In Tokyo, one of the busiest cities in the world, it might be hard to picture a serene place set in the middle of it all. But thanks to designer Yasumichi Morita, the Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic, Shinjuku Sanchome gives women a place to unwind inside, hidden from the active atmosphere outside. "Surely it is important to create a sense of place," says Morita, founder of Hyogo, Japan-based firm GLAMOROUS co. ltd. "Shinjuku is the busiest downtown [area] in Tokyo and many people rush. I preferred to have premium accents on the contrary and wanted them to think, ‘wow, is this really Shinjuku?’”

Morita is known for haute couture style, but for this spa project, he decided to tone it down a bit. Going for a relaxing yet happy vibe for this women’s-only spa, he sought out delicate colors and furnishings to offer just that and a little more. "In Japan we say bihaku (beautiful white) for the beautiful clear skin many Japanese ladies wish to have," he explains. "Also Yuri in Takano Yuri means "lily" in Japanese. Thus, a white, beautiful, elegant lily has become [the] inspiration."

Colors and materials had to be soft and contrast each other at the same time—white, gold, and platinum hues were used throughout to symbolize what Morita calls "rustless beauty"; chandeliers lending soft lighting are hung behind clear glass and stainless mesh panels give a classical touch; the six treatment rooms including two VIP ones, feature white paint, molding, wallpaper, and indirect lighting; and white Cassina chairs and stools and tables created by GLAMOROUS stand against a marble stone floor and wall finish in the reception area. "Other spas may emphasize relaxation, however, this spa would make your heart not only relax, but also skip," he says.

With a 1,350-square-foot space to work with, it was important to find a way to break up the areas to give an open yet private experience. For example, Morita needed to divide the treatment rooms using a subtle solution. Moiré patterned partitions were the answer, which have a mesh-like rippling appearance and are also lightweight. "This is a consideration for the space which requires elegant movement for staff," he explains. "I personally love spas and use them well. I shape zonings and simplify flow lines for [the] staff’s unwasted motion, which will give them more latitude."

Takano Yuri Beauty Clinic, Shinjuku Sanchome
Tokyo

Owner: Fuji Beauty Co., Ltd.
Architecture: Kumagai Gumi Co., Ltd., Tokyo
Interior Design: GLAMOROUS co.ltd., Ashiya, Japan
Interior Design Project Team: Yasumichi Morita, principal designer
Contractor: JPD co., ltd.
Lighting: Kenji Ito of Maxray Inc.
Graphics: amanaimages inc

RECEPTION
Feature Wall Chandeliers: anthologie QUARTETT
Chairs: Cassina Inc.
Stools and Table with White Vinyl Leather: GLAMOROUS

CORRIDOR
Feature Wall Chandeliers: anthologie QUARTETT

TREATMENT ROOMS AND VIP TREATMENT ROOMS
Wallpaper and Treatment Bedcover: SANGETSU Co.,LTD.
Wall Molding With White Painting: Sunmento from Mihashi Co.,Ltd.

MAKEUP ROOM
Wallpaper and Curtain: SANGETSU Co.,LTD.