sew, so this is my happy place in the home.” Another example of carefully executed design is the kitchen, appointed with semi-custom, Shaker-style cabinets from Builders Surplus in Orange County; textile art in katazome, a stencil dyeing technique designed by Living National Treasure of Japan Keisuke Serizawa and framed by Gilt Edge; and Rimadesio glass-and-iron sliding doors with a hidden ceiling track from Dom Interiors in Chicago. “One of the things I love about Chika is she’s extremely organized, and she definitely knew what she wanted—especially in the kitchen with a custom pantry, knife drawers and hidden storage everywhere,” says Megan. “The goal with the sliding doors was twofold: When closed, it creates a barrier to not show the mess in the kitchen while cooking, but when open, it almost acts as art on the wall.” The finished design is modern but personal and layered with significant pieces that accurately reflect Ray’s and Chika’s lives. “Just trying to warm up modern is a difficult thing to achieve, and I feel like we definitely accomplished it,” remarks Megan, who confesses she misses the one-on-one time with the couple. “When I work with someone almost daily for a significant amount of time, there is a friendship that develops beyond the traditional designer-client relationship. It’s one of my favorites of my job.” ■
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