Japanese Abandoned House Renovation #13 | Furnishing the House, Part 1

[@TheKamakuraGardener]

Your home has such a wonderful and warm atmosphere! Here’s wishing you and your family decades of happinesses. 😃🐶🙏🏿

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks so much!

[@zogy5106]

Whoa whoa whoa, what i found...nice channel, instantly followed... :O ;)

[@oliviacooley1195]

I love how your house has bits of dark and warm and light and airy. You have put so much love and work into it. It has been such a pleasure to watch your progress and live vicariously through you!

[@TokyoLlama]

Nice description! Thanks for watching!

[@vbstubbies]

your unfinished project is already a masterpiece in my eyes

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks but still a long way to go!

[@PanzerChief]

I will probably be crying when he finished this renovation bro.

[@1jonathanliu]

@@TokyoLlama would you considering Airbnbing a room out?

[@TheMajorStranger]

"Plus, whenever we have a coffee table it usually end just being piled up with stuff" Me : *Turn around to look at the pile of garbage on my coffee table* : "Yup!"

[@TokyoLlama]

Always the case! Can barely fit a coffee cup on there!

[@earthangel8730]

Coffee tables reduce dancing space and are dangerous for toddler faces and adult shins!

[@TokyoLlama]

@@earthangel8730 😂

[@debraboyea7776]

I know right! I looked at mine and just said "YUP!"

[@Roheryn100]

Only too true….😖

[@Zaoresor]

So, Japanese homes have special space for displaying art… and it needs to be changed periodically. Very nice idea, keeping you on your toes and always thinking about your home and how to improve it.

[@tyreesetranh4074]

And traditionally, at least, the subject matter of the art and the flower arrangement in the tokonoma are changed to reflect the current season in order to appreciate the beauty of every day. The other kakejiku are rolled up and stored away until needed, rather than being hung up around the house at the same time.⛩

[@Marbeary]

That sofa was perfect for the space and was wondering if the white Shikkui in the loft would be a great projector screen for a loft theater space.

[@TokyoLlama]

That’s a good idea! I had thought about moving the TV there as I don’t love where it is now. When we do the top floor I’m thinking of doing shikkui on one wall and a projector but the loft could be a good place instead.

[@delven121]

I would agree with Marvin that would be a good area for projector. As it would also give privacy too.

[@floralwallpaper5553]

Your cats definitely claimed that house. Especially those bean bags lol. It’s theirs now and you and your family are just living in it 😂 but lovely video as always! Thank you for keeping us updated.

[@TokyoLlama]

The cats are definitely our bosses now.

[@gzubeck3]

The cats on those Bean bags relaxing up there has to be the most de-stressing thing I've seen. They are up high out of the way and yet still close enough to hear everything going on in the house so they can relax enough and still not get trampled on! You need more been bags so you can just watch them relax and in turn they teach you how to have zero worries in world. LOL!

[@claylover9845]

Jaya, must say that the sofa bench is perfect. Blends right in with your aesthetics.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, was happy to find it.

[@pamkowal7464]

I love how negative space and natural light is honored and highlighted in Japanese homes. You have worked SO hard, but your skilled efforts have restored your home to its original beauty and serenity. Thank you for sharing this sanctuary space with us.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@icke11234]

What is negative space?

[@pamkowal7464]

@@icke11234 , negative space is the space not filled with ‘stuff’. Each item, mindfully placed in a room, has plenty of empty ‘negative’ space around it so that the item can ‘breathe’, which allows one to equally perceive the emptiness in the room as much as the objects contained in it.

[@shariarnold9649]

What a calm and peaceful place…you two a decorating it beautifully.

[@julesoyler4306]

Absolutely the most beautiful home I've seen, I so appreciate you sharing this. I'm a Navy Corpsman veteran. I was stationed in Okinawa and rented a 1/2 traditional 1/2modern apartment while I was there for 5 years. I loved my home there and have so many memories of the beautiful people and its culture. I cant tell you how much your videos mean to me Thank you again for sharing. Say hello to your beautiful family!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much, happy to hear you have good memories of Japan.

[@465maltbie]

Aaah, I am sure the house spirits are pleased, they can breath again without all the clutter and it looks like the house has a nice flow through those rooms. It was harder to see how you would use some of that space when we saw it earlier. It looked like a lot of wasted space to me. But now I see how you are using it. Thanks for sharing. Charles

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Charles, yes, feels like it’s coming together now.

[@hardmuscl4life]

The meaning of the writing on the underside of your table elicited an unexpected emotional response from me. What a marvelous gift.

