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odern, lightweight and flexile furniture was the guiding principle behind the construction of a home, where the internal layout was designed around the main pieces of furniture. Here, our client gave only one specification: modern furniture, works of art and no built-in storage. This is how this family home in Morioka, Japan was born, a bright and dynamic space where USM Haller modular furniture takes centre stage.
The city of Morioka is off the tourist path, in the north of the Island of Honshu, two hours by train (or eight by bus) from Tokyo. Because its inaka, the countryside, the houses here tend to be larger than in the rest of Japan. The interior is spacious and bright with a large living room, which looks onto the garden terrace and an open-plan kitchen with a breakfast area.
Here, the furniture is functional as the owner favours contemporary design in clean and simple lines. A compelling intercontinental mix which brings to Japan modern Swiss and Danish aesthetics. Light parquet flooring and white walls, which are relieved by colourful USM furniture. First designed in 1963, USM modular furniture has since then become a true classic. Interior architect Ochi chose this, certain it would be valued for decades to come.
Left-hand side image, entrance with open staircase which leads to top floor bedrooms.
This practical home, decorated with a smart choice of materials and modern furniture, is the perfect blend of elegance and style, and has a warm and welcoming heart nonetheless. Opting for alternatives to built-in furniture avoided creating a continuous shell, and fuss-free classic-modern pieces brought extraordinary lightness, a fresh space free from time and place.

Design project
Family home with garden
Location: Morioka, Japan
Interior design project: Arch. Ochi, Giappone
Furniture sourcing:
USM modular furniture
Email: info@ch.usm.com
Website: www.usm.com
Photos: Courtesy USM Haller