Windows that frame the scenery enrich the interior
"Windows connect architecture and interiors," says Mitsuko Kuroda, an interior stylist who has been active at the forefront of her field for over 30 years. She adds that picture windows, which frame the outside scenery like a painting, are a reminder that windows add depth to interiors.
Located in the forests of Kitakaruizawa, Laboratoryy | Fern | Barn is a mountain atelier that Kuroda completed in January 2024. The skeleton of a 75-year-old wooden one-story building was renovated together with the trusted design unit Studio Donut.
"The most luxurious thing about spending time here is the view of the trees and snowy winter scenery from the window. We paid a lot of attention to the design around the windows."
The space facing the garden has a bay window leading to the terrace and a 120cm square picture window. Kuroda decided to cover both windows at once with panoramic curtains measuring approximately 6m.
“I used a single sheer curtain from Kvadrat. The way the light from the window and the garden view appear softly through the soft fabric is truly beautiful. The way the fabric gathers when you push it to one side also creates a sense of volume and is very pretty.”
Sheer panoramic curtains that let the light from the window shine through.
The studio space facing the garden has a large bay window (right) and a square fixed window (left). Covering the two windows are panoramic curtains measuring approximately 6 meters in length. They are made by the Danish brand Kvadrat. "I wanted to use a sheer fabric in one piece. The atmosphere changes depending on the weather and the time of day."
The south-facing exterior of the building, surrounded by a lush forest. An outdoor table designed by Bodil Kjaer is placed on the terrace made of Douglas fir.
However, we struggled with the size and positioning of the picture window. We temporarily pasted a large piece of paper on the wall and looked at it from a distance to find the best placement. We chose a single pane of glass so that the view from the window could be focused on, and the window frame was white to blend in with the wall color.
"When building a house, you usually think about the structure first and then choose furniture that fits within it. But I do it the other way around. I start with the furniture and lighting I have and the scene I want to create, and then I think about a building that will make the most of that."
The same goes for the windows. I wanted to have a small light welcome me whenever I came here from Tokyo, so I built a window in the entrance.
"Even though I'm usually busy, when I come here for an exhibition and look out the window, I see greenery and a snowy landscape. On the day I returned for the first time in a while to prepare for a photo shoot, I was thrilled to notice that the trees I could see from the same window had grown. The peace I felt from that view was greater than I could have imagined. For me, the window is a place where I can truly feel like a human being."
A bathroom window design that combines beauty and functionality.
The east-facing kitchen can be seen from the dining room. There is a sink at the end of the kitchen and a window to look outside. "I want to be able to look at the greenery even while doing the dishes," says Kuroda. The window frame was chosen to be white to match the wall. Inside the door above the window, the shelf doubles as a drainer for storing dishes.
In the bathroom, where ventilation is essential, a window with the lower half that can be opened and closed was installed. To create a clean look, the window frame was made the same color as the wall, and blinds were also installed to block out the view. Beneath the window is a masterpiece chair by Gio Ponti, the Superleggera.
Seasonal decorations complete the story of the window.
By giving the decorations a narrative, it becomes "my window." To make the most of this view, there are hardly any paintings displayed in the room. A bay window-like space 10cm deep has been created for the picture window. Squirrel objects and fruit-colored ink bottles are lined up to create an autumnal feel. The window is a fixed type, approximately 120cm square. For insulation purposes, LIXIL double-glazed windows for cold climates have been used. The window frame is black on the exterior wall side and white on the interior side.
Entrance. On the shelf under the window, there are flowers picked during walks and autumn leaves.
Picture windows create views both inside and outside.
Kuroda's studio is a renovated 75-year-old wooden one-story building. The entrance window stands out against the black exterior wall. Behind the fixed glass is a black light fixture from Swedish brand Westberg. "When seen from the street, a square window and a small light would welcome you. That's the scene I envisioned."
The guest room. A wooden pendant hangs from the picture window framing the view. "It's made from an avocado tree my mother grew. It gives me peace of mind, like I'm being watched over."