[@AKIPMEL]

I love the synergy that the old japanese aesthetic architecture along with the more modern furniture has. The cosy mezzanine/loft looks very comfy too!

[@Master_Blackthorne]

There's a great deal of tranquility in Japanese interior design. I've gotten some great ideas for decorating my apartment from your videos. Thank you!

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, glad they have helped!

[@Andy-sj2dv]

The Kakejiku is just perfect in that space ; the house is more beautiful with each new video and shows the love and care that has made it so. Thanks for sharing this project.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Once again, your video mirrors the process of what we’re currently doing with our new place. I totally agree with your philosophy of living in the place a bit before you commit to specific furniture choices. (Still haven’t decided what to do for a sofa.. but MUJI is factoring in for us as well.) Anyway, thanks for the inspiration, as usual! And still looking forward to that collaboration! 😆 🍻

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks man, and sofas are expensive in Japan so need to get it right!

[@Gabroll]

Watching you and your family build and live over the years has been incredibly cathartic. Life is short, and it's sometimes sorrowful knowing we can no longer explore every avenue once open to us in our youth. Your videos satisfy some of that question for me, and bring me a lot of comfort. Thank you for sharing your life with the world.

[@TokyoLlama]

I understand the feeling as I get older myself. Perhaps that's partially why I wanted buy and renovate this house.

[@OmegaWalple]

I think the idea of waiting to see how you use the space before furnishing it was a great idea, I wish my wife and I had done that with our apartment in Bulgaria.

[@kgal63]

I have enjoyed watching your renovation of this beautiful home and yard. Your decorations are so perfect and looks so serene for your home. It has been a great journey watching you work and design your space. Its nice to see you and your wife and children living in your beautiful home. I am looking forward to more. Thank you.

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@AZHITW]

Hard to believe it's the same house you started with, love how calm and beautiful the rooms look, the original builders were artists. Also was super impressed with the furniture delivery people they were so careful moving in the couch.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, they were good. It's a standard courier but the seller must be paying for an additional installation option.

[@ThadriousGoldenstone]

Love the choice of furnishing, makes it a very comfortable home. My wife (also Japanese) and I have been considering an Akiya project, this has been inspiring!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, good luck if you decide to ahead with it!

[@user-tp7wi4lt2b]

I've been watching this series from the start and if i hadn't seen it unfold in front of my own eyes I couldn't believe a house like this actually exists. The view from the living room into the garden with the water sprinkling around looked so sureal, like a homey dream.

[@TokyoLlama]

I know what you mean, three years ago I'd never have imagined we'd be living here.

[@MichelleTopham]

The house is absolutely beautiful, and love how you have renovated everything with so much love and attention to detail. The sofa is lovely too.

[@MrTandtrollet]

It looks so great right now. In my experiences Japanese homes tend to get extremely cluttered with a million "things" everywhere. Hope you can keep this nice and clean aesthetic, it inspires peace of mind =)

[@OkamiiSenpai]

I think the interior came together better than originally envisioned

[@TokyoLlama]

That's probably true.

[@d-man2938]

I live for the years I have spent watching this man build his family a beautiful home

[@etherdog]

Your methodology of living in a space to derive how that space should be furnished is a sound, economical, and ecological one. Good on ya, mate!

[@tngirlz4622]

SO impressed that you took an abandoned house and used your skills to turn it into a beautiful, elegant home! Thank you for taking the time to film the process.

[@slowly_radish8374]

Your living space has a beautiful & calming appearance & yes, more plants! So happy that you explained the scroll is meant to be changed- so many folks leave art too long & it becomes stale, even unseen. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, we have a couple of scrolls, so will add some more as we go along, and rotate them.

[@L33151]

I love the green wall in the tokonoma! The dark green goes beautifully with all the wood around it, awesome colour choice :)

[@TokyoLlama]

It's all original, great taste by whoever designed it!

[@jimmyrustle3753]

I'd say the choice for the sofa was perfect. I'm excited about what you would do about the room with the large solid wood table.

[@gregsb3454]

An understatement in simplicity- a great example of less is more, very beautiful room’s

[@shariyoung4064]

Your home is a wonderful blend of beauty and function. I’ve been following and admire your dedication to this renovation.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@I86282]

Beautiful. I just keep remembering that first episode. And how far you've come. You and your wife should be proud. 👍👍

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, we're satisfied with how it's turned out.

[@777rogerf]

This is a stunningly beautiful architectural masterpiece that is also perfectly functional, as well as a great example of the advantages of combining compatible elements (and.people!) from the East and the West.

