Early Summer Breeze and Green Leaves by the Window
As I open the window, a soft, slightly humid breeze gently flows to the back of the room.
The view outside my window has completely changed from spring colors in just a few days.
The weeping cherry tree, which was adorned in pale pink until recently, has now turned into vibrant green leaves.
Watching the swaying maple leaves next to it filter the light, I felt that instead of going somewhere far away this holiday, I wanted to slowly savor the time spent at home.
Instead of making a packed schedule, I want to enjoy the changing scenery, sit in my favorite chair, and brew coffee.
I'd like to write a little about the furniture that I've rediscovered the charm of while spending such peaceful days with it.
The perfect chair for my life
Quietly waiting for me by the living room window is Bruno Mathsson's easy chair, made by DUX in Sweden.
The most appealing feature of this chair is its unique "flexibility," which makes your body feel lighter the moment you sit down. The soft curves that follow the contours of your body gently release the tension of the day.
When I brought it home, I had the fabric reupholstered in a calm gray to blend with the atmosphere of the room.
The plump, button-tufted cushion and the smoothly curved wooden arm that feels like it's clinging to your fingertips when traced.
Every part of it is beautiful, and I realize with each sitting how glad I am to have this chair.
In the morning, I gaze vaguely outside while drinking coffee.
In the evening, I read a book as the setting sun streams in.
At night, I relax with only indirect lighting.
Before I know it, I return to this chair many times throughout the day.
It provides a solid sense of comfort, yet it's not as heavy as it looks, and I love that I can move it easily.
On slightly chilly days, I turn it towards the sun, or change its angle inward when I want to chat with my partner.
This chair always gently accommodates my whims and changing ways of spending time.
Small stools to accompany daily life
Next to the sofa, I have a stool.
I rotate between two favorites depending on my mood.
One is a three-legged stool made in France.
The thick top has a somewhat organic square shape.
It has a slightly mysterious balance of form, not often seen elsewhere.
The moment I first saw it, I was drawn to its presence and fell in love with this small piece of furniture at first sight.
The marks of the "wedges" that secure the legs, visible when looking into the tabletop, are somehow charming. The balance between its ruggedness and its rounded form is comforting, and just looking at it calms my mind.
It's the perfect space to place a freshly brewed coffee and a half-read book.
The other is a simple stool, likely made by Thonet.
Although the brand tag is missing, the dignified appearance of its distinctive bentwood legs has a charm that strongly suggests it must be Thonet.
The graceful and tense curves drawn by the bentwood legs.
Each time I gently run my finger along them, I feel the strength and softness inherent in wood.
Beyond serving as a side table, I use it as a seat for putting on shoes in the entryway, a place for bags, or as a chair when guests come over by moving it to the dining table, or even to display plants.
Having it treated with beeswax wax has added a moist, profound feel, allowing it to naturally blend into any space I place it.
A quiet scene created by black
The black Mizuya-dansu (kitchen cabinet) quietly lends a sense of composure to the living room.
Originally, it was the natural color of wood, but I had it repainted black when I brought it into this house.
The old, wavering glass is beautiful, and each time light shines through, my favorite dishes and books lined up inside gently shimmer as if seen through water.
This piece has its fixed spot directly in front of the sofa.
When I glance at it during my relaxing time, my own "treasure chest" quietly sits there.
On the shelf, I display flowers according to the season or my favorite scents.
My recent go-to is the smooth white porcelain vase from "3rd Ceramics." The soft white contrasts beautifully with the black background.
The dignified black presence completely changes its expression depending on what's displayed, so even the time I spend contemplating what kind of scene to create next has become a joy in my life.
Spinning Time, The Story Continues
The old scratches etched into vintage furniture are proof of the time someone cherished it.
It's been almost two years since I started living in Kagurazaka.
Recently, the presence of our lives has quietly begun to blend in there too.
Our present time overlays the memories of someone far away.
It's as if we are together writing the continuation of the story that this furniture has woven.
The time the furniture has traveled, and the days we will accumulate from now on.
The time spent idly reflecting on such things softened my heart more than I expected.
Meeting a unique, one-of-a-kind piece and sharing time with it.
That was a holiday where I once again realized why I am drawn to vintage items.
The holidays are over, and daily life has resumed.
From today, I intend to continue building new memories with this furniture.
