# @dwellmagazine on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DM0aUIgxTiG
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33973741-dwellmagazine-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/a54b57fa5d.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-08-01T16:21:52.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Dwell (@dwellmagazine) — https://gondola.cc/dwellmagazine

## Caption

In a historic neighborhood in Kyoto, structures elbow up against one another, including carpentry shops, centuries-old pickle stores, and traditional machiya townhouses. One such home stands out with an artwork at the entrance that hints at what’s now inside: a one-bed accommodation with a rotating photography library and gallery. The house was renovated by photographer dominicksheldon and set designer whitneyhellesen, who had become enamored with the city while honeymooning there in 2017. “We liked the idea of doing it in Japan because of the country’s dedication to photography and craft,” says Dominick of their search for a home for their artist residency. For the renovation, the couple consulted with Dominick’s uncle, a former architect, as they worked with Kyoto firm Imamura Architects to find the right mix of traditional and modern elements. Throughout, traditional features take on new use cases: Upstairs, the bedroom has a tokonoma, an alcove used to display seasonal art, while a new fusuma, or sliding door, uses aluminum leaf. Dominick and Whitney paid special attention to the exterior, making sure new elements integrate seamlessly with original features. In fact, the restoration has obtained the blessing of the local neighborhood association, called a chōnaikai—an important factor in community-conscious Japan. “You made the house look like how the neighborhood used to look,” Dominick says its members have commented. This fall, the couple intend to start a photography-themed artist-in-residence program. “An artist community is growing,” says Dominick, explaining that a local craftsman next-door is planning a similar traditional renovation and that plans are in the works at a nearby cafe to create a custom coffee roast for artists and guests. “We want people who come and stay to just engage with what they find here, which I think is how it used to be when you traveled.” Step inside 834mibu at the link in bio, or in our travel issue.
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Photo by satoshinagare
Story by kimmiekim28
#moderndesign #modernarchitecture #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #homedecor #homedesign #kyotohouse #kyotorenovation #japanesedesign #japanesearchitecture

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## Tags

interiordesign, japanesedesign, modernarchitecture, homedecor, kyotorenovation, homedesign, kyotohouse, moderndesign, interiorarchitecture, japanesearchitecture

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