Zen and tranquillity are the key words of Japanese design. Simple and clean, this style reflects the Japanese concept of furnishing that aims to lighten the mind and rid it of unnecessary elements, as every meditation master commands. Regardless of the original state of your apartment, to give your home a touch of Japanese style, you don’t have to make any major changes – with a few tricks and a little effort, you can give it a new identity.
Japanese-style home: colors and lights
The colors for the walls of a Japanese-style home evoke harmony and nature, using soft shades and materials such as bamboo and wood, typical of traditional Japanese homes. Adding wooden inserts to the walls and vertical surfaces is a first step in bringing the house closer to Japanese design.
If you don’t want to go structural, you can introduce colors inspired by nature and Japanese style, such as creamy white, black, dark green and natural wood brown. These shades are ideal for spaces like study rooms, where concentration and moments of calm alternate to balance intense work sessions.
The choice of earthy tones characterizes the philosophy of Japanese furniture as opposed to minimalist approaches such as Scandinavian, resulting in a hybrid style known as Japandi. The emphasis on color extends to lighting, with Japanese furniture favoring soft, warm colors to again evoke nature.
Furnishing a Japanese home
The furnishings of a Japanese-style home are distinguished by their simplicity, such as the low table for eating or tea, called a chabudai, which is common in Japanese homes. Even without faithfully replicating Japanese cuisine, it is possible to approach Japanese decorating by preferring wooden furniture with clean lines. The presence of an open space makes it easier to adhere to the Japanese style, which avoids numerous interior walls to create a harmonious environment. Limiting the use of small objects and decorative elements is a recommended practice.
Even in the bedroom area, solutions that combine elements of oriental and western furnishings can be adopted, such as a wooden bed with storage areas to maintain a minimalist tone without the need for additional wardrobes.
In addition to furniture, plants play an important role. A preference for traditional Japanese plants, such as bonsai trees, helps maintain a naturalistic atmosphere. The choice of plants should suit the different rooms in the house, for example, aloe vera can be an ideal choice for the bedroom, also helping to purify the air.
In any case, Japanese decor encourages moderation and balance, creating relaxing environments that free the mind and bring relief.
