Customer Reviews

Space: Japanese Design Solutions for Compact Living

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Space: Japanese Design Solutions for Compact Living, is packed with more than 200 serene photos and outstanding ideas for living life to it's fullest in a very small space. The houses in this book are small and rely on traditional Japanese design elements. For example, tatami mats on the floor, futons that are rolled - up by day, and shoji screen dividers for walls. Most American homes do not follow a Japanese aesthetic and are not plagued by such tiny floor plans but they often have difficult areas that need help. Space will be a huge source of inspiration and ideas because the problems it tackles are so difficult and the solutions so interesting.

Each home in Space is as individual as it's occupants but there are a few common features that make these small spaces work. One essential ingredient is lightness whether in the choice of construction materials, the appearance of the structure, or color. Creative storage solutions are also important, some notable examples include, stair risers that double as drawers, shelving units that pull out of walls and, under the floorboard storage. Movable interior partitions that make a space as flexible as possible and exterior partitions or fences to obscure unpleasant views while psychologically extending the interior outside. Finally I was really impressed with the creative solutions for staircases especially the layout that featured a movable staircase that was akin to a pocket door.
This book is a must have, there are so many amazing ideas and they can be scaled up for large spaces or scaled down to meet the constraints of the snuggest confines.

This book is fine in almost everything but the floor plans that are missing. It's small and compact which goes with the theme but a floor plan would have been a great addition in simplifying the readability of it. Most of all it would be great if I could learn how to do them instead and of only admiring these houses.

it would make a marvelous coffee table book, except it's half the size of one. or maybe it makes a wonderful table book precisely because it is so easy to pick up and skim. regardless, don't let that deter you from getting this book, as it is remarkable in its showcasing of the creativity that small spaces foster. as you read both the words and pictures throughout the book, you will find yourself thinking "wow that makes so much sense!" and "i want that house!" over and over.
a fantastic book, it will inspire you to either move to japan, or take the book to your architect and commission a house on the spot.

This is a simple, beautiful and disciplined book about minimalist design and design solutions, created by people who love their topic. I often return to it when I need inspiration for design projects.

Its a nice book,shows a number of variations of the use of the small places.The only problem that it doesn't have plans or section in some project, thet can really demonstrate a lot.

I love this book. I got a lot of good Ideas from it. I am glad to find new ways to store things.

The book explains how various incredibly talented designer-types in Japan have overcome impossibly unusual and confining living spaces. Some of the problems addressed by these sideways thinking geniuses are unique to Japanese culture. Like creating space for a tea-room, energy flow, framing the view of tiny meticulous gardens, and complying with some building code about outside vs. inside space ratios. Other concepts were easier for me to grasp like combining rooms for flexibility, a sense of openness, and storing things up high. It's filled with excellent photos of small rooms that feel big, sometimes I wonder if it's because they have nothing but a table and some chairs stuck in there. Seriously though it's truly inspiring and makes you think. This book was the first to arrive of several that I bought for ideas on remodeling my old house with it's pointless divisioning and depressing floor-plan. Although reading it has left me thoroughly confused, it did give me several ideas I might have never thought possible. Through endless example it forced me to realize that one just needs more imagination not space to create a liberating home.

That's right, folks! Not a one! However, that hasn't put me off this little book.

I've enjoyed this one for it's nifty little nooks and crannies and the way that others can realise good living in small spaces.

This is a VERY Japanese style book. I would not necessarily agree on layouts of the homes but once again, I say unto you, I buy books for inspiration and I haven't been disappointed.

This book... I liked it so much I even use it as a gift! Extremely happy!

Just love the simplicity f spaces in japan, old and modern.