The Japanese approach to interior design (2024)

The architecture and design of Japanese culture are different from Europeans.

Building shape design, interior planning, design, lighting organization are created taking into account several rules. By following them, you can create a comfortable space for body and soul.

Japanese living space design is a set of principles. At first glance, the interior in the Japanese style seems simple and unfinished to us, but it is in this simplicity that the depth lies. The role of every element of form, materials, objects, patterns, and lighting in an interior is important. All of them are interconnected and represent a single ensemble.

10 principles of Japanese architecture: design and lighting

Young architect Yusuki Takahashi highlighted the principles of Japanese architecture that characterize culture and design:

1 - kanso - simplicity

The structure and organization of the Japanese interior are based on "simplicity". It is expressed not only in the objects themselves, but it is also simplicity in the soul. Stick to the principle the simpler the better. You need to see what seems to be nothing - this is how the Japanese approach is expressed. You can find laconic and simple-shaped furniture pieces on nfoutlet.com.

Unlike Europeans, the Japanese believe that true wealth lies in simplicity.

2 - f*ckinsei - asymmetry

Symmetry is simple and obvious, there is no mystery or understatement in it. Symmetrical lines are too intrusive. Asymmetry is a more flexible tool in a designer's work. After all, an asymmetric object looks different from different sides, which means that the perception from it is different.

Asymmetrical hom*ogeneity makes a simple object coherent and interesting.

3 - shibumi - essence (shibumi)

The Japanese have such concept umami (umami - a pleasant taste), which is distinguished into a separate independent 5th taste. In essence, it is the taste of protein, the feeling of fullness on the tongue. An example of umami is monosodium glutamate, which is used in condiments.

This concept denotes a special delicacy, the calorie content of the interior. A Japanese-style interior should be both laconic and desirable. This "taste" is even made up of details such as the combination of materials and their thickness.

The Japanese approach to interior design (1)

4 - shizen - naturalness

Japanese design involves communication and contact with nature. If we are not talking about a country house, but about an urban interior, then natural motives and greenery should be present in the premises. The people of Japan are inspired by nature, bringing a part of it into their living spaces.

In an ideal Japanese interior, there should be harmony between architecture and landscape. A balance of different plans is needed. For example, if everything is harmonious in the interior, then outside the window there should be no less harmonious garden or landscape.

5 - yugen - understatement in interior and architecture

This concept implies a form of intangible depth. Imagine a window through which you see what is behind it. But we do not see what is behind the walls of the building. Thus, a person in the room has the opportunity to dream up, imagine what is there.

6 - datsuzoku - not a commonplace

This principle says that there should be no repetitions of a specific pattern. The traditional Japanese panel "kumiko" can serve as an example. This is a panel on sliding partitions. The volumetric pattern at different angles and lighting looks original and laconic.

7- seijaku - peace, calm

This is the very state of peace and tranquility that arises in a person's soul in a certain space. For the Japanese, it is important how a person feels when he is in this space. For us Europeans, this is akin to comfort, but not only for the body, but also for the soul.

8 - ma - emptiness (space, space)

In traditional Japanese houses, zoning and organization of space are achieved through sliding partitions. When from an empty single space, rooms appear, which can then be easily transformed and turned into emptiness.

Creating voids between objects is a Japanese approach. The Japanese believe that the details located in the void determine perception.

9 - wabi - scarcity

The Japanese interior should not be oversaturated with objects. There may be one very expensive item, of high quality, against the background of which everything around seems meager. This scarcity is not associated with greed, it is dosage, the possibility of comparison, reflection. Imagine a photograph of falling drops of water from an old tap that create circles on the water- it can be a real representation of this principle.

10 - sabi - solitude (loneliness)

This is the inner feeling that arises when you get into the definition of new space.

A place where you want to escape. It is self-sufficient, you can recharge psychologically in it. The Japanese feel comfortable and secure in a moment of privacy. A place that could evoke such feelings could be an old temple, in which a ray of sun breaks through the silence and windows.

Lighting in Japanese interiors

Japanese interior design and architecture is a connection with nature. Large windows and translucent partitions allow maximum natural light into the room.

Interiors are created taking into account sunlight and what effects it creates in the room. Therefore, in the evening, artificial lighting becomes a substitute for natural lighting. There are no aggressive light spots or overly bright areas in Japanese design. The light is used soft to maintain a balance of creativity and perception.

Japanese design. Lighting Features:

- lamps are minimalistic, simple shapes, made of natural materials (loft-style options are quite suitable)

lamps in Japanese design

- the light is soft, local; transitions of illuminated places and shadows;

- warm light prevails (color temperature 3000-4000K)

- inconspicuous lamps are used (recessed, contour light, eaves lighting, profile systems, compact pendant lamps of simple shapes)

lamps in Japanese design

- the luminaire fulfills a functional task rather than a decorative one;

- with the help of light, texture, important areas, as well as significant objects are highlighted with the help of accent light;

- the rhythm in the interior is emphasized by light

The Japanese approach to interior design (2024)

FAQs

The Japanese approach to interior design? ›

Japanese design, grounded in simplicity and a connection to nature, features clean lines, rough-hewn textures, a neutral palette, and minimal styling. For Keiji Ashizawa, architect and product designer of Keiji Ashizawa Design in Tokyo, the word that comes to mind is harmony. "We are trying to harmonize, always.

