matsudo mansion renovation

here is a renovation of aclassic older-style tokyo 'mansion' apartment.
the renovation was done by tokyo-based international design firm bakoko.
so very clean, white and fine. i also like the worn, yellowing, mosaic, old version.
but i guess i let sentimentalism get in the way of nice change sometimes.
i am curious what you think? their intention is:

"the transformation of this typical 'mansion' apartment on 

the outskirts of tokyo demonstrates the adaptability of 

tokyo's post-war housing stock for providing affordable accommodation 

to the next generation of city dwellers."

the before and after photos are from their flickr sets. via jean snow.

ps - tatami mats are green and smell like grass when new. 

these look like the ones that sit on top of wooden flooring, 

rather than the traditional ones where the floor needs to be slightly sunken for the mats to slot in.