Style
Welcome to the Koji Cooks Lifestyle section, your destination for design inspiration that caters to all visual tastes and needs. Immerse yourself in a variety of topics, from food presentation to tabletop styles. Discover captivating ideas for both interior and exterior designs, including Ikebana, crafts, and a wide selection of home goods. Unveil a Wabi-Sabi sensibility that sparks creativity and brings delightful surprises to your space, complete with inspiring photos and resources. Let your imagination soar!
The Lighthouse
Another Lighthouse Painting
Certainly! Here's a rephrased version: Yes another lighthouse painting! It often gets a bad reputation, as the subject can feel trite, obvious, and overused. There are likely more lighthouse paintings in tourist and kitschy galleries in New England than any other theme However, a lighthouse embodies romance, serving as a guiding beacon for ships during night or in rough weather. A well-executed lighthouse painting, rich in emotion and depth, is a beautiful thing that evokes mystery, solitude, and tranquility. Maine is home to numerous lighthouses, a sight that shouldn't be missed, no matter how clichéd they may appear.
This is an oil on canvas of Long Point Light in Provincetown - painted by yours truly circa 2007, it remains a favorite and proudly hangs in our home.
Steam
Cooking with Steam
Cooking with steam is an unparalleled method that is quick, simple and incredibly healthy. It allows the pure flavors of the food, especially fish and seafood, to shine through. I'm excited to start a new recipe category called "Steam" in my Koji cooks collection. This has become my go-to technique for weeknight meals—just a splash of sake and soy transforms your dish into a fancy and delicate preparation with endless possibilities. The Japanese have long valued steaming as a prized method of cooking, as it doesn't overshadow ingredients with complex sauces, garnishes, or excessive steps.
Easter
Easter Dinner
Easter brings the joy of spring, celebrated with blooming flowers, family getting together, and a festive dinner, alongside the charming tradition of wearing Easter bonnets. The dining table is beautifully adorned with fine china. Growing up our family usually savored leg of lamb as the main dish, this year I chose a more zen gulf of Maine salmon wrapped in puff pastry, layered with cooked leeks, savoy cabbage, and spinach, all finished with a delicate champagne cream sauce and paired with tender asparagus. For a starter, we’ll indulge in deviled eggs made from our naturally dyed Easter eggs, topped with caviar, accompanied by sake-steamed shrimp, cocktail sauce, lettuce, avocado, and crispy breadsticks.
The Easter Lily
A Time of Rebirth
Easter represents a season of renewal; as winter fades away, gardens start to flourish. No flower embodies simple beauty and purity quite like the white Easter lily, a trumpet reaching toward the heavens. Historically, the lily has symbolized motherhood and unparalleled beauty, so much so that even Venus envied its grace. "Even Solomon in all his finery could not compare to the white Easter lily." The white-robed apostles of hope, Easter lilies are said to have sprouted from Christ’s blood after the crucifixion, ("how cool is that!") and the Virgin Mary and the angel Gabriel are often depicted holding these elegant blooms.
Pasta
Simple and Elegant
Pasta has a rich history spanning thousands of years, showcasing a variety of shapes and dishes that bring warmth and joy across many cultures. Homemade pasta is truly remarkable, but there’s also an incredible selection of exotic, well-crafted dry pastas available. This simple dish features homemade black pasta, colored with squid ink, which adds just a hint of briny sea flavor; it’s also delicious with white or vibrant colored pastas like beet. The caviar used here is Japanese Tobiko, though my original creation at Mecca in San Francisco featured Ostera caviar and white Fettuccine. I often prepare this dish on vacation, as it requires only perfectly prepared al dente pasta, tossed with butter and topped a dollop of crème fraîche, a spoon of caviar, and a sprinkle snipped chives.
The Hamptons
A Strip of Sand
It's no surprise that this stretch of sand has become a playground for the ultra-rich and famous. In my lifetime, Southampton was once home to endless farms and potato fields, with a few beachfront family grey shingled mansions passed down through generations along Meadow and Gin Lanes. Recently discovered by throngs of visitors, it has been transformed into an overpriced and trendy destination, featuring boutiques every few steps on Jobs Lane and Main Street. While the quiet wealth of past has been replaced by middle America, charming sandy road bungalows still exist, free from towering privet hedges and mansions with excessive rooms. When you pause to gaze at the ocean, it's clear just how stunning eastern Long Island truly is.
