Thirty-Seven has reinvented the traditional art of ukiyo-e woodblock prints by converting them into fun and whimsical animated GIFs.

The original images were produced between the 17^th  and 19^th centuries. Segawa Thirty-Seven incorporates complementary or contrasting imagery into the scenery, which works with the existing image in a humorous way.

(h/t) designboom.com

The post Segawa Thirty-Seven’s Animated GIFs appeared first on Visi.

Headed up by chef Kieran Whyte, this trendy new restaurant on Cape Town’s Bree Street serves up a mix of Peruvian and Japanese inspired dishes, otherwise known as Nikkei cuisine.

The menu features treats like Dirt Rubbed Tuna Tacos, “New Style” Ceviche, BBQ Pork Belly and Toasted Quinoa Creme, alongside cocktails like Orange & Buchu Sours and Chevere Raspberry Daiquiris.

The interiors, designed by Bone Interior Design Studio, are as appealing and innovative as the food. It’s a sophisticated example of urban design. From raw concrete and exposed brick to copper detailing, mosaic flooring and trendy pendant lighting, the decor is completed with a one-of-a-kind mural by renowned SA street artist Faith47.

Charango is located at 114 Bree Street, Cape Town. To book or find out more information, contact 021 422 0757. The restaurant is open every day from 12pm until 3pm for lunch and from 6pm until 9:30pm for dinner. The bar is open from 12pm until late, with food served until 10pm.

The post New To Bree Street: Charango Peruvian Grill and Bar appeared first on Visi.

Inspired by the simple elegance of Japanese gastronomy and design, they’re made with the user in mind, fitting comfortably in your hands. Plus, they’re rather easy on the eye.

Forget using paper plates for picnics; with a set like this you could have a dinner party, or the swankiest braai in town. Just make sure your skills around the fire match up.

Concerned about their green cred? No need to worry. The range is made from 100% renewable, tree-free materials, like bamboo, reed pulp and bagasse, which is a by-product of sugarcane.

• lardiere.co.za

The post Paper Rocks appeared first on Visi.

Two Cape Town creatives drew inspiration from Japanese architecture and modernist pavilions to create a weekend home in the city’s southern suburbs that is all about flexible spaces and communal family living.

Most people dream of long weekends in the country, away from the distractions of the city. This home embodies the opposite – a family leaving their busy farm to seek refuge among the city lights. Fond childhood memories of Cape Town’s leafy southern suburbs, and a love of mountain walks, drove the family to a home in Newlands, where they hired architect Antonio Zaninovic and interior decorator Yelda Bayraktar to design the ultimate urban pad. The brief? To create a flock-together family space for weekend retreats in the dramatic shadow of Table Mountain.

Antonio, who is of Croatian and Chilean descent, is renowned for work that both reflects local context and is perfectly in tune with global architecture movements. “As a foreigner, I value buildings that remind us about their own particular place, and I want my work to reflect that,” he says. “But, having lived around the world, many cultural references infuse my work.”

At the same time, decorator Yelda’s Turkish influence came into play. “I’m particularly drawn to the vernacular Safranbolu houses in Turkey, which share many common concepts with traditional Japanese architecture. They have a flexibility of space and furniture, where walls are open and can become beds, and a fireplace can become a kitchen,” she says.

The owners, who travel to Japan often, were very in tune with these ideas, and they were incorporated into the architecture, garden and interiors. When it came to conceptualising the design of this Newlands home, the strongest influences were the family’s desire for plenty of communal space, areas of escape and a touch of Japan.

The result is a home that works perfectly for a family who look forward to bonding time over the weekend – with space for homework, playing games, watching TV, reading the newspaper and simply being together. The house is open to its suburban environment and neighbourly chats over the wall, and an open invitation for friends to pop round and use the pool contribute to its laid-back charm.

Inside, the retro furniture was sourced at several auctions. Yelda added her own touch by creating unusual sizes and cutting down some pieces to create a type of homage to grounded Japanese form. The owners’ miniature stool in the shower, for scrubbing feet, reflects the same sensibility.

These down-to-earth proportions were also a consideration for Antonio, and he incorporated smaller contained spaces and low ceilings that invite the residents to be closer to the ground. It has given the home a human scale and encourages the use of the courtyard and garden – where mountain and forest plants provide greenery and a waterfall tumbles over a medley of rocks – as contemplative spaces.

With rough walls in grey reflecting the tones of Table Mountain, the accents of wood panelling and greenery create an effect where the inside and outside of the house blend together seamlessly. Antonio speaks of “wanting to create a house floating on nothingness” and the minimalist horizontal lines and proportions certainly add to that sensation. The creepers and ivy will continue to envelop the house and further add to the feeling that it sits with lightness in its surroundings.

Antonio’s modernist vision, inspired by mid-century pavilions, ensures no distracting elements in the architecture of this house. “From anywhere in the house, you should be able to understand the total, so every space can benefit from every other space,” he explains. Continuing this modernist view, the small bedrooms have walls that are both closets and bathrooms, while the master bedroom has integrated furniture where a seat becomes a bookshelf and then a bathtub, a bed whose back is a closet, and a window that is both a mirror and the back of the shower.

Each room leads off the courtyard, perfect for a family that wants to camp together. The living room and dining room are actual extensions of the courtyard and can either be enclosed with glass or left completely open, depending on the season.

From the bed in the main bedroom “the lines of the house are very clear conversations, and that for me means success,” concludes Antonio.

Antonio Zaninovic Architecture Studio, 021 424 5043, antoniozaninovic.com
Yelda Bayraktar Consultancy, 072 546 5674

 

The post Weekend special appeared first on Visi.

Origami-inspired decor is everywhere these days. The ancient art of paper folding can be translated into everything from furniture to fine decorations. Get in on the fun yourself by folding napkins, table decorations, party invitations and fine decor for your home. Visit origami-instructions.com to find out how to make your own origami folding chair.

Originally published in Rapport Mytyd. Subscribe here.

Find more shopping advice here.

The post Origami originals appeared first on Visi.