Kavan Choksi on the Comfort of Japanese Winter Textures When winter settles over Japan, design takes on a softer, more intimate tone. The season’s chill invites people indoors, where texture becomes the language of warmth and connection. Soft wool throws, woven tatami mats, and the glow of cedarwood interiors transform ordinary spaces into sanctuaries of comfort. In Japanese homes, every detail feels intentional, and every texture is chosen not only for beauty but for how it feels to the touch. Kavan Choksi recognizes that Japan’s design philosophy is rooted in more than just aesthetics. It’s an emotional dialogue between nature, material, and the human spirit. Japanese winter interiors celebrate what is known as shibui, a subtle and understated elegance that emerges through restraint. The focus is not on opulence but on authenticity. Linen curtains diffuse light like morning mist, while clay vases and woven baskets echo the colors of earth and bark. These cho...
Kavan Choksi Explores Koyo Culture and the Drama of Autumn Leaves in Japan In Japan, the arrival of autumn is more than a change in weather. It is also the awakening of a deeply aesthetic season. Known as Koyo, the turning of leaves into vivid reds, burnished gold, and deep ambers becomes a nationwide celebration of beauty and impermanence. From Kyoto's temple gardens to the northern landscapes of Hokkaido, people journey to witness this breathtaking transformation. Kavan Choksi recognizes that Koyo is more than a display of natural splendor. It is also a deliberate dialogue between nature and design, which is a harmony that continues to shape both tradition and modern creativity. Gardens that Frame the Season Japanese gardens are designed to highlight the vibrancy of Koyo. Maple and ginkgo trees are placed with careful consideration, often aligned with pathways or water features to create dramatic reflections at peak color. Stones, bridges, and lanterns se...