[@lucyswangler3387]

this house is so beautiful, especially the way the light comes through the windows, its so calming to look at

[@BodrulHoque89]

“My wife likes to fall asleep during movies” had me laughing. Not just my wife then 😂

[@lynetteclauser3551]

As a lover of old homes. (Mine was built in 1908). I find myself particularly jealous of yours. My dad was stationed in Japan in the 50’s and brought some beautiful art and pottery back. It was love at first site. I love that you renovated this beautiful home.

[@Patter]

you're home is so beautiful, I cant even imagine what it's gonna look like done!

[@TokyoLlama]

Hopefully can show you soon(ish).

[@stephenvincent4706]

You have achieved a beautiful fusion of traditional and modern with practical considerations. Taking time to live in a space always leads to a more pleasing and useful environment. Continue as you have, it’s working well. 🙏

[@vysgiyi]

When your house is that beautiful you don’t need to do much decorating. Great work and can’t wait to watch the next video!

[@candaces3959]

Wow! You have done a fabulous job on the reno. Your home is beautiful and so serene! It is truly an oasis. Who would ever want to leave?

[@xXToraKobayashiXx]

This house is getting more and more beautiful, I love how it turned out so far!

[@carolined3058]

Love the color of the tokonoma and the light at night makes it complete.

[@Nynke_K]

Beautiful! Slow and steady wins the race. That sofa does look perfect! I think I'd use serving trays to put tea cups on (because I never quite trust myself not to tip one over!)

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, especially with cats who like to walk along that handrail. We’ve had one accident so far…

[@zubakiano]

Man, I’ve been following your channel for about a year and a half now and it’s truly incredible to see things coming together. You’re really putting your heart into this house, with bits like the light over the scroll showing the amount of thought and fun you must be having. It’s looking more than beautiful, congrats!!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, we have been enjoying the process, and especially this final part of decorating the house.

[@Aiken47]

Oh wow almost done, the work everyone has put in can be seen, it’s beautiful

[@brendanbang6636]

Thanks for uploading the journey along the way. Furnished a place slowly is the best way. You understand your family habits, functions and possessions, thereby create storage space and focus point of each space. Congratulations. Perhaps also adding a branch in the vase in the tokonoma to celebrate the different season.

[@TokyoLlama]

That's exactly right. Yes, felt it was missing a branch when editing the video. Will add at some point.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Stunning. Your workmanship is superb. The house is a home of beauty that invites relaxed living.

[@JohnPorsbjerg]

I like this slow style renovation. Much more realistic than those super quick room "makeovers" and the result is much more sensible too because everything wasn't thrown together in a few days

[@CharBezwingerOrom]

It looks great and i'm really curious to see how you do the rooms in which some more modern items are placed (like the TV, game consoles and other electronics). I really like the estatic of these homes and how cozy they look, but i am also very fond of technology (hardware and software) and when deciding on interior themes always just go for the "sleek and modern" look, since i am too dumb to figure out how to fuse those 2 styles ^^

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, it's hard to balance. I've got a design for a TV stand that should hopefully help.

[@debraboyea7776]

Same here.

[@evilborg]

Watching from the beginning to now... wow what a transformation!! You should be really proud of what you and your family have done. Bringing a dead house back to life with kids, laughter and happiness.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@sandystrydom6251]

Thoughtful and well chosen pieces. They shine in your beautiful home

[@clarisd]

Agreed of the not placing "catch alls" certainly you adapt to the spaces you create. I learnt this from my Grand. When I was younger than your children, we would every spring aid my Grand in the Big Spring Clean! Every item would be removed, one room at a time and cleaned! When resetting the living room, dinning that wiout any furnishings would be a open run to the kitchen, she placed the furniture in a fashion to stop that sort of action from us children. Well I asked why she set the funishings that way, she simply replied "we adapt to the flow of lack thereof" So only once a year would we be able to run and slide on the polished floors! I adore that you two take the time to think out the paces and placement! Excellent, magical and I enjoy your sharing this work! Thank you, ever so much for the additional work for the publishing of the videos!

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome, thank you!

[@starflower703]

It’s really coming together. I love the scroll, it’s really beautiful. I can’t wait to see the rest of your design choices.

[@jeffhoward9186]

Lovely home you and your wife had made it. Keeping the furniture simple allows for the beauty of your house to be shown and enjoyed.

