Japanese Design - Simplicity, Elegance, and Positive Energy

The way Asians perceive space is different from the way we Europeans perceive it, and this can be seen in Japanese design, one of the most interesting types of interior design. For Asian peoples, the principles of life revolve around simplicity, elegance, and art, and the main goal it aspires to balance, which can only be achieved through positive energy. I could also characterize the Japanese design, as you can see in the following lines.

Simplicity will always attract attention and, we can say, will never go out of style, and Japanese design is minimalist par excellence, as is the specific architecture of these people.

Although at first glance the Japanese design seems very simple, it is more complex than you might imagine, at its base, there are some well-established principles that, if you adopt them inside your home, you will be able to achieve the balance imposed by this type of interior design.

The principles behind Japanese interior design

Behind these principles that underlie Japanese design are centuries-old traditions and one of the main features of this design is this connection with tradition.

Efficiency is one of the principles of this interior design. Japanese design emphasizes the efficient use of all resources and elements, so a Japanese-style home must be perfectly organized.

The use of natural materials is another important principle underlying Japanese design. Wood, bamboo, silk, and paper are the most common materials.

Along with natural materials, an important principle of this design is the use of natural colors. Colors such as beige, brown, cream, in combination with black or gray, are best suited for this type of interior design.

Another principle is privacy or, rather, respect for privacy. The rooms are shrouded in dark light, and the paper walls are not lacking either, providing much-needed privacy.

Simplicity is a basic principle of the entire Japanese culture, a principle that is also reflected inside.

Natural light plays a very important role in this type of design, which also has a special symbolism. Light is seen as an art form as it is allowed to enter the home through paper accessories.

Respecting tradition is a principle that is reflected in Japanese design by using traditional decorative objects.

Features of Japanese design

Starting from the principles that underlie Japanese design, it is not difficult to deduce what are the basic features of Japanese design.

The color palette is inspired by nature, because, as we mentioned in the previous lines, nature is one of the main sources of inspiration. In this way, the natural colors outline a simple, elegant, and relaxing background that will be complemented by natural textures.

In addition to natural colors, textures and materials are also inspired by nature. The use of materials such as wood, bamboo, rice paper, stone, silk, and linen are among the most common materials. From the point of view of textures, the contrast is what brings the balance of such a decor. While the wooden floor can be glossy, you can opt for carpets with a rich texture.

The floor specific to the Japanese design is made of wood.

The furniture objects are made of wood and have a feature that makes them unique for this type of design: they are low. The wood can be harmoniously combined with glass, and the effect will certainly be special.

A Japanese-style home is spacious and bright. The light does not enter the house directly but is filtered through bamboo blinds, silk curtains, or paper walls with various patterns.

Green, large, simple potted plants, stones, and some traditional accessories are among the specific decorations of Japanese design. Among the traditional elements that should not be missing from a Japanese-style decor are:

- Fusuma represents partition walls, made of wood or textile materials. They are similar to rail doors and allow flexible communication between rooms.

- Shoki is a kind of window specific to Japanese design. Their frame is made of wood, and transparent paper takes the place of windows. And these panels are often used inside homes to delimit rooms and other spaces. These are a symbol of intimacy and allow light to enter the room smoothly.

- Tatami is a kind of rug or mattress used in Japanese culture to cover the floor. They are made of rice straw and are not missing from the Japanese-style rooms.

- Tokonoma is an accessory that is not missing from the social rooms. These accessories represent a small Japanese painting.

Along with these accessories, ikebana floral arrangements are meant to complete the whole decor inspired by nature.