Exploring the First-Floor Event Space

“While most interior shops have many focal points, I always felt there was a lack of supporting pieces. However, LIVING MOTIF has a well-balanced selection of both main and supporting elements, truly conveying a proposal for a higher-tier lifestyle.” This is how interior stylist Masayo Mogi describes her impression of LIVING MOTIF, which reopened after renovations on March 19th.

The renovation introduced a new, open event space on the first floor that allows natural light to enter. The in-shop "BIBLIOPHILE," which previously housed foreign and design books in the basement, has moved to the second floor. In its place, furniture, lighting, and fabrics are now concentrated on the basement level. The most significant feature is how the distinct character of each floor has become clearer, enhancing the joy of discovering new products.

“I’ve been involved with this shop in various capacities for about two-thirds of its nearly 30-year history,” Mogi says with a smile. She was also responsible for styling the "Poul Kjærholm Exhibition," held to commemorate the store’s reopening.

First, we tour the first-floor venue. The sight of Poul Kjærholm's iconic PK22 easy chairs, PK80 daybeds, and PK31 sofas, all from Fritz Hansen, lined up is truly breathtaking. Mogi reflects on the creation process, saying, “It was enjoyable to imagine and contemplate how people would live alongside these masterpieces.”

“This event space can be viewed not only from the front of the store but also from the side, which adds a sense of depth to the display while also making it easier to harmonize with the overall floor. The fact that it’s a space designed for appreciation while walking is also appealing,” she adds, conveying her strong satisfaction with the renovation.

What is Poul Kjærholm's Design?

When asked about her favorite corner in the event space, Mogi replies, “Actually, I like small spaces.” She points to an area by the window where an Egg chair and Dot stool are arranged. “That’s a curious space, isn’t it? Fritz Hansen products are displayed in such a compact area. Isn’t that enjoyable in itself?” Mogi asks.

“Poul Kjærholm’s furniture is intentionally designed with a low center of gravity, so it doesn’t overwhelm a space, yet it asserts itself like a work of art. Those who love his furniture understand its minimalist design and skillfully incorporate it into their spaces. A life where one can master beautiful furniture is aspirational, but I believe it’s possible to achieve a beautiful coordination with the products available at LIVING MOTIF.”

Enjoying Interiors by Incorporating the "Spirit of the Times"

Regarding the overall impression of the renovation, Mogi comments, “Shops are like living beings that grow with the times and trends. This time, the ceiling along the window side has been raised, and with a calm color scheme, it has a light and open atmosphere.” On the first floor, she recommends the fragrance corner with botanical candles and the bath goods corner, which she finds has a “wonderfully organized wall display.”

What interests me most right now is the new movement emerging from this information society, involving designers, creators, and artisans who continue to engage in time-consuming activities despite the demand for speed. While fashion certainly has many aspects that can be discussed in terms of trends, for interiors, it’s sufficient to practice the “enjoyment of incorporating the spirit of the times.” For example, adding cushions with colors or patterns reflecting your current mood or the latest trends to your favorite sofa. Like fashion, I want to cultivate an eye for selecting interior elements.”



LIVING MOTIF
5-17-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo AXIS Building B1F, 1F, 2F
Tel. 03-3587-2784
Business Hours | 11:00–19:00
http://www.livingmotif.com

Enjoying the Contrast Between the Second Floor, Like a Pandora's Box, and the Mysterious Basement

The second floor of the reborn LIVING MOTIF has been transformed with the relocation of the in-shop "Bibliophile," which handles foreign and design books, from the basement. “It’s gone from being a hidden room to a library,” says Mogi, describing it as a spacious and open floor, like a Pandora's box. “When it was in the basement, I thought, ‘I want to live here’ (laughs), but moving it to the second floor makes it easier to pick up books.”

Bibliophile offers a wide selection of foreign books from around the world, focusing on design, graphics, interiors, and architecture, as well as photography, art, and cuisine. Mogi shares, “It’s a place where you can find new, interesting, and fun foreign books. Since you never know when the next shipment will arrive, I tend to buy books I like. The dedicated staff will always help you, and I want to own hardcover books and enjoy their physical weight. There are also new discoveries, like the latest books from Vitra.”

The second floor is complemented by items for workspaces, such as desks, as well as practical and hobby-oriented items like stationery and audio equipment. Mogi’s interest is piqued as she remarks, “It’s fun to imagine who selected the notebooks, notepads, and stationery as I shop.”

Skillfully Designing Spaces Without Natural Light

So far, Mogi has guided us through the first and second floors. She then leads us to the basement, which she describes as having a “mysterious feel in contrast to the openness of the second floor.”

“The way they’ve skillfully created distinct corners using partitions in a space without natural light is excellent. Items like the modern macrame hanging planter 'llot llov' become more appealing when seen in this setting.”

Mogi picks up the newly arrived Dedal bookshelf from GUBI as she shares her impressions. Touching the unique, lightweight shelf with its wide range of colors, she seems particularly fond of it, saying, “I’d love to use this for a photoshoot sometime.”

Additionally, the cabinet from 'A2' placed in the bed corner is also a recommended item by Mogi. “It’s a furniture brand by a group of young Swedish designers established in 2008, and while it upholds the tradition of Scandinavian furniture, its distinctive designs are captivating.” The basement level offers a rich selection of furniture, lighting, and fabrics, allowing for unique personal space coordination.

Masayo Mogi's Way of Enjoying Interiors

“Being in a beautiful space cultivates one’s eye,” Mogi says, speaking about the appeal of interior shops. “Knowing the ‘top of the top’ in essentials for living—food, clothing, and shelter—naturally expands your options. Stores that lead the times are places that help you grow your inner repertoire. While I want to acquire things I love at all costs, choosing beautiful items involves personal preference and taste, so creating such spaces is very important in life.”

Finally, we asked Mogi about the highlights of the reborn LIVING MOTIF. “Human memories can resurface suddenly—not immediately, but perhaps through scent, sound, or when encountering the same season. Interiors are similar; the memory of seeing Poul Kjærholm’s PK series might come back years later, leading to understanding. This includes recognizing the differences in material textures, the craftsmanship that requires time, and feeling that ‘leather is alive.’ These are very important. LIVING MOTIF is a store to be enjoyed like a Pandora’s box. I hope it continues to nurture its customers over the long term, and that both interiors and fashion are interesting because they have no definitive conclusion.”

Masayo Mogi
Interior stylist. After working as a product designer at Hitachi Design Research, she became an independent stylist in 1992. She handles interior styling for magazines and advertisements, exhibition space design, and shop planning.

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Poul Kjærholm
"dialogue with materials" Exhibition
Period | Ongoing until April 20 (Mon)