This timeless style is grounded in simplicity and a strong connection to nature.
The sereneJapandidesign aesthetic, which combines Japanese andScandinavianstyles, is gaining popularity in the US.
Japanese design is grounded in simplicity and a connection to nature.
Credit: Courtesy of KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN
It features clean lines, rough-hewn textures, aneutral color palette, natural materials, and minimal styling.
“We are trying to harmonize, always.
Simplicity is also key, says Masa Kaneko ofCrafits Design StudioandIppin Projectin Brooklyn, NY.
Credit: COURTESY OF KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN
Japanese design also uses the concept of “ma.”
Ma is defined as negative or empty space.
In design, ma is demonstrated by not filling rooms to the brim and in maintaining empty space.
The belief is that this openness allows for harmony between spaces indoors and outdoors.
These principles are echoed inthe country’s verdant gardensand architecture, too.
“It’s such a beautiful culture,” Ashizawa says.
The gardens are “still as beautiful today as they were 600 years ago.”
Japanese Interior Design Principles
1.
Incorporate Natural Materials & Textures
Looking to capture the serenity of Japanese spaces?
Credit: Ben Richards
Select a concise palette ofnatural materialssuch as wood and stone.
Kaneko advises using “bright, natural wood with less redness, such as birch or white oak.”
In Japanese interiors, both ceilings and floors are often covered in wood boards.
Credit: COURTESY OF KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN
When color does appear, it is inspired by nature and often displays a subtle gradation, Ashizawa explains.
“I don’t use a perfect white; I use a nuanced white,” he says.
Bring the Outdoors Inside
Japanese architecture is known for its blend of interior and exterior space.
Credit: COURTESY CRAFITS DESIGN STUDIO
Add floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors to open a house up to the garden and let in fresh air.
“Go out to the ‘engawa’ [porch] and enjoy the view of the garden.
Enjoy the view from the window of ‘yukimi shoji’ to capture nature inside,” Kaneko says.
Credit: Courtesy of KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN
Green garden views are an active part of the design and serve as always-changing art.
Place the containers on a shelf or end table to add natural decor.
In design, you might create less noise and feel calm.”
Credit:DANE TASHIMA
“Make it simple.”
For Ashizawa, less clutter can mean more freedom, too.
“Always stay tidy,” he emphasizes.
Minimizeclutterby implementing a daily or weekly home reset routine and usebasketsor storage containers to organize your belongings.
If it does not serve a need, consider donating or storing it.
Accessorize Intentionally
In Japan, decorations are placed with intention.
“Paintings and decorations are not often placed on the walls other than in the alcove.”
“Symbolically, decorating with your favorite artisan’s work may enrich your lifestyle.”
Favor natural materials such as light wood to keep the overall aesthetic clean-lined and minimal.
Mixing and layering similar tones and textures, with minimal but intentional contrasts, creates a sense of harmony.
Also consider the height and shape of furniture.
Japanese furniture often has clean lines, organic shapes,soft curves, and subtle textures.
It also often sits low to the floor.
Incorporate Some Washi Paper
Washi paper is a traditional handmade Japanese paper.
If you put a light behind a screen lined with washi paper, the paper emits a cozy glow.
Integrating this calming texture has the soothing effect of encouraging rest.
Simple lanterns are another way to achieve soft, inviting glow of illuminated paper.
DANE TASHIMA
8.
Embrace a Dark Exterior
Dark colors on home exteriors are becoming more popular.
It somehow both stands out and blends in with its environment.
You could get a similar look by painting your house adark colorin a matte finish.
Leave Room for Imperfection
The important Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi” plays a role in Japanese interior design.
Wabi-sabi celebrates the ideas of imperfection, incompleteness, impermanence, finding beauty in that which is fleeting.
Traditional vs. Modern Japanese Design
Both traditional and modern Japanese interior design styles feature aminimalist aesthetic.