Primitive
Rustic. and Simple
The impact of primitive style is evident in twentieth-century art, particularly in the works of artists like Picasso, Gauguin, and Brancusi. This style transcends mere simplicity; it embodies straightforward, functional designs that reflect the essence of wabi-sabi. Here, are two primitive furniture pieces—my first furniture purchases from Juarez, both affordable and still cherished, originating from Mexico. The ochre rocker resembles early American design, just like the simple table with its naturally curved bar underneath, showcasing authentic wabi-sabi beauty. The anatomical primitive sculpture on the table is from Volcano, Hawaii, while the bowls are sourced from Fumiki in San Francisco. Primitive design, with its timeless and unpretentious aesthetic, complements both modern and traditional settings; a touch of Bri-wax enhances its enduring beauty and simplicity.
Sake
Chilled Sake
Japan has been producing sake for over 2000 years. Similar to fine wine, sake presents a array of flavors and subtle nuances. The finest sake is best enjoyed chilled, reaching temperatures as low as 41 degrees, a state referred as "snow chilled." This beverage invites a thoughtful exploration of its complex tastes and intricate layers. In the background, are two antique sake storage jugs from Genji Antiques in San Francisco, featuring unique wabi-sabi calligraphy. In the foreground is a beloved sake pourer from Japonesque on Montgomery in San Francisco, which pours like a waterfall but needs to be soaked in water beforehand due to its porous nature. The two exquisite cups, embellished with koi at the bottom, provide a lovely visual while sipping sake and are sourced from Fumiki on Union in San Francisco.
Santa Fe Style
The Anasazi
The Anasazi, known as the "ancient ones," were a nomadic people who lived in the Four Corners region from A.D.200 to A.D.1300. Their impressive cliff dwelling cities still stand today. This coiled pot, a representation of Anasazi fine craftsmanship dates from that prehistoric period, is one of my favorites among the several primitive Anasazi vessels I own, notable for its substantial size. The Anasazi are recognized for their sophisticated farming and irrigation methods, as well as their advanced astronomical knowledge. Their rustic style embodies the essence of the wabi-sabi philosophy, being functional, simple, and beautiful and old; we are fortunate to possess several pieces of Anasazi pottery.
Santa Fe Style
Navajo Rugs
I spent a significant amount of time in Santa Fe. The desert's stark rustic beauty is enchanting, with its unique light and the striking contrast of crystal-clear blue skies against the 300-year-old terracotta adobe structures. There's truly no place like it in the country. During my time in Santa Fe, I owned three homes, each embodying wabi-sabi's rustic charm. My last home, which I designed myself was in the town of Galisteo, predating the Santa Fe boom. Pictured is my favorite Navajo rug from my small collection, sourced from Dewey Gallery on the plaza. These rugs are rare, and their simple designs and colors make them versatile for any space, perfectly capturing the essence of the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic.
Chopsticks
For Everyday Use
Chopsticks hold a similar esteem in Asian cultures as fine sterling silver flatware does in European or Western traditions. They come in a wide array of styles and price points. Featured here are several sets from my personal collection of around sixty, for everyday use and priced between $10 and $30 per pair, available from Everything Chopsticks. They have textured tips for easier use. Chopsticks are second nature to me, as I’ve been eating with them for as long as I can remember. Additionally, I have several luxury pairs reserved for special occasions, Interestingly, about 90 percent of lacquered chopsticks in are crafted in the small town of Wasaka, known for producing the finest chopsticks for over 400 years. Each pair is a joy to hold and serves as an essential tool for a beautiful Japanese dining experience.
Chopstick Rests
The Japanese Place-Setting
This is a sampling of my collection of chopstick rests, typically offered in sets of five. The number five holds cultural significance in Japan, symbolizing the power of the five senses: taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound. All our chopstick rests are imported from Japan, with the exception of the stones collected from our local beach. It's essential to have a designated spot for chopsticks between bites, and similar to the chopsticks, these rests come in various styles and price ranges, including a luxurious Futagami solid brass moon-shaped rest on the left. Futagami rests are available from ebay and amazon. Chopstick rests are ideal for any Japanese table setting, while our beach stones are used outdoors at Wabicafe embody a beautiful, organic wabi-sabi aesthetic.
