Japanese Inspired Home Design

With the COVID pandemic still going strong, I know what I want in life: peace, tranquility, and harmony. I want to come home and feel an overwhelming sense of calm. So, if you want to add positive energy to your house (just like me), the Japanese-style home was made for you. Japanese design can be summed up in just one word: Zen. Yes, it means calm and peace.

The roots of Japanese-inspired design are as old as the Japanese culture itself. Minimalism and serenity are the underlying elements of the design. The architecture of Japan is steeped into hundreds of thousands of years of tradition, and that can be seen in Japanese-inspired décor. It is very different from what the Americans and Europeans have seen all along.

Japanese style is all about uncluttered and clean living. There should be a balance in the environment, customs, and surroundings. The style is quickly gaining popularity because people are looking for well-honed peace in their lifestyle. Life has become so fast-paced that people want a break. The work-from-home lifestyle has further turned life chaotic. Now that your home is your office, school, gym, etc., people are turning more to Japanese inspired designs.

To help you achieve tranquil decorating, a few tips can be used. With these 4 tips, you can welcome this becalming style at home.

4 Tips to Get a Japanese Inspired Design

1.      Nature– Inspire Yourself

Japanese culture has respect and love for nature. Let yourself connect with nature. Have you ever heard, "If you can't go to nature, bring nature home?" This is true in this case. So, the easiest way to connect with nature is to bring it inside. To get the Japanese style play with Japanese plants like bamboo and bonsai.

This will give you a true cultural touch. If these plants are not available, no problem. You can add any plants. The trick is to include any plants like orchids or palms.

Designing Tip: In Japan, things are kept simple and clean. Don't go for fancy floral arrangements. Don't add a lot of colorful flowers. Keep it green, natural, and simple. Don't want to go for flowers and plants? Add in a huge, full-length window that allows you to see all the wonders of the garden or greenery in front.

2.      Sliding Screen – Slide Into Peace and Tranquility

Screens are used in one form or the other. Original Japanese screens are known as Shoji and can be seen around the house. The concept of screens is not only minimalistic but also out of necessity. Japanese homes have less space. To conserve space, screen or sliding doors you. This gives a neat look.

Designing Tip: Go for a glass screen. They are dual-purpose. Firstly, they look chic and elegant. Secondly, they don't block out natural sunlight. You can replace one side of the wall with a sliding glass panel door to incorporate this style at home.

3.      Bamboo and Wood – Harmony is Home

Wooden elements allow your home to strike that harmony and balance with nature. Japanese inspired décor uses a lot of wooden elements. Keep in mind that natural, uncarved wood is used. Door frames, doors, screen grids, and walls can all be natural wood. Go for maples, hemlock, pine, and maple to get the true Japanese décor version. Bamboo is mostly used in decorative elements.

Designing Tip: Go for a bamboo floor or add a wooden screen between rooms. The clean-lined wood will give a calming effect to the entire home, staying true to the Japanese home design.

4.      Entrance– Welcome Home

The home entrance has a very special position in a Japanese-style home. The Japanese word for an entrance is called a genkan. This is where the visitors are welcomed into in the home, and they are supposed to take off their shoes. Japanese are very courteous and are supposed to change shoes into indoor slippers.

Designing Tip: Make your entryway Japanese inspired, add a cabinet or shelf. This can be used as shoe storage. It should be kept simple. One made of plain wood is the best

As you can see, Japanese-style homes have a natural and minimalistic look. They focus on bringing a lot of natural light into the house while including a lot of nature inside the house too. Achieving this look is very simple, and a few simple tips can help you go a long way.

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