Architectural Cases

In the heart of Beppu, a city renowned for its volcanic landscape and natural hot springs on Japan's Kyushu island, an art collective known as 目[mé] (pronounced 'mé,' meaning 'eye') has created a thought-provoking architectural installation. Their latest work, titled 'Space II,' reimagines a traditional Japanese residence into an immersive, cave-like environment, inviting visitors to contemplate the intricate relationship between human habitation and the Earth's raw geological forces.

Immersive Artistry in a Volcanic Landscape: The Unveiling of 'Space II'

The ancient city of Beppu, famous globally for its abundant hot springs, served as the unique backdrop for 目[mé]'s latest creative endeavor, 'Space II.' Situated on the volcanically active island of Kyushu, a place affectionately dubbed 'hell' in local lore due to its intense geothermal activity, this location inspired the collective to delve into themes of erosion, time, and natural transformation. 目[mé], an art group that has been shaping artistic narratives in Japan for approximately fifteen years, is celebrated for its distinctive approach: reinterpreting existing spaces and their historical contexts to craft fresh, compelling experiences. With 'Space II,' which opened in early January 2026, they took a conventional residential building in Beppu and skillfully carved it into a cavern, simulating the effects of geological processes and the passage of time. Rather than constructing new elements, the artists meticulously removed parts of the existing structure, creating gaping apertures visible from afar. Inside, a system of ramps guides visitors through the darkened, excavated galleries, heightening the sense of being within a natural grotto. This transformative project, led by artist Haruka Kojin, director Kenji Minamigawa, and production manager Hirofumi Masui, is a powerful commentary on the region's dormant volcanic past and encourages a reflection on the origins of human civilization, often traced back to cave dwellings.

This innovative installation challenges our perception of space and belonging. It reminds us that our dwellings, however modern, share a fundamental connection with the ancient shelters of our ancestors. The disorienting yet profound experience within 'Space II' encourages introspection, urging us to consider how deeply intertwined our lives are with the natural world and its powerful, transformative processes. It's a journey not just through a physical space, but through time and human history, all within the shell of a reimagined home.

Once solely functional spaces, closets have undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as luxurious and meticulously designed rooms that serve as personal havens. Today's high-end dressing areas are a blend of boutique, boudoir, and command center, incorporating cutting-edge design principles and innovative solutions. Expert designers and organizers are pushing the boundaries of conventional closet concepts, integrating advanced lighting, bespoke vanities, bold color schemes, and even multi-level configurations to elevate these spaces to an unprecedented level of sophistication and utility.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in modern closet design, moving beyond simple illumination to create a retail-inspired display. Cecilia Ramos, a Senior Director at Lutron and former lighting designer for LVMH, emphasizes the power of multi-layered lighting to enhance the visual appeal of merchandise. Designers are now strategically placing lights at the front and rear of shelving to accentuate the color, texture, and dimension of clothing, shoes, and accessories. For instance, recessed cove lighting behind shoes and bags defines their silhouettes, while uplighting from below creates a floating effect for hanging garments. This meticulous approach ensures that every item is showcased beautifully, mimicking the experience of a high-end fashion boutique.

In a New York project, California Closets consultant Nina Leese, collaborating with Jennifer Newman Interiors, utilized LED strip lighting on shelf fronts for consistent visibility and rear lighting in deep recesses to eliminate shadows. Leese also introduced illuminated jewelry drawers within a closet island, allowing the homeowner to admire her collection through a glass countertop, creating a stunning “jewel-box effect.”

The classic dressing room vanity, reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour, is experiencing a resurgence. AD100 designer Nate Berkus highlights the elegance of vanities from 1920s and 1930s cinema, portraying them as symbols of timeless sophistication. Sarah Weichel of Swike Design in Los Angeles echoes this sentiment, creating “dressing salons” that feature statement vanities, plush seating, and Art Deco or Murano glass lighting. She advocates for incorporating vintage chairs, which add character and elegance without the need for the robust durability of a dining chair. Faith Blakeney, another prominent designer, embraces a similar boudoir aesthetic, using vibrant wallpapers, vintage mirrors, and seating from unique sources, such as a chair from the set of “Big Little Lies,” for her celebrity clients.

Beyond traditional neutral tones, expressive color palettes are gaining popularity in closet design. Bo Hellberg of String System notes a shift towards richer, more interesting hues that add personality. Leah Alexander of Beauty Is Abundant, an AD PRO Directory designer, has designed closets in striking red and fuchsia, and bright lavender. She believes color in closets offers a delightful opportunity for unexpected flair, encouraging clients to embrace bold choices that reflect their personal style, often drawing inspiration from existing home decor. Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis further exemplifies this trend, creating a closet enveloped in a pale coral pink, described as “fun, feminine, and universally flattering to all skin tones.” She extends this vibrant palette to custom elements like stone countertops with pink veining, suggesting that closet colors should align with a client’s fashion preferences. Weichel also champions the use of unexpected jewel-toned carpeting to infuse personality and luxury into dressing areas.

Modern closets are also integrating hidden appliances and advanced technology, transforming them into high-performance “gourmet closets.” Anne-Marie Barton, an AD PRO Directory designer, envisions these spaces as one-stop stations equipped with washers, dryers, steamers, and custom solutions from brands like Ornare and Poliform. The goal is to create a serene and efficient environment where everything is readily accessible, simplifying daily decision-making. Susana Simonpietri of Chango takes functionality even further, incorporating safes and compact refrigerators for temperature-sensitive skincare products, and designing concealed compartments for medical sharps containers for clients who self-administer injections. Security features have also evolved to protect valuables not just from intruders, but also from enthusiastic teenagers. Simonpietri’s solutions include hidden locks operated by keycode or magnetic keys, providing discreet protection without unsightly keyholes.

For clients with extensive wardrobes, two-story closets, or “dream duplexes,” are becoming a practical yet dramatic solution. These multi-level designs maximize storage within the existing footprint of a home. Larah Sifuentes-Winter, a Senior Designer at The Wiseman Group, transformed an unused lower-level space beneath a client’s existing closet, connecting the two levels with a spiral staircase. This innovative design incorporated integrated lighting, curved leather-paneled walls, and a glass floor beneath a skylight, ensuring ample natural light in the lower level. Similarly, Naomi Carter of California Closets designed an expansive split-level closet for a Lake Charles, Louisiana, project, featuring dedicated shoe walls and separate staging areas for each partner, offering a lavish reinterpretation of the traditional “his and hers” closet concept.

The modern closet transcends its traditional role, transforming into a personalized and luxurious extension of the home. Designers are leveraging innovative lighting, bespoke vanities, bold color schemes, integrated technology, and multi-level architectural solutions to create spaces that are not only highly functional but also deeply reflective of their owners’ tastes and lifestyles. These sophisticated dressing rooms highlight a growing trend towards elevated domestic experiences, where every detail contributes to both convenience and aesthetic pleasure.