Ikebana
The Practice of Restraint
Flower arranging is often performed by local supermarkets, resulting in haphazard displays of poorly selected and grouped flowers, typically oversized and wrapped in cellophane. In contrast, Ikebana embodies the philosophy of "less is more," embracing the minimalist wabi-sabi style. Crafting beautiful Ikebana requires restraint, allowing the flowers to shine in their natural form without being overly contrived or clever. The elements should complement each other organically, avoiding forced artistic interpretations that feel contrived. We begin by appreciating the flowers themselves, then select the best vessel for them, introducing an additional contrasting element only when it feels appropriate.
Happy Birthday
Small and Elegant
My birthday cake, crafted by my talented friend and Wabicafe pastry chef Ph, is a delightful gem that is both simple and delicious. It features a light, white layered cake filled and frosted with a cream cheese based buttercream, adorned with a sprinkle of rainbow confetti on top. Perfectly sized for four, this cake embraces the idea that less is more, avoiding overly extravagant designs. The wabi-sabi aesthetic reflects a beautifully handcrafted feel, celebrating the charm of imperfection.
Okonomiyaki
The Japanese Breakfast
Today is my birthday, and I'm indulging in a unique treat: Okonomiyaki, a delightful savory Japanese pancake! This marvelous dish is filled with an array of delicious ingredients, topped with a flavorful sauce and intriguing exotic toppings. Crispy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious, we often make them using a new recipe I've developed, featured in the Koji Cooks gourmet entree category. Okonomiyaki is one of the most creative dishes you'll find, perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or even dinner—experience a taste of Japan!
Sushi
A Simple Art
My first experience with sushi was at a tiny conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Manhattan, long before it became popular, and the patrons were primarily Japanese. I brought a large assortment of sushi back home to Northport, Long Island for Christmas that year, but no one would try it—it was far too exotic at the time, so I ended up enjoying it all myself! The photo shows my birthday lunch featuring hamachi nigiri and hamachi avocado maki sushi; hamachi is one of my favorites, along with uni (sea urchin roe). To me, Americanized sushi drenched in sweet mayo and sprinkled with crumbs hardly qualifies as sushi; it should focus on using only the freshest fish, precisely cut and beautifully, but simply prepared using delicate perfectly cooked sushi rice. Here we have a special luncheon fit for a sushi aficionado.
The Spring Garden
Spring Has Sprung
There’s nothing quite like the joy that spring blooms bring. This is the garden in front of my art studio/gallery, captured in a photo from last spring. We embrace a wabi-sabi style of planting, allowing nature to dictate the arrangement. After a quiet and reflective Maine winter, our spring showcases tulips, hyacinths, bluebells, and my absolute favorite, the violet-colored silver dollar plants on the right. We rarely pick flowers, allowing them to flourish in their radiant splendor, with only a few occasional snips for a minimal ikebana arrangement.
Renaissance Painting
Classic with a Modern Twist
Here’s a recent piece of mine created on Arches paper, utilizing black gesso. I appreciate the uniform tone of the gesso, which is typically used as a painting ground; in this case, I applied it to a renaissance-inspired male torso as part of a new series for the 2025 season, set to be displayed at the Michael Fennelly Gallery in York. I'm excited about this quick, minimal gestural work, executed in a wabi-sabi style—one misstep with the brush can determine the success of the piece. This series will be framed simply in maple, allowing the edges of the paper to remain visible. For inquiries about the work, please reach out to me at
Explore
Wabi -
Sabi
Style
Presentation
The right plates for the right dish
Choosing the appropriate plate—or in this case, bowl—makes all the difference. When making Asian offerings, I try to use Asian dishes; in this case, vintage Japanese lacquerware acquired on ebay. This is a Koji Cooks recipe for egg-drop soup; it is simple to make and delightful to eat and it has become one of our regular favorites. Lacquerware easy to find, and we use it often for picnics as it not breakable. The porcelain soup spoons are inexpensive and from Japan. They are easy to find, and I recommend getting spoons from Japan because they hold liquid better, fit your mouth, and are not as clumsy as some the other options available.
