A modest two-story wooden house from the 1970s in Fueda, Kamakura, has been thoughtfully renovated to meet the needs of a young couple and their pets. The redesign focuses on functionality and comfort, balancing practicality with smart design choices.

Subtle Updates for a Relaxed Aesthetic

The house, which includes a spacious garden, features walls with a mix of finishes. Spray-textured coatings resembling exterior walls are paired with areas left in their original state, creating a relaxed, slightly “mismatched” look. This understated approach preserves the home’s character while avoiding over-standardization.

Expanding the Kitchen and Enhancing Practicality

The previously compact kitchen was expanded into an L-shaped layout, creating a more functional space for cooking and daily activities. A hard-plaster countertop was chosen for its durability and ability to age gracefully over time. The flooring in the living-dining-kitchen (LDK) area was updated with PVC long sheet flooring, making cleaning simple and convenient—a practical choice for a household with pets.

Maximizing Light and Openness

The living room’s double-height lightwell is a standout feature, bringing natural daylight into the space through narrow windows and creating a bright, open atmosphere. To enhance this feature, walls on the first floor were removed, connecting the living room with the kitchen and the former tatami room. Exposed wooden pillars maintain structural integrity while adding warmth and texture.

Ceilings in the kitchen and former tatami room were removed to expose the wooden beams, adding rustic charm and a sense of openness. The entrance was also integrated into the living area, creating a seamless and welcoming flow.

Designing with Pets in Mind

The renovation incorporates several pet-friendly features. Doorways include pathways for easy movement, and custom-built catwalks provide vertical spaces for cats to explore. These thoughtful additions ensure the home caters to the couple’s lifestyle while accommodating their pets’ needs.

Simplified Second-Floor Layout

Upstairs, redundant partitions were removed to create a more open and functional layout. The tatami mats and carpets were replaced with an oak wooden flooring, offering a cohesive look and enhanced practicality for modern living with pets.

A Practical and Peaceful Home

This renovation transforms a simple wooden house into a practical, comfortable home for both humans and animals. By focusing on modest updates and thoughtful design, the result is a peaceful space where functionality and charm coexist effortlessly.