source: homemydesign.com
For centuries, Japanese interior style sticks to its roots and traditions. The basic principles of Japanese style are purity, integrity and peaceful simplicity. The goal is to achieve Zen condition of the home, a perfect balance between chaos and peace. The style preaches clean, uncluttered living, order, lots of symbols and much more. Here are 10 ways how you can incorporate Japanese style to your interior design, no matter if your style is traditional, modern, contemporary, Scandinavian or any other.
1. Water Features
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In Japanese style, water and water elements play a huge role. There is a strong connection with the nature, and water is one of the ways to emphasize that connection. You can use anything, from bubbling fountains, fish tanks, rushing streams and much more. One of the modern ways to add water elements is with a built in water wall. Another way is via artwork, especially one that depicts streaming water.
2. Soaking Tubs
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Another way to incorporate water as a nature element in the home is the soaking tubs in the bathroom. In Japanese style, “Ofuro” is the term used for a bath, a tranquil tradition that you can add to your home. The soaking tubs are small, and they usually have bench seats. They are quickly becoming a trend in European countries due to their beauty, but also calming and spa effect on our mood.
3. Plants
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Bonsai and bamboo are two traditional Japanese plants you want in your home. They are usually grown into minimalist containers made out of wood or stone. For modern homes, the ikebana, a flower arrangement is the best way to surround your bonsai or bamboo tree.
4. Wood
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We mentioned previously that similar to the Scandinavian style, Japanese style is all about the nature. That is why these two styles are complementary and can be mixed. Maple, hemlock, red pine, and cypress are the common wood choices from the modern world. Wooden screen, bamboo floor or any other wooden furniture is the key to incorporating this principle into your home.
5. Furniture
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Most of the authentic Japanese style furniture pieces are low to the ground. In some cases, such as tea ceremonies, floor cushions are placed on the floor. To mimic the style, and incorporate into your style, just add low to the ground furniture such as side tables and bed frames. If you want to be truly authentic, surround a low plank table with cushions.
6. Rocks and Stones
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In another link with the nature, rocks are one of the central elements in the Japanese style, mostly found in rock gardens. You can always use rocks for your garden, but try to extend the use for interior as well. The best way is to add rocks as accent tile in the bathroom or as a floor surface in the shower.
7. Sliding doors
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In the traditional Japanese styling, the sliding doors are called “Shoji” and they are essential for every Japanese interior. The trick with sliding doors is to save space, as Japanese homes are usually small and lack space. But “Shoji” helps a lot in this. Modern versions of sliding doors are usually made of glass panels. And the best part is that sliding doors do not block the natural light.
8. Shoji Screens
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Aside from sliding doors, the shoji screens can be interpreted in other ways in the home. For example, the translucent paper can be used for your windows, kitchen cabinets, room dividers and much more. The trick is not to obscure the shoji screens with furniture and other accessories that might block the natural light.
9. Tatami Mats
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The traditional Japanese flooring can be very easily incorporated into your modern design. Few other objects can symbolize and echo the Japanese style as tatami can. The good news is that tatami mats are sleek and minimalistic which goes hand in hand with modern style. They are arranged in specific patterns and size according to the measurements of the room. However, in your modern and contemporary style, you can choose the mat that works for you. And you can think outside of the box, or beyond the floor and hang tatami mats on the wall.
10. Colors
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In Japanese interior, simplicity is very important and that applies to colors as well. Some of the common color choices include blue, green and brown. Just look at the nature, and pick a color from it.