Oh, Shinpei
While watching the movie Barbarian, I've had a moment of laughter in middle of all the horror the movie conveys: Justin Long discovers a passage underneath the basement in a house he owns and that he has never visited. And instead of running away screaming (as I would have done) he flips out his phone and starts calculating how many more square feet he could add to the house information because he wants to sell it. In America, everything supersized and bloated seems to have extra value.
I think some people should take a look at how people live in other countries in order to understand how much space people have in America. We are coddled and pampered by space and possibilities and usually forget what really appreciating one's space is like. Meet Shimpei (you can see more in his Insta @pleasegreen_studio) who lives in Tokyo manages a photography studio rental.
You can see how @shin_pei uses multi functionality to create a warm, welcoming environment that feels both inviting and alive. Because one does not preclude the other two, right? You also need to take into account that his apartment is located in Tokyo, that is not really overpopulated (it does not have the problems that let's say, Beijing and Mexico City have) but it indeed is a megalopolis. Tokyo is therefore very expensive and the price per square foot is therefore very high. People live in a different way in big cities.
We all could learn from people who live in small spaces. We could learn to appreciate the room we have and the spaces we call ours. I know I have.
XOXO
P.S. don't forget to hit the CC button. I'm not sure how rusty your Japanese can be…
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I recently had to make a move from a 3,000 sq. ft. 3 bedroom house into a 385 sq. ft. apartment mainly due to health reasons. Needless to say the transition to smaller is a work in progress. But, once I realized I was only getting rid of "stuff" and that my life as a whole was going to be much simpler, not only to care for but to actually live, it became a lot more acceptable to me. The process of making this new space mine and me is a challenge but a lot of fun as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, I bet there's a bit of culture shock when you downsize. I've tried to keep my expanding under control and I'm confident I will fit in any two-bedroom place and can make it more than comfortably in a one-bedroom.
DeleteAnd there's NOTHING better than getting rid of stuff we don't need/care about/don't like. Well, sex is, but you get my drift.
And you will have to give us a peek of your place when you're done with it!
XOXO
I saw that movie, too, and those people wandering into the depths of hidden rooms and passageways under a house are the epitome of Movie Dumb People™
ReplyDeleteWe have a somewhat large home, about 2600 square feet, and it really is too much. We had about 1400 square feet in Miami and that seemed to be just find. Our next house will be a downsize.
I KNOW RIGHT?????
DeleteI kept screaming at the TV "get out now, Justin!". And 1400-2000 has room for two people, IMHO. When I get a house I'll get a two-bedroom, I swear.
XOXO
so full of plants
ReplyDeleteAnd I love it!
DeleteIt feels so alive and cared for! I also love his little collections. So much personality!
XOXO
The teeny-tiniest hotel room we ever stayed in was in Tokyo. There was barely room for the two of us and our two suitcases. And this was in a classy hotel. Space truly is at a premium there.
ReplyDeleteOMG My friend told me the same!
DeleteHe was in a boutique hotel and it was gorge but TINY.
Space IS a luxury that people in America do not understand.
XOXO
HuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteI know you’ll disagree, but I think there are too many plants for such a small place. He does make the best use for what he has.
According to Zillow, my house is about 1600 sqft. Not an overly large home but it’s comfy and allows me to separate different functions of my life. And yes there are rooms that are rarely used, including the living room and dining room. Until a couple of years ago the office was rarely used. Now with working from home, that’s where I spend the majority of my day.
And I’m going to have to lookup that movie. 😎
XOXO 👨🏼❤️💋👨🏽
OMG I just found the house I live in Zillow. Holy cow! It's a totally different thing now.
DeleteAnd no, there isn't such as thing as 'too many plants' LMAOOO. Your house is perfectly comfortable for two people and the fur kids, I think. And I'm so glad you had the office set up there. It cam handy, huh?
And that movie is super scary!!!!
XOXO
Big says,
ReplyDeleteThat's a decent size....larger than some NY apartments. But, of course, he's got too much "stuff" or maybe it just looks that way because it's a small space. I like the plants. And that eye mirror over the bed. It's true that in the US value is on "the bigger, the better." Size matters! LOL. But other cultures put more emphasis on being out amongst one another; they meet in pubs, restaurants, and marketplaces, etc. instead of cloistering at home. XOXO
I know right?
DeleteWhen something is 'large' compared to NYC...
And I think he has his collections and such. I think they give the space a lot of character. In the US, it's all about size. And not in a fun way. The US is pure materialism, no sense of community at all.
XOXO
I'm into size. I have 1900 square feet and could easily use another 1500. I don't doubt this is because for many, many years I lived in a 440 square foot appartment.
ReplyDeleteThree thousand square feet is right there in McMansion wasted space slot.
DeleteMaybe with a husband and three kids plus the dogs. And when the pets die and the husband leaves and the kids go to college? Emptiness.
I lived in a 500 square foot apartment for years! And I had a man with me.
XOXO
We downsized, from 1600sf to 850sf. I love the small space. However, our decor is more college dorm room.
ReplyDeletedorm rooms were some of the fanciest places I ever lived. put two gay guys in a dorm room and Martha Stewart eat your heart out.
Delete@M-N Farms; Martha taught me how to make a shank. Also, prune Tree Peonies.
Deletejimmy
I totally agree Jimmy. I love that you two did that. To me I would rather have a small space or bungalow, and decorated Chic and the way I like it. Yet you see people these big huge homes, then they can't afford to furnish it.
DeleteHeh My decor is basically Dorm Room Chic. I have a little more than 800 square feet and I think there's some space that's wasted. I don't use it all completely.
DeleteAnd I think your house is the perfect size. With the possibility of doing things outdoors, the space grows exponentially. And I agree with Maddie: having a smaller place and making it chic and cozy is the journey.
XOXO
Well, words Escape me on what I'm thinking with this one, but this one is definitely not me, and to be around that many indoor plants will drive me nuts.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree with your assessment of people living in different countries. Americans when it comes to space or Hogs. I still will never understand, why people have such big homes, yet they only use the same four rooms in the house. I have a post coming about all this.
Hahaha
DeleteI love the plants! I would freak out if I have those many and have to go on a trip, though...
And North American people have NO IDEA how people live in other countries (and don't care to learn about it) It's all about HAVING the space, even if they only use the kitchen, the bedroom and the family room.
XOXO
I prefer small spaces. I would love to live a minimalistic life. I just don't see the value in owning things. Life is temporary. It should be lived as such. McMansions make me ill. They're ugly and such a waste of money and land. It's the manspread thing... by taking up more room - you win? HA. I don't get it. This need to dominate. This need to win. Just be. Appreciate what you have. Don't get attached to things. Why should my life and finances be tied up in a house? I'd rather travel. Kizzes.
ReplyDeleteSAME! My goal totally.
DeleteI have always lived in smaller apartments and I really like it. I despise McMansions. And there are SO FUCKING MANY where I live! When I buy a house, it'll be small. I don't care about resale value.
XOXO