Kyoto, Japan to Claremont, California to Geneva, Switzerland – this is the global journey that ultimately led Japan-born Setsuko Nagasawa to the 20th arrondissement of Paris, where she now lives. Originally built at the beginning of the 20th century as a stable, her home was a printing house before Setsuko moved into the building in 2005. Largely untouched on the outside, the most significant update is that it has now been divided into three separate terraced homes; Setsuko lives in the middle one.
Upon entering the classic metal gates a unique sense of calm settles in. Large cobblestones grace the courtyard and all three inhabitants have decided to use potted plants as partitions, rather than fences or other barriers. When Setsuko found this place, she swiftly decided she wanted to live here. The interiors have a distinctly Japanese influence – there are no sofas or chairs, but instead floor cushions arranged elegantly around a designer coffee table from Italy on casters. The bed is a mattress that can be folded up during the day, while the decor of the large room has been kept distinctly simple and considered, with art and well-chosen references from friends and family.
Photography: Morten Holtum | Living Inside
Styling: Lykke Foged