[@EmmaAppleBerry]

Its so refreshing and calming i think the atmosphere and timelessness of your home is what makes its so healing and priceless even through a screen.💖 Cant imagine how much more lovely it is in person & actually living there! 😍

[@witchHunterRN]

I love how you can see the garden from the living room through the washitsu and engawa... I think the cats win in this one, those are their beds now, you're just going to be a temporary tenant if they allow you to sit on it.

[@soltanakouider5922]

congrats on the achievements adopting Japanese culture and ways

[@asparklylife3965]

I love how the cats take over the bean bags! LOL! I love the idea of the tokonama, but honestly that looks like the perfect spot for the dog beds. 😉 The scroll is absolutely gorgeous! I look forward to seeing the house slowly evolve as you live there. Thank you for the update!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, my problem is where to put the cat toilets, but definitely not in the tokonoma!

[@sskekcjud2004]

Me encantó lo que estás haciendo con tu casa, la decoración y cada detalle que le has puesto a tu nuevo hogar es asombroso y admirable. 😊👏👏

[@bayousef8796]

Your home reminds me of an exquisite jewelry box with intricate drawers, each revealing some lovely object.

[@craigcarter947]

I really like the deep ruddy stain that is in the wooden floor in your tokonoma and the pillars in the main living room. It brings a warmth into the space and links the areas nicely. Was it the original stain or one you decided to use (and maybe some detail on the official color and manufacturer, please)?

[@TokyoLlama]

It's all original - I think it's just the natural keyaki wood with a clear finish but not sure. The only ones I did are the new hinoki pillars next to the stove. I used WOOD LOVE oil stain in keyaki colour to match the original keyaki pillars and beams.

[@craigcarter947]

@@TokyoLlama As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The Keyaki wood color is very similar to the burgundy of mahogany which is one of my favorite natural wood tones.

[@sarahbsai6650]

The cats look so cozy in the bean bag chairs. Its nice that there are different living spaces to enjoy

[@Regalman]

I will do this one day. My dream.

[@PanzerChief]

Right now the only thing I can do is draw the floor plans for my dream house. I will probably use this as a inspiration hehe

[@imperialphoenix]

You have done an amazing job so far. What a beautiful family home you've created. I am sure those who came before you, the original carpenter and the builders, and the family before, are very proud of what you've done restoring the home and bringing back it's beauty.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@bumpsy]

binge watched the whole channel for the past days. Very inspiring, especially the whole DIY attitude. Really awesome and congrats on the achievements

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@jamieivesann8860]

Lovely! Loved the sofa and the attic where you can laze around or hang out which your cats obviously love as well.🐈🐈‍⬛💕

[@deidentified]

"we chose navy [for the beanbags] as I think it goes well with the white walls and the natural wood." Last vid you were complaining about the blue in the kids room, so does this mean we've successfully convinced you that the blue looks good?

[@TokyoLlama]

I do like the combination, but it's something about having a lot of blue with the white. I think it's because it looks like the colours of a football team I hate.

[@jellybee68]

@@TokyoLlama Carlton or Geelong? hahahahaha

[@TokyoLlama]

@@jellybee68 Carlton

[@laysa3330]

........and I also love the cats walking around in the house, they really make everything cosy.

[@Nobe_Oddy]

I absolutely LOVE that light under your sofa - it has ALWAYS stood out and I'm so happy you kept it! :D

[@thanksgivingturkey734]

I just clicked randomly your video from 2 years ago, what you have achieved is leaps and bounds from what it used to be I am truly in awe.

[@bastar]

No clutter, no useless stuff, great space. Congrats on slowly getting into finishing straight.

[@annakurse2650]

Your videos make me feel like i'm a family friend listening about your progress and helping sometimes. I adore it! Thank you!

[@TokyoLlama]

That's so nice, thanks for watching (and listening).

[@solarbirdyz]

I love your design aesthetic. That couch is an amazing find and looks so good in the space - even (particularly?) in that nighttime shot taken from outdoors when you're talking about falling asleep to movies. It just all looks so calming and comfortable!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks! Yes, I'm really happy with the purchase!

[@leahpeah123ya]

The natural light in your home is beautiful! I love it.

[@blueskyblue3387]

I love your washitu; it reminds me of my happy childhood: taking a nap on tatami with fresh igusa, cicada symphony, breeze through the open fusumas all around, and the pile of school homework for the summer vacation left on the huge wooden zataku.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, it's a lovely place in summer when the breeze is coming through. I like to do the same (minus the homework).

