7 Must-Know Principles of Japanese Interior Design – Better Homes & Gardens

The serene Japandi design aesthetic , which combines Japan and Scandinavian styles , is gaining popularity in the US. This peaceful approach to decorating encourages relaxation at home by mixing the cultural ethos of both regions into one zen technique. However, to fully grasp Japandi, you first comprehend each region’s fundamental design elements.

Japanese design, grounded in simplicity and a connection in order to nature, features clean lines, rough-hewn textures, a neutral palette, and minimal styling. For Keiji Ashizawa, architect and product designer of Keiji Ashizawa Design within Tokyo, the particular word that comes to mind is harmony. “We are trying to harmonize, always. We harmonize the color palette and the materials, ” Ashizawa says, citing the importance of complementary shades and designs.

Simplicity is also key, says Masa Kaneko of Crafits Style Studio plus Ippin Project in Brooklyn, NY. “‘Simple’ is the keyword, as a basic aesthetic sense related to style, not only interior design but also architecture, products, fashion, etc ., ” he says. Contrary in order to Western beliefs that encourage the addition of inside components, Japanese designs “prefer less decoration” and promote removing distracting elements. In other words, Japan internal design abides by the rule that will less will be more .

Japanese design echoes the particular country’s verdant gardens and architecture, too. “It’s such a beautiful culture, ” Ashizawa says, referencing zen gardens and their timeless beauty. “They are still as beautiful today as they were 600 years ago. inch

Japanese Interior Design Principles

1. Incorporate Natural Materials & Textures

Looking to capture the serenity of Western spaces? Select a concise palette associated with natural materials , including wood, stone, and glass. Wood plays a significant role, Kaneko says, because traditionally, “the use of color is restrained. ” He advises using “bright, natural wood with less redness, such as birch or white oak. ” Both ceilings and floors are often covered in tactile wood boards.

2 . Utilize a Neutral Color Palette

In traditional Japanese interiors, “the walls are white-colored or light beige-toned plaster, ” Kaneko says. His go-to paint colors ? Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or Snowfall White , as well as “a little textured Japanese plaster. ” When color does appear, it is inspired by nature and often displays the subtle gradation, Ashizawa explains. “I don’t use a perfect white; I use a nuanced white, inch he states. “Sometimes it’s a white that works with the floor, so it has a bit of brown. “

3. Bring the Outdoors Inside

Japanese architecture is known for its blend of interior plus exterior space . Add floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors to expose a garden and let in fresh air. “Go out to the ‘engawa’ [porch] and enjoy the view of the garden. Enjoy the see from the particular window of ‘yukimi shoji’ to catch nature inside, ” Kaneko says. Green garden views are an active part of the style and serve as moving art.

4. Reduce ‘Noisy’ Clutter

“Noisy is an important word, ” Ashizawa says, “I try to avoid noisy things. The world is now quite noisy; even on our mobile, we have in order to keep answering, and many loud things are in our own heads. Within design, you can create less noise and feel calm. ” Their best advice? “Make it simple. inch For Ashizawa, less clutter can mean more freedom, too. “Always stay tidy, ” he emphasizes.

5. Display Symbolic Decor

In Japan, decorations are usually placed symbolically (not haphazardly) and along with intention. “Traditional Japanese-style rooms have an alcove (tokonoma), which is the space for a hanging scroll (kakejiku) plus ikebana flowers, ” Kaneko says. “Paintings and decorations are not frequently placed on the walls other than between the alcove. ” Keep walls spare except for something unique. He suggests installing the symbolic ichirin-zashi (single flower insert) or an art panel on a large empty wall. “Symbolically, decorating with your favorite artisan’s work may enrich your own lifestyle. inch

6. Integrate Simple Furnishings

Follow the same rules with regard to color palette and materials to keep tables, chairs, plus accessories in harmony with interior finishes. Select organic materials (ideally light wood finishes or even porcelain dishware), and keep the visual clean-lined and minimal. With similar tones and textures working in tandem, aesthetic harmony is achieved.

7. Feature WASHI Paper and Room Dividers

For a cozy glow within bedrooms, consider the application of hand-worked WASHI paper made by master craftsmen. Integrating this calming texture has the particular soothing effect of encouraging rest, especially when combined along with natural wooden, lanterns, plus crisp whitened sheets. The particular material can be applied to doors and walls alike. “Doors with Japanese WASHI paper or made along with Kumiko woodworking are artwork pieces that are naturally incorporated into the architecture while keeping the area very simple, ” Kaneko says.

Traditional vs . Modern Japanese Design

Both traditional plus modern Japanese interior design styles featue a minimalist aesthetic. “In terms of appearance, old houses are made simply by exposing wooden pillars and beams as they are, ” Kaneko says, noting that modern Japanese design is sleeker. “If you want to use a good older Japan style whilst keeping Western simplicity, use dark stained wood regarding walls or even furniture. The color creates a more Minka-style casual atmosphere. “