Esaku
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1,200 sqft ︱Botanical Design House
A Collaborative Vision
When Ericia, Founder and Creative Director of Esaku Studio—a fine art botanical design house—began planning for her first studio, she was naturally drawn to Studio Metanoia’s “feelings first” ethos. Like the design team, Ericia relies heavily on intuition to guide her creative process, fostering a deep connection to her work.
In their initial meeting, Ericia, a right-brain thinker, humbly shared her journey from a restless corporate career to pursuing her passion for botanical design. With an open heart, she refrained from presenting a specific concept, stating, “I guess I’ll know it when I see it.” Instead, she communicated essential requirements that would shape the design journey:
1. The main area should be a space designed for a creative reign on botanical design projects.
2. Worktops must be exceptionally durable, with ample countertop space in the kitchen.
3. Her installations should stand out against the backdrop.
4. A dedicated study for her husband, D, who works from home, ensuring he remains undisturbed.
5. Adequate storage for botanicals and materials is essential.
D, a left-brain entrepreneur, prefers to let Ericia take the lead in discussions, quietly supporting her vision. “If she’s happy, I’m happy,” he often says. The couple, who have known each other since their teens, are always in sync. Even as an observer, one can sense the warmth of their mutual admiration and unwavering support for each other.
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Ideation and Inspiration
During the design process, the team at Studio Metanoia—Cher and Zerick—sought to encapsulate the couple’s unique dynamics. “Integrating a retail/showroom environment into the home studio was essential,” says Cher. “We wanted to craft a space that nurtures Ericia’s artistic vision while also catering to D’s needs.”
The design emphasized flexibility, allowing Ericia’s workspace to adapt to her creative flow. “We envisioned a bright, inviting main area that maximizes natural light, enabling Ericia to showcase her artistry and create social content,” adds Zerick.
Key elements included:
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A retail/showroom instead of a conventional living room.
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Modularity to support Ericia’s fluid creative process.
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A bright main area that maximizes natural light for showcasing artistry and creating content.
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A soft, muted palette consistent with Esaku’s branding, juxtaposed with a dark, cave-like master bedroom.
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A study positioned away from the workshop, with accessible storage for materials.
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Designing with Purpose
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At the heart of this design is a powerful intention: to create a mixed-use space that feels both expansive and intimate. Inspired by the couple’s appreciation for clean, uninterrupted environments, the design incorporates subtle textural contrasts that enhance the overall aesthetic. Rather than an eclectic mix of styles, this home achieves a refined blend of minimalism, organic materials, and the couple’s curated collection of artisanal antiques.
“We chose to eliminate traditional living room elements like the television and sofa,” explains Cher. “Instead, a gracefully curved wall serves as a striking architectural centerpiece, creating a minimalist ambiance while doubling as a showroom for Ericia’s breathtaking arrangements and treasured antiques.”
Complementing the curved wall are custom-designed, irregularly shaped tables. “When designing these tables for the client, we aimed for versatility,” Zerick explains. “They can adapt to various configurations or stand out on their own. This modular design empowers Ericia to respond to her ever-changing creative needs, whether she’s developing installations, hosting workshops, or focusing on content creation.”
Inspired by a cherished memory of Ericia being captivated by Tom Dixon's work during a museum visit, the design team ensured there was a dedicated space for her dream chair—the iconic S Chair by Tom Dixon. This sculptural masterpiece, which began as a simple doodle of a chicken, catapulted Dixon from self-production into the realm of Italian luxury design and has since become part of the permanent collections of renowned museums worldwide. Over the course of a year, the design team meticulously sourced and curated an eclectic mix of furnishings, each chosen for its unique character and significance to Ericia, ensuring that every piece enriches the overall tapestry of the space.
The "Malus Chair," a striking temporary installation by Ericia, highlights her creative vision in her new space. Made from peak-season apples (Malus Domestica), it celebrates the successful completion of Esaku's first studio, serving as a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit of the design team.
Harmonizing Form and Function
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In the kitchen, sharp lines contrast with the living area's soft curves, create a sense of visual tension that defines the space. This contrast serves a purpose: to delineate the functions of each area while maintaining a cohesive visual language. Antique pieces scattered throughout the home function as a personalized museum, each nodding to Ericia’s appreciation for history and their deep connection to nature.
For this hectic entrepreneurial couple, the bedroom is a sanctuary—quiet, peaceful, and free from distraction. Dark flooring, soft fabrics, and minimal furnishings create an environment perfect for rest and relaxation. The bathroom continues this aesthetic, with sleek fixtures and textured stone adding a touch of understated luxury that remains in harmony with the overall design.
A Living, Breathing Reflection of its Owners
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Ultimately, Ericia and D’s home transcends mere functionality; it is a canvas that tells their story. Each element—from the soft curvature of the walls to the carefully curated furnishing and decorative items—were chosen to reflect who they are and what they love. The result is a space that evolves with them, where memories, creativity, and personal history converge.
“The transformative power of mindful design lies in prioritizing emotions and fostering deep connections with clients,” Cher asserts. “Every project should celebrate individuality and inspire a sense of belonging.”
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The pair of custom-designed, irregularly shaped tables provides versatile configurations, enabling Esaku to adapt to its ever-changing creative needs.
Behind-the-scenes
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