Japanese Interior Design Decoded

Japan has always stood aspirational to the rest of the world in various ways. It stands apart in its culture, philosophy and the despicable discipline its citizens are famous for. Usually related to rhythm, and grounded in simplicity the design style is well connected to nature. Clean lines, natural palettes and minimum style are a few features that define the Japanese Design Style.

Rooted firmly in its culture and traditions, this style of design is often found in association with the Scandinavian design style which is due to their extreme similarities.

7 Principles of Japanese Interior Design

The Japanese design language has a deeper philosophical understanding while reflecting a sensuous, playful and thoughtful expression. Japanese design philosophy, Wabi-Sabi aims at creating Zen aligned by the guidance of seven design principles.

1. Kanso (簡素)- Simplicity

Kanso is a reminder to use simplistic elements in a space that are easier to find, use, maintain and replace. A person can attain Kanso by contemplating and segregation the necessary from the non-essential.

2. Fukinsei (不均整)- Asymmetry or Irregularity

Zen, which symbolizes balance upholds its idea by emphasising that balance can be established in irregularity as well. Fukinsei is a representation of balanced asymmetry, a concept that seems like an oxymoron existing in harmony.

3. Shizen (自然)- Natural

Shizen, an adjective, endorses people to look out of their artificially confined imagination to the free flow of nature. One can bring Shizen into their design by including nature in their design philosophy.

4. Shibumi (渋味) – Simple beauty

Shibumi denotes the beauty of things in their natural way without being emphasised. It stands against aesthetic manipulation is done to enhance the appearance.

5. Yugen (幽玄)- subtle grace

Yugen is based on the “less is more” ideology. This is a way of representing a space without showing everything. It is often expressed through clean and precise furniture.

6. Datsuzoku (脱俗) – escaping from habits

It takes 21 days of continuous practice to cultivate a habit and years to let go of one. Habits often contain human imagination and prevent one from acquiring new practices. Datsuzoku enables the user to break from the ordinary to achieve the unusual.

7. Seijaku (静寂)- tranquillity, stillness or solitude

A sense of pristine, calm and composure that a person gets while stepping into a Japanese zen garden is the representation of Seijaku.

Japanese Style Interiors and its Surge

While the Japanese style of design has existed for a long time, only recently has it gained recognition worldwide. Their use of high-quality materials and natural elements aligns well with the sustainability-driven choices. 

In recent years, homes have gathered a lot of value as people spend a lot of time indoors. They looked for meaning within their dwelling spaces. The japandi style, with its calm and serene spaces, got popular this way. With elements representing timeless design and emphasis on quality over quantity, this minimalistic theme is becoming a popular preference. It is a style based on cultural and traditional routes adapted to modern practical scenarios.

Bring in Japanese Style Interiors with these 5 Elements

1. Textures and Materials reminiscent of Nature

Materials that are sustainable, natural and tactile such as wood, stone, jute and glass bring the essence of Japanese design into a space. Designers advise the usage of bright-coloured materials like birch or white oak wood to add character to an otherwise sober palette.

2. Layered Monotones – Hues and Shades of Brown

An off-white or beige wall with subtle textures and black metal accents are easier ways to incorporate Japandi design style. Warm tones elevating the natural light is an elevating feature of the design style that originated in the land of the rising sun.

3. Blurring lines between the outdoors and indoors

Materials that are sustainable, natural and tactile such as wood, stone, jute and glass bring the essence of Japanese design into a space. Designers advise the usage of bright-coloured materials like birch or white oak wood to add character to an otherwise sober palette.

4. Planned Messiness

Zen minimalism, a concept based on extending simplicity emphasizes the importance of decluttering a space and keeping only the essentials within space. Reducing the noisy elements within a space, not only helps maintenance of a space easier but also, gives freedom. One need not scare away from layering, just make sure it’s staged in a way that’s nonchalant yet elegant.

5. Finally, some signature Japandi elements

Traditional Japanese style decor, however, seems haphazard and is fundamentally well thought out. An Alcove for hanging scrolls and ikebana flowers are commonly found elements in the space along with decor with a philosophical foundation like the Kintsugi ceramics. Decor elements are kept minimal in alignment with the design theme. Wall is kept bare without any treatments.