The Japanese style of interior design encompasses many principles which can all work together to create an atmosphere of peace and nature-inspired harmony. Many of their principles were inspired by creating a space of comfort, serenity and tranquility which highly valued natural elements. Due to the devastating results of the two World Wars, the Japanese look towards simplicity as a way to renounce extreme materialism and create a sense of peace, wellbeing and balance. In this article, we are going to discuss the various must-know principles of Japanese interior design and how they can be used to create your own version of a peaceful, serene space.
The Concept Behind Japanese Design
The idea behind Japanese interior design is to create a space that has both harmony and serenity. It is based around minimalism and the concept of Zen, which is the practice of finding inner peace and harmony. Natural elements, such as wood, stone and plants, are used to create a sense of being in a commune with nature and promote strong spiritual healing. The ultimate aim is to remove distractions and clutter and encourage mindfulness, self-reflection and tranquility.
The Principles of Japanese Interior Design
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Embrace Minimalism – Japanese design values minimalism and clutter-free spaces. This is to reduce distractions and create a sense of harmony and peace. Clutter can symbolize the chaos of life and remembering some is beneficial. Remove any items that do not serve a purpose in the room to create a clean, clutter-free space.
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Appreciate the Natural Elements – Natural materials such as wood, stone and plants should be used to create a sense of being one with nature. Rocks, moss and bamboo can serve as focal points. Natural fabrics, such as organic cotton, bamboo, silk and linen should be used for their eco-friendly and soft qualities.
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Create a Maximalist Minimalism Look – The ‘maximalist minimalism’ look involves pairing a few carefully selected pieces of furniture or decorations in order to create a cohesive, modern yet calming look. This look involves adding beautiful, unique pieces to your home without cluttering it up.
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Respect the Use of Space – The Japanese make good use of space and use every inch of available space. A great way to do this is by using the Japanese concept of “Tatami Mats”, which are low-level sets of mats that cover the entire floor. The placement of the space and the amount of free space should be taken into consideration when decorating a room.
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Opt for Neutral Colors – In general, the Japanese interior design style tends to favor neutral colors such as white, beige and pale greys. These subtle tones create a sense of peace and serenity in the room. For a pop of color, green plants can be added.
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Embrace the Concept of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ – Wabi-Sabi can be used to represent a way of life, to use the beauty of imperfection and to respect the natural cycle of decay and death. This concept is based on the belief that beauty can be found in imperfection, wear and tear and is valued over perfection. It also involves finding beauty in the mundane and making something out of nothing.
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Incorporate Art – Incorporate art and artifacts that represent the Japanese culture and are meaningful to you. Examples of art which can be used include origami, paintings and scrolls.
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Consider Feng Shui – Feng shui is a Chinese art form and science of living in harmony with the environment. The concept behind it is to balance the energy or chi within the home. It incorporates the principles of yin and yang and the five elements of nature in order to promote relaxation and comfort.
We have discussed the principles of Japanese interior design which embrace minimalism, embrace the beauty of natural elements, use maximalism in minimalism, respect the use of space, opt for neutral colors, embrace the concept of ‘Wabi-Sabi’, incorporate art and consider Feng Shui. If you want to create a peaceful, calming and serene space, then following these principles is your best bet. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and begin designing your own peaceful, nature-inspired space.