A Trip to Japan Inspires a Home Remodel
When Joe Mansfield, co-founder of Grovemade and owner and founder of Pacific & West, went on a small business exchange trip to Japan, he was looking for inspiration for his company. What he came away with was a vision for how to remodel his 1950’s ranch-style home.
“We had the goal of creating our dream kitchen, increasing southern exposure, and opening up the floor plan,” Mansfield said. “We strove for a balance between mid-century and minimal modern. Inspired by a trip to Japan and the resilient shou-sugi-ban siding there, we decided to torch our siding and the sliding door panel inside.”
To match the beautiful charred wood on the exterior of the house and the sliding door panel within, Mansfield used to the Baldur sliding door hardware system in Top Mount and Black Stainless finish.
“The minimal, hubless bearings of Baldur and the Black Stainless finish were a perfect fit for us,” Mansfield said.
Dividing Space Without Dividing the Home
Mansfield’s custom sliding door panel is made from ten 52” wide beams that are bolted together with one continuous threaded rod. He scorched the beams to match the exterior charred siding. The massive door panel creates tremendous space adaptability. It can either be opened to join the house, or closed to divide it in two.
“The sliding door provides an adjustable privacy screen between the great room and hallway which leads to the two bedrooms and bathroom,” Mansfield said. “We love the flexibility that the sliding door adds to our space.”
To complete the effect, it was crucial to find the right sliding door hardware. Mansfield surveyed the field, and came away impressed with Krownlab—specifically Baldur.
“After researching sliding door hardware companies, it quickly became obvious that Krownlab was the way to go,” Mansfield said. “Baldur’s oversized hubless bearings are simply stunning and the quality of the hardware did not disappoint. The linear brush on Black Stainless finish looks incredible up close.”
Krownlab’s Black Stainless finish features a fine graining that isn’t lost in its rich black color. The hairline brush is smooth to the touch but adds a sophisticated grain to the hardware that works well with the more exaggerated texture found in the charred beams.
A Vision Fulfilled
To finish up the project, Mansfield filled the home with carefully chosen elements including a bespoke walnut range hood, pendant lights he designed, a laser-engraved heat register in the toe kick, and leather and brass cabinet hardware he made himself.
And the house has garnered attention. It was used for a Nike photo shoot and was recently featured in the article “Vintage Flair,” in 1859 magazine.
The house was designed with help from Buckenmeyer Architecture, expert cabinetmaker George Ramos, and Don Jensen of Synergies Renovations.
“It’s been thrilling to see the whole project come together,” Mansfield said. “Working with people and products I have a lot of respect for—it’s been really satisfying.”