Flowers No.1
First of my Flower Arranging Tips
I feel that many flower arrangements are often overthought, resulting in unnatural arrangements. If you take a moment to look at the flowers, they often suggest that less is more. Using floral foam feels artificial and manufactured, leading to forced results. This simple arrangement of locally grown Sunflowers from the Farmers Market allows the flowers to shine on their own. The vase is amber colored tumbled glass is from a shop in Provincetown called Cottage, The flowers are trimmed slightly at the bottom and placed the vase, allowing them to arrange themselves naturally. I believe even Van Gogh would approve!
Chinese Table
The Color Red
Setting the table for a Chinese feast or a Chinese New Year celebration, incorporating the color red is essential. Red is a beloved color in Chinese culture, seen in restaurants adorned with vibrant red decor. It brings and energy, making it a more festive choice compared to neutral tones like beige. It's ideal for any Chinese dinner. The china is crafted by a San Francisco potter, while the vintage Japanese spoons were sourced from ebay. The red mother of pearl chopsticks are available from Everything Chopsticks, and the brass flatware hails from Thailand. The Goblets Rochere Versailles are imported from France and can be found on Amazon. The red linen napkins are from Williams Sonoma.
Plating
Creative Food Presentation
Getting the food on the plate so it looks good is sometimes challenging. You must start with whats right for the food, this is poached Salmon from Koji Cooks recipe section, it is an easy brilliant recipe, I suggest for anyone who likes salmon to try it. Start by looking at the color of the food you are going present, in this case pale coral salmon. Next choose the appropriate plate, this one is 1900th century from Paris. A white plate is always a safe choice. Next place the food on the plate casually Wabi style, not too perfect, it needs to look like it just happened to land there perfectly by chance, do the same with remaining components. A too studied presentation is dreadfully dull.
Edible Garnishes
The Right Way To Garnish
Garnishing is tricky, too often they seem contrived, pointless, extra and oddly selected. Garnishes you can eat are always a plus, but not nineties style on the rim of the plate where you drag your sleeve and get covered with goo. The Garnish should compliment the dish or use none at all. Again Wabi style where it just happened to land in the right place. This is a chilled white gazpacho with a drop of extra virgin olive oil and an angel hair pasta brush tied with nori and flash fried, crispy, whimsical and delicious. The small glass of soup is stabilized on the plate with an edible nasturtium leaf from our garden. The additional garnish of watermelon squares brighten the plate and add a tough of refreshing coolness on a warm summer evening.
Precious Things
Collect what you like
Surrounding yourself with beautiful objects brings joy, as the saying goes. With a discerning eye for unique pieces, I’ve gathered several treasures from Kyoto and Santorini, which I acquired for just a few dollars and brought home in my suitcase. One of my favorite precious things is this stunning plate from Japonesque, a renowned fine art gallery on Montgomery Street in San Francisco, famous forJapanese contemporary art, the prices can be steep but the quality is unsurpassed. I call this one my snow plate, as it beautifully mirrors the wintry landscape of our property in Maine. After 30 years, I still use this large platter with care, mainly for sushi and sashimi.
Old School Paintings
Art For Any Decor
Well done figurative art may not appear as contemporary as abstraction or color field paintings, yet it consistently transports us to the scenes the artist captured, whether they are landscapes, still life, or portraiture. When selecting art, it’s essential to connect personally with the piece; a work you love will always remain timeless. While original art is ideal when possible, many excellent reproductions are available at more affordable prices. Framing should complement the painting rather than the space it occupies; a well-framed piece can enhance both a traditionally designed home and a modern one. This is one of my paintings, an oil on canvas depicting a wharf in Provincetown, and it hangs above the fireplace in our dining room.
