Unfazed by moves,

unfazed by spring cleaning,

the magazines that survived being thrown away.

 

 

Among them,

my collection of BRUTUS's special features on living spaces

has grown quite a bit.

They're not about interior design but about "living spaces," a perspective that sets them apart from trends, so they never feel old no matter how many times I reread them. It's a special feature I look forward to every year.

 

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By the way, have you heard of the recently popular phrase "manly interior"?

 

 

BasShu is sometimes introduced in this category onまとめサイト (summary sites) and such, but I don't really know the exact definition myself...

 

However,

every time I hear this phrase, there's a certain "house" I remember,

so I dug it out again after a long time.

It's the home of fisherman (?) and illustrator,

Kazutaka Tsugaoka.

 

This is from a 2010 special issue, but

it leaves a strong impression and captures my heart every time I see it.

 

The interview is also interesting:

"I just can't stand a neatly tidied room. (Omitted) Some people want to keep their rooms always clear, and many creators say that their creativity flows best when they are in an empty space, but I'm the opposite. I like having various things I love in my field of vision, chattering away. It's more comfortable that way, and that lively atmosphere gives me creativity," says Tsugaoka.

I still strongly resonate with these words and find them wonderful.

 

Manly, no, "otokomae" (dashing, chivalrous) interior.

 

In my humble opinion,

a truly "manly interior" is a space not intended to be "shown to others."

Even if it's small or messy,

or the styles are mismatched,

the top priority is one's own comfort.

 

On the other hand, in homes where women take the lead in interior design,

regardless of the style, I feel there are often clean, uncluttered spaces with no unnecessary items.

It's like a show apartment.

 

I think that's probably because

◎not wanting to be embarrassed when inviting friends over,

◎wanting to be seen as living a slightly good life, or

◎wanting to be seen as having good taste on social media,

(It might sound like I'm criticizing, but I'm not.)

such awareness is higher among women than men.

 

Things like "how to create this style!" or

"this sofa should be paired with this!" found on interior design "how-to" sites

 

are really irrelevant. No matter what others think,

the most important thing is a space where you feel comfortable.

 

Truly, "Live your own life."

 

That's what I've been thinking these days.

See ya~

 

posted by A. Imoto