Interior architecture, refurbishment and extension of existing houses and new builds for residential
Yoko Kloeden Design is a London-based interior design studio for residential and commercial clients - covering the complete interior design process from initial conception to final project delivery. We are committed to deliver solutions that reflect the client’s lifestyle, personality, and aspiration. Our goal is to create and deliver interior stories which feel unique to their owners. This is where we share our news, project updates and inspirations.
28/03/2026
A renovation always looks worse before it looks better.
Rooms are stripped back. Walls come down. For a period, all you see is dust and scaffolding. It is the longest phase of the process — and for most people, the most trying.
But every project we have delivered has gone through this stage. And every one has ended beautifully.
The difference is not luck. It is preparation — the months of design work, detailed drawings, and careful planning that happen before a single builder steps on site.
Our latest journal article walks through the real timeline of a renovation, stage by stage — so you know what to expect before you begin.
Link in bio.
27/03/2026
Spring arrives.
The same thought arrives with it.
This year, don't start with a builder.
Start with three questions.
Comment KICKSTART and I'll send you the guide.
26/03/2026
Most people think the build is the longest part of a renovation.
It rarely is.
Before construction begins, there is briefing, concept design, detailed drawings, planning applications, party wall agreements, procurement. For a project that requires planning permission and party wall consent, this phase alone can stretch to six months.
None of it is wasted. It is the work that keeps everything that follows on programme, on budget, and true to the vision you agreed.
We wrote a guide to what each stage takes — honestly — so you can plan around reality rather than guesswork.
Link in bio.
25/03/2026
Not every dark room needs knocking through.
Not every cold corner needs an extension.
Sometimes the house is telling you something — and the answer is to listen before you build.
What's the room in your house that's never quite worked?
23/03/2026
You're not indecisive.
You just haven't been asked the right question yet.
At YKD, the brief is never the kitchen. It's the feeling.
Which question trips you up most — save this if it's the options.
20/03/2026
The spring equinox.
Light returns in full.
If your home has been on your mind, this is a quiet invitation to take the first step.
18/03/2026
From millennial grey to a home that flows.
Elena's project wasn't about adding space — it was about revealing what was already there.
17/03/2026
Before you speak to a builder or choose tiles, make sure you understand your planning route.
Not every project needs a full planning application—some can proceed under Permitted Development rights. But there are caveats, especially for London homes with constraints like Conservation Areas or Article 4 Directions.
In our new journal piece, we outline the key differences and when you’ll likely need professional guidance.
→ Full article now live in our Journal (link in bio).
16/03/2026
Elena's garden room went from bike storage to the heart of their home.
We didn't add space — we unlocked what was already there.
15/03/2026
As cherry blossoms bloom and London embraces spring, we’re honored to see our work included in Square Mile’s spring feature on the rise of Japanese interior design in London.
This gentle recognition is a soothing affirmation of our studio’s ethos — the art of less. We believe in crafting calm, light-filled spaces rooted in nature, where each element serves a purpose. Every home we design is a sanctuary in the city: a place of subtle depth, warmth, and serenity.
Thank you to Square Mile ) for highlighting our approach among such inspiring company. For those interested in exploring more, you can read the full story via the link in our bio. 🌸
14/03/2026
A home renovation shouldn't take over your life.
We guide you from the first conversation to the moment you walk through your finished door.
13/03/2026
Thinking of adding a side extension, loft dormer, or garden studio?
It’s essential to understand whether your project qualifies under Permitted Development—or requires full planning permission.
The two routes have very different requirements, timelines, and risks, especially if your home is in a Conservation Area or has already been extended.
Our latest journal article breaks down the distinctions and shares expert advice to help you start your design journey with clarity and confidence.
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Yoko Kloeden Design was founded by a Japan-born, corporate-investor-turned-designer, Yoko Kloeden in 2015 with one mission: to create spaces that care about the people inside from the beginning of a project.
With the explosion of visual-heavy online content and social media, more and more people seem to believe design is something that you can click and buy on your finger tips, something that you can copy and paste, something you can consume to make a quick buck.
In the modern world where average person in the UK check a mobile phone every 12 minutes and where people are more connected than ever, the mental health crisis is among the top of the government’s list...
Enough.
We passionately believe that people need a refuge, a physical space where you rest overstimulated senses, reconnect with families and friends, and regain your perspective – be it your home or a so-called third place. Not one that is created to look good on Instagram, but one that is created to make you feel good about yourself.
To create such a grounded, evocative space, you need to give it time. You need to understand lots of things - the history, orientation, and architecture of the building, local area and surroundings, your personal style and vision. You need to think through activities of the people using the space and imagine how each of you wants to feel when doing a particular activity. You need to source material samples and visualize how different colours and textures of materials interplay with each other to turn your vision into a reality. You need to consider regulations, budget and timescale. You need a trusted builder and skilled craftspeople and suppliers and manage them throughout the build.
You deserve to have that space for your soul. We are here to help you create that.