Fine China
Selecting Fine China
I have an extensive collection of china in various patterns that I use regularly, as I believe everything should be enjoyed in the present moment. When choosing fine china, it's essential to truly love the pieces, avoiding the oversized and oddly shaped styles that were trendy in the early "2000s". Opt for classic round designs; while antique pieces are great, many new patterns are stunning, like the exquisite offerings from Tiffany for those willing to invest. One of my favorites is our "Flying Cloud" by Wedgwood, which pairs beautifully with the coastal vibe here in Maine—after all, you can't just use clipper ship plates anywhere! Affordable white china is a must-have, as it encourages you not to fear breaking it, along with a special set for those everyday moments that deserve a touch of elegance.
Stone Buddha
The Serene Garden
Selecting a Buddha statue can be challenging, it is most important to choose one with the right face. The eyes and overall expression are what set the tone. This stunning piece from Bali stands 3 feet tall and weighs 672 pounds; I've had it crated and relocated multiple times, from Hawaii to Provincetown, then to New Orleans, and finally to Maine. Carved from stone, it enhances front yard, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility with every glance. While stone Buddhas are rare and valuable, we also have several beautiful outdoor porcelain Buddhas at a more affordable price, each bringing a touch of joy and serenity in these tumultuous times.
Objet D'Art
Unusual Decor Elements
The French term "objet d'art" refers to three-dimensional objects that are utilized artistically. These creatively transformed items, such as a bird's nest or a stone, are appreciated as art rather than being relegated to their natural environments. Many such pieces adorn our home, embodying the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, which values rustic, primitive beauty. One notable piece is a fragment of Grecian or Romanesque origin; we are uncertain of its age or whether it belongs to a larger sculpture. The relief face, crafted from a type of coral and meticulously carved and sandblasted, graces our living room atop a Noguchi glass coffee table.
Chandeliers
Let There be Light
Light and crystal come together in a luminous glow, with refractions and reflections echoing each other to set an elegant stage for any, particularly the dining room. This beautiful antique chandelier is from a shop on Royal Street in Orleans, where people come from all the world to buy old chandeliers. This piece dates back to the 1800s andails from Belgium, standing about 5 feet tall and approximately 3 feet at its widest point The crystals are Murano glass in shades of amber, brown, gray, and smoky purple, complemented by clear pendants of various shapes and sizes. Theature is bronze; it was originally candle-lit and was electrified at some point during its history. I have had it for over 30 years, and it has been wrapped, crated, and moved to several of my past homes. While some chandeliers can be a bit gaudy, this one is not; it is both masculine and understated. It hangs in our stairwell and can be seen at night when driving past; the twinkling light it produces is truly magical.
Oysters
Fit For A King
Few things are delightful as oysters plucked right from the sea. We are instantly transported to a seaside café, savoring the freshest, briny, salty taste of the pristine sea. Oysters are pricey for a reason; they are very perishable, hard to source, and difficult to open without gouging your hand. Here in Maine we are lucky to be smack in the prime oyster area of the country. At any time, we have access to 8-10 different kinds, all delicious, with flavors varying by the harvest location The shells are all amazing, differing in size, color, and design; some you can hold to the light and see through, like bone china. These are my crispy oysters, which we often serve at Wabicafé—a customer favorite—topped with crème fraîche and tobiko (Japanese caviar). The platter is oyster-shaped and from Annieglass; we used Annieglass platters at my restaurant Mike's on Avenue throughout its 10-year history.
Old School Scallops
Jewels Of The Sea
If you were the crown prince, your dinner would begin with oysters on the half shell, followed by a sumptuous scallop entree. Scallops, like oysters, are particularly perishable and often come with an unusual flavor due to preservation methods. However, if you're fortunate, you can find incredibly fresh scallops, straight from the water without any preservatives. Maine boasts some of the finest scallops globally, and during my childhood on Long Island, we enjoyed Peconic Bay scallops for a brief season, considered among the best in the world. My stepmother Jane would serve them raw, a rarity at the time, simply drizzled with olive oil, some fresh dill, and sea salt. This is a photo of a nostalgic recipe from my youth, lightly breaded with flour and panko, and it's become a favorite at my dinner parties.
