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Collection by Yoko

Richmond House

Originally from Japan, Yoko founded London-based Yoko Kloeden Design in 2014 after a career in business and traveling all over the world. This is her family home she renovated and now shares with her husband and three children.

The Victorian semi-detached house was covered with ivy for 30 years and internally was a patchwork of DIY building works done by the previous owners. The project included demolishing the poorly done ground floor extension, gutting and stripping the entire house, rebuilding the rear extension to make a large family area, adding two rooms to the loft level as the second floor, and refurbishing the whole house including the exterior and the garden.

Yoko says, "From outside, it is a typical Victorian house in London with weathered yellow bricks and trailing ivy on the wall. Once you step inside, you will find layers of natural materials—clay, marble, brass, steel, oak, walnut, to name just a few, and I chose the calming color palette I am naturally attracted to."

"The inspiration came from connecting with the garden and nature. My Japanese background certainly played a role in how I achieved this. Even if the overall mood is kept serene, it is a family home with three lively children. The house breathes and grows with my family and is constantly evolving. That's what I love most about it."

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The colours in the living area are inspired by my collection of Bitossi pottery.
The colours in the living area are inspired by my collection of Bitossi pottery.
When we bought the house, the brick walls and trailing ivy in the back garden were already there. The back of the house is about connecting with the garden.
When we bought the house, the brick walls and trailing ivy in the back garden were already there. The back of the house is about connecting with the garden.
I used the old bricks inside to bring the outside in. My husband is Australian and I am very much inspired by how Australians blur the lines between indoors and out.
I used the old bricks inside to bring the outside in. My husband is Australian and I am very much inspired by how Australians blur the lines between indoors and out.
We created the homework zone next to the kitchen / dining so I can keep an eye on the children while preparing dinner.
We created the homework zone next to the kitchen / dining so I can keep an eye on the children while preparing dinner.
The view from the garden - We leave the doors open as much as the great British weather allows…
The view from the garden - We leave the doors open as much as the great British weather allows…
This is my office. Black is used as a common thread throughout the house while it is used here in a big expanse to a dramatic effect.
This is my office. Black is used as a common thread throughout the house while it is used here in a big expanse to a dramatic effect.
Our bedroom in our previous house was too bright especially in summer even with a blackout blind. I love our new dark bedroom and it's nice to sleep in especially on cold winter mornings.
Our bedroom in our previous house was too bright especially in summer even with a blackout blind. I love our new dark bedroom and it's nice to sleep in especially on cold winter mornings.
The master ensuite - Natural marble comes in so many different veins and shades. I liked the cool contemporary look of this marble.
The master ensuite - Natural marble comes in so many different veins and shades. I liked the cool contemporary look of this marble.
The boys' room. - The children's rooms were designed around the concept of forest bathing—the Japanese practice of basically just being in the woods, which is known to have a calming effect. It's more of my wishful thoughts though.
The boys' room. - The children's rooms were designed around the concept of forest bathing—the Japanese practice of basically just being in the woods, which is known to have a calming effect. It's more of my wishful thoughts though.
Our daughter's room follows a forest theme. The colour palette was taken from the vintage rug we brought back from our trip to Turkey.
Our daughter's room follows a forest theme. The colour palette was taken from the vintage rug we brought back from our trip to Turkey.
The family bathroom. - Black tiles are handmade in Morocco to add a warm authentic feel to this monochrome palette.
The family bathroom. - Black tiles are handmade in Morocco to add a warm authentic feel to this monochrome palette.
The powder room. - It takes so much effort to make it look 'effortless'. The tiler had to lay these tiles of 11 designs on the floor to get my approval.
The powder room. - It takes so much effort to make it look 'effortless'. The tiler had to lay these tiles of 11 designs on the floor to get my approval.