What is the Japanese interior design theory? ›

The Essence of Japanese Minimalism: Simplifying Interiors with Japandi Design Principles. The Japanese design ethos is one that values clarity and purpose in every aspect of the home, creating a harmonious balance that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually calming.

What is the Japanese approach to design? ›

Commonly seen in Japanese art and design is clean, simplified illustrations. These tend to have large, flat fields of one color (for example, in the second piece, the monkeys' faces being all one color and their fur being another, rather than colors being interspersed or gradating).

What are Japanese interior design styles called? ›

Wabi-sabi is based on traditional Japanese aesthetic and world view philosophy, while Japandi is the design movement consisting of both Japanese wabi-sabi and Scandinavian hygge philosophy,” she explains. Wabi-sabi can be understood as a part of Japandi interiors, but also its own unique doctrine.

What is the Japanese style of decorating? ›

Japandi is the intersection of Scandinavian and modern Japanese interior design styles. Both, rooted in minimalist design principles, with a focus on warmth, natural elements, and muted color palettes. With Japandi, you won't find ornate, gaudy detailing.

What is the Japanese philosophy of home decor? ›

Contrary to Western beliefs that encourage the addition of interior components, Japanese designs "prefer less decoration" and promote removing distracting elements. In other words, Japanese interior design abides by the rule that less is more.

What is the main concept in Japanese design? ›

It is characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and a subdued color palette. Japanese design emphasizes the concept of “ma,” which refers to the space between objects and the importance of negative space in creating balance and harmony.

What is the Japanese philosophy of decor? ›

Wabi-sabi – a Japanese style of interior design that embraces imperfection. Contrary to Western ideals that dictate perfection, the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi finds beauty in every aspect of imperfection.

How to design a Japanese style room? ›

Consider incorporating elements of nature, such as natural materials and colors. Bamboo plants, wooden furniture like minimalist bed frames, headboards, nightstands, etc., and soft textiles can create a sense of harmony in the space. Additionally, lighting is an essential aspect of Feng Shui in Japanese bedroom decor.

Why Japanese design is so different? ›

Unlike the ever-evolving landscape of Western web design, Japanese websites often favor a conservative approach, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage. Imagine stepping into a serene Zen garden, characterized by clean lines, minimalist elements, and an emphasis on negative space.

What is Japanese Zen interior design? ›

Asian Zen interior design is a decorating style that combines traditional Asian elements with the simplicity and tranquility of Zen philosophy. This design style is characterized by a minimalist yet elegant look that creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese interior style? ›

Meanwhile, Chinese architecture is characterized by bilateral symmetry, enclosed open spaces, an emphasis on horizontal orientation and a range of allusion to symbolism and cosmology. An innovative aspect of Japanese architecture is replacing walls with sliding doors creating an adjustable sense of space.

What are Japanese-style rooms? ›

A wash*tsu (和室), meaning "Japanese-style room(s)", and frequently called a "tatami room" in English, is a Japanese room with traditional tatami flooring. Wash*tsu also usually have sliding doors (fusuma), rather than hinged doors between rooms.

How do I make my house look Japanese? ›

Choose furniture and decor made from bamboo, wood, and rattan. These materials add texture to your home as well as reflect the natural element of Japanese design. Use natural fibers for rugs, upholstery, and curtains to enhance your home's overall aesthetic.

What are the Japanese interior colors? ›

The Japandi color palette is characterized by its neutral tones, earthy hues, and subtle pops of green from nature. It draws inspiration from the natural world, incorporating shades of beige, gray, brown, and green.

What is traditional Japanese interior design? ›

Two sides of a Japanese house frequently have no permanent walls, and interior partitions are of paper on a wood frame which admits a soft, diffused light. These partitions are usually moveable, allowing the interior to be rearranged. The Japanese interior is a carefully thought-out arrangement.

What is the wabi-sabi design theory? ›

In this manner, wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy and interior design aesthetic that embraces the beauty of any substance or being in its most natural and raw form, giving a unique aesthetic and sense of comfort with simplicity. Wabi-sabi looks into life and into design as 'imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete'.

What is the Japandi theory? ›

It's simple, Japadi is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophy. Japandi isn't just a fusion, it's a harmonious balance. Clean lines and natural materials from Scandinavia meet the warmth of wood and the timeless simplicity of Wabi-Sabi from Japan.

What is the Japanese management style theory? ›

William Ouchi's so-called "Japanese Management" style popularized during the Asian economic boom of the 1980s. For Ouchi, 'Theory Z' focused on increasing employee loyalty to the company by providing a job for life with a strong focus on the well-being of the employee, both on and off the job.

What is the concept of Ikigai in interior design? ›

Ikigai design stems from a philosophy derived from the realization that a well-designed space comes about as a result of incorporating elements of one's passion into an interior space. As a designer, once one starts thinking about the concept of Ikigai, it is hard to stop using it as part of one's design process.

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