The Colonial Home
A Slice of History
When we started our search for a home in Maine, we were captivated by the area's rich history, prompting us to look a genuine colonial house. Our residence, constructed in 1721, stands as a prime example of early colonial architecture, featuring two stories, five symmetrical windows, and traditional wood siding. It includes five functioning fireplaces, originally used for heating, each adorned with beautifully carved wooden mantles that evoke Japanese design influences, resembling pagodas. While the living and dining rooms exhibit more intricate "Wedding cake" mantle designs, the kitchen and bedrooms offer a simpler aesthetic. The house is filled with numerous projects we undertake, allowing us to preserve a piece of history.
Colonial Interiors
Combining Modern and Historic
I learned the art of blending old and new from my stepmother Jane, who had impeccable taste. Our 1750 home was a treasure trove, showcasing an unexpected mix of ultra-modern abstract paintings alongside primitive antique furniture. The seating featured simple upholstery in rough white linen, complemented by stunning vermilion oriental rugs. Our living room, painted in a soft, luminescent buttermilk blue paint from the 1700s, stands in contrast to the dusty shades of white and gray found throughout the rest of the house. The furnishings combine mid century modern with Japanese pieces, creating a visually eclectic design. Rather than sticking to predictable period styles, we embrace a personal and artistic approach, curating a style that reflects our lives diverse experiences and locations rather than just the trends of a particular era.
Donabe
The Elegance of Ceramics
I possess an array of cooking tools from various countries, each contributing authenticity to my dishes and transporting diners to exotic locales from the comfort of their homes. One standout is this beautiful Japanese Donabe, sourced from Toiro in Los Angeles, known for its exquisite Japanese kitchen and tableware. Spacious enough to accommodate a meal for four, it’s designed to be gradually heated on the stove to prevent cracking from sudden temperature shifts. Cooking with a Donabe is simple; I just add a flavorful broth, and often enhance it with Sake, Mirin, Ginger, and Pepper, along with a selection of vibrant vegetables and a protein of choice. When served at the table, the Donabe's handmade beauty reveals a delicious and healthy meal, which I typically top with Chili-Garlic sauce and pair with simple noodles or steaming rice.
Dining Al Fresco
Spring is Here
Few experiences are as delightful as enjoying a meal outdoors in a garden atmosphere. While it may take a bit more effort, the rewards are certainly worth it. Our outdoor Wabicafé features simple lunch tables with rattan placemats, wooden disposable chopsticks resting on recycled Kraft paper napkins, and smooth gray stone chopstick rests sourced from the local beach. For those who prefer not to use chopsticks, wooden flatware is casually presented in a clear glass. An organically dyed indigo Noren with a harvest moon design warmly greets guests to our Wabi Tea House, a charming little Japanese dining cottage crafted from cedar. In the background, a stone seated Buddha from Bali and several antique Japanese glass buoys, which once floated from Japan to Maine, add to the ambiance.
Fashion
Personal Style
This vintage photo captures Vicky and me during our ownership of Mike's on the Avenue in Orleans, taken for the New Orleans Times Picayune. We were often photographed for the Times, likely due to Vicky's beauty, as people would visit Mike's just to admire her outfits. At a polo match dressed in all white, Vicky wore the iconic Yvonne Lafleur, paired with jewelry from the celebrated Mignon Faget. I donned an Armani jacket, a Ralph Lauren straw hat, and a necktie from the trendy Fred Segal flagship in Los Angeles, crafted from a Japanese kimono and still a favorite of mine. Vicky and I continue to wear our hats, and when it comes to fashion, I firmly believe that less is more, with quality always outweighing quantity. Well-cared-for clothing can last a lifetime.
The Tizio Lamp
Iconic Lighting
The classic Tizio, designed in the 1970s by Richard Sapper for Artemide of Italy, remains an iconic piece. Featured in the permanent collection MOMA, this red version was created for the Tizio's Jubilee and currently shines on Steve's bar in our kitchen, offering beautiful light and versatile positioning options. Remarkably, the lamp has no visible wiring apart from the plug, as the electrical current is generated in its base. A truly timeless work of art, it fits seamlessly into both antique and modern design settings and can be found in living rooms, bedrooms as bedside lighting, and various office environments. While it may be an investment, very few lamps can match its enduring elegance and functionality. The oil painting in the background is mine done in the style of Japanese Kabuki posters.
