Achieving Japanese home design aesthetic
There’s something about Japanese-style homes that we find captivating and appealing. We are charmed by the peaceful simplicity, by the serene vibe it exudes, by how the space feels cultural even though it has modern touches. This is why many look to Japanese design aesthetic for inspiration. We’ve listed down a few easy ideas how you can bring that zen, minimalist vibe to your living spaces.
Bring nature indoors
The Japanese have a deep respect and love for nature that they integrate it into their living spaces. Traditional plants such as bamboo and bonsai can usually be found in Japanese homes so you might want to consider these. You may use other plants but keep it simple, natural and green to stick with the minimalist and balanced Japanese aesthetic.
Large, expansive windows are also a common element of Japanese homes as these bring the outdoors in as well. These also flood the interiors with natural light and allow the air to circulate.
Soothing sound of water
The Japanese have a special relationship with water. You might want to consider adding a water feature to your home, such as a bamboo fountain. Let the sound of trickling or bubbling water calm you, even soothe you to sleep.
If you’re game to go all out and space in your bathroom is not a problem, you might want to look at having a soaking tub, known as ofuro, at home. Have your own private spa and relax the Japanese way. A cultural tradition, the Japanese turn to these tubs to cleanse the body and soul, a respite from a stressful day.
Furniture in natural materials
Aside from having plants and water features, the Japanese interior aesthetic incorporates a lot of natural wooden furniture. This keeps to the theme of bringing nature indoors.
Japanese retail company Muji has a wide variety of furniture in oak and walnut, from stacking shelves in different sizes, oak bed frames, dining sets and cabinets. Complement the clean and simple lines of your wooden furniture with handy yet plush seating. Check out Muji’s Legless Chair (for that ultimate Japanese style of low-to-the-ground furniture look), Beads Sofa and High Back Reclining Sofa.
Welcome guests the Japanese way
It is common practice among us Asians to leave our shoes by the entryway and change into house slippers before entering our living spaces. Style your entryway like a genkan, the traditional Japanese entrance hall. Here, you can place a shelf where your guests can store their shoes after taking them off prior to entering your home. Make sure there are house slippers ready for your visitors. You can also have an umbrella stand here and a holder for your house and car keys.
Everything in its place
Thanks to Marie Kondo, the world has assumed that being Japanese means living in a clutter-free home. While many beg to differ, one thing that cannot be denied is their creativity and inclination for organizing their living spaces. Everything in the home has a designated spot or a purpose.
Consider storage boxes in the same color and shape. You may not feel like answering the “does it spark joy?” question but at least you’re keeping your things looking clean and organized. Keep your storage units to a specific area of your home for easy reference. For storage units, Muji has an assortment of PP drawers, boxes and cases whether it’s for your clothes, beddings, makeup, tools, kitchen items or office and school supplies. The Japanese household and garments shop also has stainless steel unit shelves, also of different sizes, where you could easily stack those storage boxes of yours.
Itadakimasu!
Make mealtimes feel like you’re in some hole-in-the-wall izakaya in Shinjuku, a fancy sushi bar in Ginza or a traditional tea house in Kyoto simply by adorning your dining table with Japanese tableware. Check out Crate and Barrel, Muji and Lanelle Abueva’s Crescent Moon Cafe and Studio Pottery (facebook.com/CrescentMoonCafeAndStudioPottery) for donburi bowls, soup bowls, plates, chopsticks, chopsticks rests, cutlery and tea cups.
Sources: Decoholic.org; Mymove.com; Japan-experience.com; Muji Philippines (instagram.com/muji_ph)
