Combining Japanese and Nordic styles, the serene Japanese design aesthetic is gaining popularity in the United States. This serene decorating approach blends the cultural spirit of both regions into one approach that enhances a sense of relaxation in your home. But to fully understand Japanese design, you must first understand the fundamental design elements of each region.
Founded on simplicity and a connection to nature, Japanese design is characterized by clean lines, raw textures, neutral palettes, and a minimalist style. For Keiji Ashizawa, architect and product designer of Keiji Ashizawa Design in Tokyo, the word that comes to mind is “harmony.” “We're always looking for harmony — harmonizing color palettes and materials,” says Ashizawa, citing the importance of complementary colors and textures.
Courtesy of KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN
Simplicity is also key, says Tadashi Kaneko of Crafits Design Studio and Ippin Project in Brooklyn, New York. “'Simplicity' is the keyword as a basic aesthetic not only in interior design but also in architecture, products, fashion and any other design-related field,” he says. In contrast to Western thinking, which encourages the addition of interior components, Japanese design “prefers less decoration” and encourages the elimination of distracting elements. In other words, Japanese interior design follows the rule that “less is more.”
Japanese design also uses the concept of “Ma.” Ma is defined as negative space, or blank space. In Japanese culture, Ma is not only a design concept, but also a cultural concept that focuses on unoccupied space and time, where people can stop and take a breather. In design, Ma is used to maintain blank space by not filling the room too much. The sense of openness maintains the harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Japanese design is also reflected in the country's lush gardens and architecture. “It's such a beautiful culture,” Ashizawa says, referring to the gardens and their timeless beauty. “They're just as beautiful today as they were 600 years ago.”
Principles of Japanese Interior Design
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1. Incorporate natural materials and textures
Want to recreate the tranquility of Japanese spaces? Opt for a concise palette of natural materials, including wood, stone and glass. Kaneko says that traditionally “the use of color is restrained,” so wood plays a key role. He recommends using “light natural woods with little redness, such as birch or white oak.” Ceilings and floors are often covered in wooden planks that are pleasant to the touch.
Photo courtesy of KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN Photo courtesy of CRAFITS DESIGN STUDIO
2. Use a neutral color palette
In traditional Japanese interiors, “the walls are white or a light beige plaster,” Kaneko says. His go-to paint colors are Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace and Snowfall White, as well as “a bit of textured Japanese plaster.” When it comes to color, Ashizawa explains, he often draws inspiration from nature to create subtle gradations. “I don't use perfect whites, I use whites with nuances,” he says. “Sometimes I use whites with a bit of brown in them because it's a white that blends with the floor.”
Ben Richards
3. Bring the outdoors indoors
Japanese architecture is known for blending interior and exterior spaces. Add floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors to expose the garden and let in fresh air. “Step out onto the engawa (porch) and enjoy the garden view. Enjoy the view through the yukimi-shoji windows and bring nature indoors,” says Kaneko. The green garden views are an active part of the design and act as moving art.
If you don't have a porch or backyard, consider creating an indoor garden by planting succulents and herbs in small pots. Place the containers on a shelf or side table to add a natural touch to your decor.
COURTESY OF KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN
4. Reduce the clutter and noise
“Noisy is an important word,” Ashizawa says. “I try to avoid noisy things. The world is noisy now. Even your cell phone has to stay on answer, and there's a lot of noise in your head. With design, you can reduce the noise and calm down.” His best advice? “Simplify.” For Ashizawa, less clutter also means more freedom. “Always try to keep things tidy,” he emphasizes.
Implement a daily or weekly home organization routine to organize your space and use baskets and storage containers to organize your belongings. Because Japanese style emphasizes functionality, it's also important to evaluate which of your belongings serve a specific purpose in your daily life. If you don't need it, consider donating it or storing it.
Provided by: CRAFITS DESIGN STUDIO
5. Decorate with symbolic ornaments
In Japan, decorations are placed symbolically (rather than haphazardly) and with intention. “Traditional Japanese-style rooms have a tokonoma alcove, which is a space for hanging scrolls and ikebana,” says Kaneko. “Paintings and ornaments are not often placed on the walls outside of the tokonoma alcove.” Walls are left empty, except for something unique. He suggests installing a symbolic ichibunvashi (a single flower insert) or art panel on a large, empty wall. “Symbolically, decorating with works by your favorite artisans may enrich your lifestyle.”
Courtesy of KEIJI ASHIZAWA DESIGN
6. Combine simple furniture
To ensure your table, chairs and accessories coordinate with your room's finishes, apply the same rules to color palettes and materials. Opt for natural materials (ideally light wood finishes or porcelain dinnerware) and stick to clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Similar tones and textures work together to create aesthetic harmony.
Also consider the height and shape of the furniture. Japanese furniture is often low to the floor and features both clean lines and organic shapes. Each piece is streamlined and prioritizes functionality while also incorporating design elements like soft curves and subtle textures.
Photo courtesy of CRAFITS DESIGN STUDIO Photo courtesy of CRAFITS DESIGN STUDIO
7. Special feature on washi paper and partitions
To bring soothing light into your bedroom, consider applying washi paper, handcrafted by skilled artisans. This soothing texture has a soothing effect that promotes peace, especially when combined with natural wood, lanterns, and crisp white sheets. This material can be used on doors and walls. “Doors made with Japanese washi paper and kumiko ware are works of art that are naturally integrated into the architecture while keeping the space very simple,” says Kaneko.
Traditional and contemporary Japanese design
Both traditional and contemporary Japanese interior design feature a minimalist aesthetic. “In terms of the exterior, old houses are built with exposed wooden pillars and beams,” says Kaneko, noting that contemporary Japanese design is more sophisticated. “If you want to use the old Japanese style while still maintaining Japanese simplicity, use dark wood for the walls and furniture. That color creates a more residential, casual atmosphere.”