Japanese Interior Design: Bringing Soberness to Home | Guide
Updated: Apr 24
When the world is expeditious in consuming materialism and hassling through the various stress factors, the only thing to relax the senses and absorb positivity from the surrounding is the sip of hot tea amidst the beautiful orchid farms. Maybe you are a coffee lover but trust me, one tea takes away all your sorrows of the day. While you dissolve in the aroma of your hot drink, think a few seconds back and remember the last time you sat on the floor. I do not know the reason behind comfort and gratitude every time I sit on the floor or ground. But I want you to try sipping hot tea while sitting comfortably on a seat cushion on earth after you wreck down from a tiring day. You might be thinking about the weird process I am telling you for a calm mind. It is not a coincidence that I am here to introduce you to the complete steps for converting your space into Japanese interior design while I speak of peace and tranquillity.
I have crafted this 12 step guide for you to reach your goal of extracting peace from the environment through serene and significant Japanese style interiors. Let us start with the steps.
12 Steps To The Perfect Japanese Interior Design.
1. Shop for Natural Materials.
Japanese are known for their careful choice of natural materials like wood, stone and glass. Before you speculate about how to use them, be completely assured because this article is a stepwise guide, so I will let you know, even the ideas. Starting from natural materials, you can use them for your floorings and ceilings. Let me give you an instance of your living room. You can use stone flooring and wooden ceilings that will give you a modest look. Similarly, you can blend your ideas and use the best from these natural materials.
2. Paint Heavenly!
The first thing in any living space is the wall colour. You might be thinking that why colour. It must be furniture or something vintage, but trust me, if you have a wicked design and are out of funds, the best way to give it a quick fix is to paint the walls. Japanese always hoped for calmness and quietness in their surroundings while adorning simplicity. The best way to choose a colour for your Japanese style interior design is to use white or something very light shade.
3. Yukimi Shoji Will Complete the Look.
Before you get confused with the heavy word, Yukimi Shoji, let me tell you that they are those beautifully carved sliding doors, the essence of Japanese style home interior. The fun part is you can use several options for these sliding doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. For instance, you can use wood, bamboo, glass etc. Bamboo is a better idea as it is perfect for ventilation too. Whether you want to separate your living room from the dining or kitchen, you can use them for any purpose.
There is one more additional point to note. While you make windows for your home, you have to make them in the form of floor-to-ceiling ones; since Japanese homes have less space and to extend it and make it look big; they use windows in front of the scenery, commonly called, Shakkei.
4. No Need to Show Off Expensive Paintings.
It is not necessary to hang expensive paintings for Japanese interior design since they adhere to simplicity and purity. Spare and simple are the words to describe your walls. But some of us like wall art too, so for an option, you can use rice paper wallpapers on your walls to make it look attractive. Look how simply you created one decor style blending these wallpapers with darker furniture in the coffee area.
5. Washi Paper for Calming Texture Is a Go.
Often overlooked, washi paper is one of Japan's most essential artistic products. Let me explain the context of its production if you're still wondering what these are. These are primarily handmade papers from the monasteries of China, which have superior thickness and absorbency. Earlier Buddhist monks used to write sacred sutras on them. Hence these are a kind of peace-loving entity meant to calm you down. You can see an example of their use in the following image.
6. Bring Out Those Handwoven Mats and Macrame.
Moreover, macrame is aesthetically pleasing and friendly to the environment, making them the perfect decor for every style let alone the Japanese style interior design. In addition to adding texture to our white surroundings, we also use handwoven mats and macrame to add even more colour. You can use comforting rugs for comfort, warmth and even sitting purposes. Tatami mats are an option for adding to your space for a classical and original Japanese look over the modern. As soon as your territory is set up, you can create an effortless flow of art here, neglecting all kinds of clutter.
Imagine reading a book in ambience lantern light on the white sheets with wooden sliding windows with washi paper articles. Voila, I created a style right now in just a few seconds.
7. Low Furniture Is Your New Friend.
Imagine having a tea ceremony with your favourite people in Japanese style at your home. What is the first thing you will take care of? Teapots, yes, primarily, but it is in later sections. Furniture is the answer! You have to use low-sitting ottomans. Preferably, you can use seat cushions and bamboo chairs at some places to make an adorable living room.
Additionally, do not forget to take into account the wooden kitchen furniture and cabinets. They are crucial for your Japanese interior design.
8. Not to Forget the Indoor Plants.
Once you have long windows with lots of natural light, what do you lack? Obviously, the answer is indoor plants. Japanese people use bonsai and bamboo as options. However, you can use palms, orchids and others as well. A flower arrangement called the art of Ikebana can be used for adding different colours to the room. Grasp the fact that you have only natural materials, and you have to form them most beautifully.
9. Japanese Interior Design Has Must-Haves Like Meditative Room.
Meditative rooms are the best way to escape from all the spaces of frustration, stress, and anxieties in your area. A warm off-white rug, white-washed walls, and a centre for focus are all you need to escape the problems and focus on the present. They are crucial for decorating your space and giving you a spiritual journey. Add soaking tubs for a serene water-flowing sound that will instantly calm you down. I think the concept of the Japanese style is relaxation and calmness, so you live in a much better space.
10. Let Your Interiors Have Romance with Cast Iron Objects.
To add a pronounced texture to your kitchen and living room, add cast iron teapots, iron utensils, rock grinders, concrete plant pots and other decor artefacts. When you cook with these utensils, you even have substantial health benefits. They are impressing objects used for decoration and impressing your guests. Use them everywhere you find a place and let everyone admire your exquisite taste.
11. Genkans Are a Stunning Part.
Mimic the Genkan-style entryways leading to your japanese style living room. Nearby Genkan, you can keep a wooden shoe rack and a wooden log as a stool for a great texture and epic look.
Even better, decorate this area with Tatami mats and some flowers.
12. Last but Not Least, Stone Bathtubs.
Who doesn't enjoy ice-cool bathtub water, taking away all the troubles from your head? Well, I do! Necessarily, there are wooden bathtubs, but you can use stone, marble and ceramics. All you have to do is imitate the style of the spa facility at your own place. Natural lights are a must, and so does bamboo brushes and natural soaps for a marvellous bath every time.
Conclusion.
Japanese home interiors are clean, decluttered and have greater flexibility. Converting your space in accordance with Japanese interior design is a great idea. However, it is not that simple. With this ultimate guide, you will reach the goal of converting your area.
Tell me which aspects of this decor style you love most.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is Japanese-style interior design called?
Japanese or Zen-style interior design is traditionally called Kanso. Through careful selection of materials and minimalism, this design aims to represent Japanese culture as well as connect with the surroundings for a peaceful atmosphere.
What are the characteristics of Japanese interior design?
A Japanese home essentially has Yukimo Shoji, white walls, lower sitting, washi paper, furniture made from naturally sourced materials, illumination, plants, and minimal objects.
Is Japanese design minimalist?
Yes, Japanese design is minimalist, as the common idea is to use none to few decoration items to embed peace in a home.
What type of colors does Japanese interior design use?
Japanese homes use a neutral or whitish color palette.
What type of furniture goes best with Japanese decor?
Furniture with a raw finish, highly comfortable and preferably lower sitting, is the style for Japanese decor.