In the wake of the popularity of minimalism in the arrangement of housing, Japanese interior design attracts special attention: it corresponds to the basic principles of restrained and practical design but looks very impressive. How to repeat the traditional style of Japan in your home and give it a modern sound?
Japanese Interior Style: History and Modernity The traditional Japanese style in interior design originated a long time ago – around the end of the XVI century. Just at this time in Japan, the number of wealthy families who could build full-fledged houses increased. However, in accordance with the traditions of this country, homes were designed very budgetarily: regardless of the prosperity of the family, the main values have always been proximity to nature. Much more important was not the interior of the house, but a careful attitude to the surrounding garden. The interior remained restrained, without lush décor and decorations, only with the furniture necessary for everyday use.
Japanese design: characteristic features The Japanese interior style is often compared with minimalism and Scandinavian design: it has a number of features in common with both, but still, it has pronounced features that are characteristic exclusively of it. Among the key ones are the following:
The use of natural materials in raw form – unpainted wood, stone, and bamboo (their high-quality imitations are also appropriate);
The simplicity of furnishings – geometric furniture and décor of a “rough” natural shape;
Light shades – beige, brown, white, gray and natural shades of wood and stone in all design elements;
Maximum free space – the minimum of walls is compensated by translucent sliding partitions and doors, as well as folding screens;
Functionality – all interior items should be used regularly, no “random” furniture, except for the necessary one every day;
Low furniture – beds and cabinets are devoid of legs, they stand directly on the floor, tables and chairs are also quite low;
Multi-level floors and ceilings – various podiums (often with hidden storage) and similar techniques for additional zoning are actively used;
Small inclusions of wildlife elements – an aquarium with fish, a potted tree, bamboo and other greens.