[@radiusorbitmonroe6772]

How i love to experience the 4 seasons in your beautiful home... This is a master piece. Huge transformation from day 1, full of love and dedication... Detailed from exterior to interior and its stunning!.... I super love your hard work jaya... 💪👌👏👏👏👏🤗🙏

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@sivedan]

Great work with the furnishing Jaya, lots of light, cozy warm with plenty of wood, space and plants, that would be a great home for the kids to grow up in...you're a great father !!!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@gghrithik]

It's been such an amazing treat for us viewers.... This house transformed such much since the very first video.... lots of hugs all the way from Brazil.

[@arisadolly7148]

What a beautiful job, slow and steady wins the race. It also allows for the house to speak to you as well as to what works best. Bravo, great job.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@lindyashford7744]

Love how your home is coming on, very harmonious and peaceful. The scroll is really lovely and that whole space is just so nicely proportioned. You sofa too just fits the bill so perfectly! It’s nice to build your home bit at a time anyway, even the cats looked super relaxed so the harmony is obviously rubbing off on them too. Can’t wait to see how the rest of it develops, you have just made something splendid and oh so beautiful. I wish you and your family the best as you really start to inhabit it. You have done what you intended to and breathed new life into the old place, I hope you get plenty of time to put your feet up as well! I have stove envy as winter is on its way here in the UK and there is no way I could have anything so cosy.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much. Getting a little chilly at night here too!

[@madeofnapalm]

Such a cozy place to think about the vastness of the universe

[@anebira]

Lovely inner space and very relaxing. I can understand why people would fall asleep!

[@TokyoLlama]

True!

[@AmandadeOliveira]

That sofa is perfect for the space, I've loved that green color of the wall and the cats owning the puffs as their beds is such a cat thing to happen. Things are going so well and your style is really great.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@angelaneale312]

I've loved watching you and others craft this house back to life. If there are more beautiful houses on Earth than in Japan, I don't know where. Absolutely breathtaking. Thank you 🙏

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome, thanks!

[@Are_We_Having_Tea]

The house seems so happy to be loved and lived in. It exudes warmth and welcome! You have done tremendous work bringing it back to life.

[@LadyWarcrafter]

Wow! Your home is turning into such beautiful living space! I love how you and your wife and family are bringing the traditional beauty together with modern touches! The wood work is GORGEOUS! I wish you and your family many years of joy in your beautiful home!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@NarcisoSNeto]

That sofa is perfect!!! Looks like it was specifically made for your room

[@safaa9654]

It looks amazing! Furnishing is slow but steady, thats totally fine, especially if you want it to look good with high quality stuff

[@TokyoLlama]

Agree, it doesn’t feel right putting lower quality cheaper stuff in the house.

[@guineapig1985]

The nice thing about such a beautiful home with so many interesting architectural features is that it really requires very little decoration to make it feel very warm, inviting, and peaceful

[@TokyoLlama]

That's very true. I think less is more with this house.

[@carycoombe3380]

On top of seeing the beautiful decorating, I appreciate the photobombing by the cats and the kids.

[@victorxavier9275]

The design of the sofa is just *chefs kiss* a really genius idea! I love it! The house is looking really clean, minimal e well polish but very cozy at same time!

[@QueenWendyLu]

Love the cats and the kids….. so cute. Amazing house.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

I discovered your channel today and have been binge watching. Your house is so beautiful. I can't believe it was built in the 80's! In the US, the 80's were a low point in architecture and renovations. I understand the home's architect built traditional religious buildings. What a gorgeous home with all the rubbish and extraneous outbuildings gone and the sun shining into the gekkagan and through the shojis. What a alendid job you've done. You and your family must be so happy.

[@RAZGR1Z]

All the blood, sweat, tears and money are paying off big time! Thanks for bringing all of us on this journey with you!

[@Virtek7]

like, the light change in 7:38

[@oldthudman]

After watching many videos and Japanese folks on Facebook, I've concluded the Japanese are "Masters of Presentation"..............And exceptional artisans.....

[@MrRackinroll]

I have been following you since you bought the house. I am in my early 80s and have health issues , but ten years ago I would be out there with you. My propensity has been eastern in every aspect of my life, Tia Chi , Bonsia ,Zen practice even to my diet so buying a house in Japan and living there would be ideal. I am also a wood worker and have made japanese furniture for alone time. This being said I have lived vicariously through you. I was going to Japan this fall , but had to cancel because I don't think I could walk any distances to see the things I would like to see. Thus viewing all things Japanese through blog and video' are g r eat. Thanks RC

[@payn238]

I love how warm and welcoming your home is, I also love to watch how everything you and your partner bring into your space is well thought out and have taken into consideration how to use your own skills to make it better.