From Gloomy to Groovy: Tokyo’s Color‑Crazed Condo
Ever wondered what “fruit‑inspired décor” actually looks like behind the scenes? Take a virtual tour of a 157‑square‑meter, three‑bedroom, two‑bathroom flat tucked in Tokyo’s vibrant Nagatacho. It’s not just any apartment – it’s the playground of a retired couple who love to host globetrotting guests, and the brainchild of British designer Adam Nathaniel Furman.
Dreaming Up a New Flow
Originally a maze of narrow rooms and cramped corridors (thanks, 1980s architecture), the place had ceilings that felt less like “height” and more like a high‑school hallway. Furman, 36, with a Japanese grandmother in his bloodline, decided to shuffle the layout into something that feels airy and open. Highlights:
- Entrance vestibule leads to a short hallway that splits into two cozy single beds.
- From there, the space blooms into a sizeable living area that merges seamlessly with the kitchen and an eat‑in island.
- The master bedroom and its private bath sit just off the dining zone, keeping the option open for renting out parts of the apartment.
- To make the transition between living and dining feel natural, a curved line is drawn where lavender carpet meets green‑striped vinyl.
Throwback to the 1980s & Modern Make‑over
During the overhaul, hidden beams, ducts, and all the building “guts” were neatly tucked into slab‑like cavities. Those cavities didn’t just stay raw; they got wrapped in textured white wallpaper, preserving that new‑height vibe without feeling too sterile.
Why the Circle of Color?
Furman’s latest wallpaper trick involves a uniform band—just over 1.2 m from the floor—that lifts the wall’s visual interest and gently distracts from any ceiling quirks. “The white’s wickedly bright but plays out any curtain‑whistles,” he quips.
From “Bubble‑gum Flat” to “Watermelon Wonderland”
Word on the street: The clients first christened the space “bubble‑gum flat” (yes, that’s real), but after a few sessions they devoted it to “watermelon.” If you sneak a look, you’ll spot faint green stripes, a splash of warm tonals, and those classic juicy pinks all mingling together.
Inside the Design Lab: Taste Meets Texture
What started as a simple palette debate soon turned into a full‑blown sensory exploration. Furman met the couple for days, rummaging through stores to pick the perfect materials and colors—every choice flavored with their love for food, taste, and good vibes.
Next time you think “color scheme,” remember this Tokyo treasure: it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s a full‑blown edible adventure that’s both bold and surprisingly tasty.
Kitchen & Bathroom: A Sizzling Blend of Style and Subtle Sparkle
The Dazzling Countertops that Turn Heads
The counters in both the kitchen and the bathroom are made from a semi‑translucent artificial marble by LG Hi‑Macs. It’s the kind of material that captures light and gives your space a subtle, sensual glow.
“If you put that in front of people who love colors, they’ll fall in love,” Mr. Furman says, and he’s right.
Yellow Fixtures: A Colorful Twist
The bathroom fixtures feature sleek yellow faucets. These are no ordinary taps – they’re a Danish classic, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1968 for Vola, and are one of the few elements sourced outside Japan.
Mr. Furman admits he spent a lot of time negotiating: “I was very sure of myself.”
The faucets bring a hot streak of color – a deliberate pop of “Tabasco” to a otherwise pastel palette.
Japanese vs. British Rainbow Choices
- Japanese manufacturers are lazier with color, which means more options for heated towel racks and peachy toilets.
- In Britain, colored toilets and sinks are hard to find – they’re usually vintage 1970s pieces.
The selected fixtures from the housing equipment firm Lixil come in Easter‑egg tones that complement the overall vibe.
Natural Touches in a Synthetic World
While Mr. Furman leans toward artificial materials – vinyl for the kitchen floor and melamine for the dotted and arched doors – his clients wanted a splash of natural beauty.
The circular kitchen‑living‑dining area is anchored by a custom spruce cabinet, and the aquamarine backsplash tile from Nagoya Mosaic adds a variegated splash of color.
Meet the Ceramics Guru Who Loves a Little Cheeky!
Why Mr Furman’s Pieces are a Perfect Match for “Wondrous Walls”
“I wanted to find a place that produced ceramics that have a winkiness to them that offsets the hard surfaces,” Mr Furman confides. “Think of walls that don’t just stare back at you — they chuckle, make eye contact, and keep things fresh.”
The Budget Trick That Made a Dream Cabinet a Reality
- Integrated bath‑and‑shower unit: Dr. Furman cut costs by buying a fully assembled unit that ships as one cohesive piece, ditching the traditional piecemeal setup.
- Result: More money left in the pocket for that one‑of‑a‑kind cabinet that’s a true statement piece.
Color Explosion: The Sweet‑and‑Spice Chalet
There’s a line: “All those colours, all that jazz — not everyone wants to live in a sweet or spice shop year‑round.” Mr Furman explains, which is why these bold, quirky vibes are reserved for special occasions.
“Runners From Reality” – The Dropbox of Design
“A lot of people look at my portfolio, then run screaming,” Mr Furman chuckles. That’s the surprise factor — you don’t know if it’ll feel like a family retreat or a carnival backpack before you first taste the texture.
Living in a Melon? The “Eccentric” Client
- Not about fashion; it’s about mindset. These folks simply refuse to follow the script.
- They thrive on novelty, finding joy in the unexpected.
So if you’re ready to swap the familiar for the fantastically bizarre, Mr Furman’s pieces might just be your new palace.
Home & Decor — A Sneak‑Peek Into the Unconventional
Published first in Home and Decor, this slice of lifestyle vlog highlights how “lifestyle home works” can transform spaces (or at least make them interesting enough to keep you from zoning out while you walk the hallway.
