“+ MONO” refers to the new range of activities that OKITA HOME is undertaking beyond our traditional planning, design, and construction. Referring to the Japanese phrase “足すもの tasumono” translated to “that what is added”, it expresses our philosophy in adding value and refinement to our designs. In addition to building houses, we now embrace furniture creation, comprehensive interior decorating, remodeling and renovation, and the promotion of specialized materials, resources, and equipment. We collectively call these initiatives “+ MONO”—a new standard we are setting for the future of OKITA HOME.
Typically, when builders construct a home, the focus is primarily on the foundation and structure, creating a dwelling that protects its inhabitants from rain, wind, and other elements. Furniture, in this case, is limited to built-in items such as shoe cabinets, kitchen cupboards, and sink cabinets. However, from the homeowner's perspective, a “home” is naturally seen as a complete space that includes furnishings, a dining table, sofa, lowboards, shelves, beds, etc.
With that in mind, when planning we consider the entire experience. What view would be most pleasurable when you wake up? How much natural light creates the perfect atmosphere? Our plans encompass not only the architectural construction but also every furnishing detail, from choosing the right bed, selecting complementary sheets, considering the materials and colors for curtains or blinds, coordinating furniture, lighting, small decor items, to even art pieces. A house and its furnishings are inseparable and as such we offer coordinated interior design proposals as part of our planning services.
OKITA HOME also offers remodeling and renovation services. There are times when routine maintenance provides a prime opportunity for improvements and remodeling. Much like our philosophies of building a valuable home, preserving what works and improving what does not, our concept of renovation is a comprehensive approach that covers planning, interior design, and construction. Oftentimes, we find older homes not up to modern building codes. In these cases we go to great pains in assessing the building's structural condition, shoring up its shortcomings, and providing a thorough inspection of the site's foundations and soil. We are confident that our industry know-how, gained over our various build projects throughout the years, will allow us to provide our customers with both confidence and peace of mind.
As introduced in our concept, at OKITA HOME we regard the entire plot of land as an integral extension of the home, and the garden as yet another space that forms the backdrop of daily life. Imagine relaxing in your living room and casually glancing out the window to see wild birds alighting on a garden tree, bringing a quiet sense of connection to nature. The experience of living with such seasonal splendor and in harmony with nature is a unique benefit of standalone homes.
Our view is that connecting the exterior and interior need not be limited to decorated walls and basic greenery, nor confined solely to the style of commonplace gardens. Our aim is to create “間 - ma”, a unique Japanese concept that literally means “space” or “gap”, but carries several connotations, embodying time, interpersonal relationships, sound, and even air.
Seen through the lens of home design, this “ma” refers to those brief instances of respite that are essential to the balance of one's life. We believe that using this “ma” as a cornerstone to our design philosophy creates environments that allow one to step back and enjoy these moments in day-to-day life. With even the most modest budget, we can plant the seeds of your garden paradise.
