EY Y03 L17 Interior Design

There are many famous brands who sell us furniture and furnishings in Japan. Name one. Do you shop there or buy their products? Why?
Which is the most relaxing room in your house? Who furnished it? Where did he/she buy the furniture and furnishings that made the room feel special?
These days interest in and consumer spending on housing renovations is growing. What renovations or decorating have you done or had done to your home to make it easier or more comfortable to live in?
What is the worst purchase of furniture or furnishings you have ever made? What did you buy? Where did you buy it? Why was it such a waste of money?
Compared to Europe, there are far fewer houses in Japan that are more than 40 years old. Why is that?
Imagine the team from "before/after" re-built your home to perfectly match your tastes, hobbies and needs. Describe the result (for example; 'it would have a home cinema in the basement, a sound-proof music room with guitars on the walls and an island kitchen with a huge granite work-surface').

Question 1

The first brand that comes to mind is Nitori. It's actually my favorite furniture and household goods store in Japan! I buy their products because they're of high quality and priced very reasonably. I've been a member since 2015!

Question 2

It's either my bedroom or living room but if I have to choose one, it has to be my living room. I furnished it by myself and bought some of the furniture from Nitori and Yodobashi Camera.

Question 3

I actually designed the layout of my apartment before having the company renovate it. It was very fun and I learned a lot of things just by planning and designing my own living space.

Question 4

It's probably one of my dining chairs. I bought it from a furniture store called "Interior Hearts" three years ago. The outer layer of the cushion peels off like cheap leather. It doesn't look good anymore and I'm thinking of replacing it soon!

Question 5

I believe that part of it is due to the mentality of Japanese citizens. More and more traditional Japanese houses (i.e. machiya, kominka, etc) are being replaced by Western-style houses. Perhaps that's why there are fewer houses in Japan that are more than 40 years old compared to European countries.

Question 6

The overall design of my house would be minimalistic. I imagine that there would be a gym in the basement as well as a soundproof music studio for my hobbies. I also would love to have a swimming pool that has a glass bed so people can see my car collection in the basement when swimming.