Japanese interior design – minimalist space which creates a lot of room space

The Japanese interior design

The Japanese interior design has been popular worldwide for many good reasons. The design style embraces nature as it shows love and respect and likewise it is geared towards the minimalist home interior that highlights the creations of artisans.

As a working individual or if you are living within the busy and stressful parts of the city, then it is time to open your doors to the relaxing and Zen inspired Japanese interior design. If you happen to see a Japanese inspired home, you will surely be captivated by its appearance. The simplicity and minimalist appearance of the homes will make you think that you are far from the fast paced life of the city or you would feel relaxed and forget the troubles at work. Stress may be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding situations. Many people nowadays are experiencing this and it negatively affects the body, causing certain physical and mental illnesses. Isn’t good to go home to a place where the sight that we will see can somehow alleviate the stress that we experienced the whole day?

The Japanese have often used the phrase “Danshari”, which means a simpler life where the unnecessary things are thrown away to have a simple life. Maybe this is what we need in our lives.

The inspiration of the Japanese interior design

The Japanese interior design is popular worldwide and is known for its simplicity and nature inspired. It is greatly influenced by the philosophy of Zen and can be reflected in every corners of the house, both interior and exterior.

The minimalist appearance of the Japanese interior design is believed to be inspired by the philosophical teachings of Zen Buddhism. It is difficult to exactly define what Zen is because it is something that needs to be experienced rather than being defined, but we will try to discuss it so that we will be able to understand the principles behind the Japanese interior design.

Zen is an important aspect in the Japanese culture. Zen is a practice that has been passed from master to disciple that goes back to the time of Siddharta Gautama. The core of Zen Buddhism is the Zen meditation or the Zazen. Zazen is the way of self discovery and vigilance that is practiced while sitting on a meditation cushion. It was through meditation that Gautama was enlightened and hence became the Buddha that we know today.. It is also known that peace and tranquility can be achieved through meditation. Meditation though is difficult for many especially for those who are new to this. Thus, instead of achieving peace and tranquility, they only feel frustration. It needs practice and discipline. Zazen is the way to spiritual awakening and can become the source of our perception of our daily activities. While doing the zazen, the silence of the surroundings will help you let go of your thoughts. The objective is to let go of your ego and your unconscious mind and be one with your surroundings.

This is the goal of the Japanese interior decoration.

Japanese interior design ideas that you will love

Here are some Japanese interior design ideas that will surely captivate you heart. Having the Zen concept into your home will likewise help you achieve peace and tranquility of the mind:

1. Elements of nature – one of the culture of the Japanese is their love and respect for nature. Adding a Japanese plant such as bamboo and bonsai inside your home can help in achieving the Japanese appearance. Flowers are not common, therefore it is recommended to use deep green plants.

2. Soaking tub – is is a small deep tub with small bench seat. Water is very important in Japanese interior design as the sound it produces encourages meditation and helps the homeowner to be calm.  

3. Sliding doors and screens – in Japan, the cost of houses is high, therefore many Japanese have small houses or rent apartments. The use of Shoji is common in Japanese homes. Shoji is an authentic Japanese screen that slides back and forth.

4. Wood and Bamboo – wood throughout the home is common in Japanese interior. Wood and bamboo can be seen in walls, doors, screen and frames.  

5. The entryway – also known as Genkan, functions as a lobby where the shoes are removed to wear the indoor slippers.

6. Decoration – colors in the interior is usually in neutral palette. Light should be mid to low level since bright lights is not helpful in relaxation. The flooring of an original Japanese home is made from tatami, however, bamboo or timber may likewise be used as a substitute.

Shiawasena kazarimasu!