So, you went somewhere in Japan and fell in love with their interiors. I don’t blame you. Their simple yet elegant style caught the hearts of homeowners around the world since 2010. Its minimal look fits in modern home design.

Take the memories of your Japanese trip back home with you by incorporating Japanese touches in your current interior design. Of course, you can go all out Japanese in your home but it’s more practical to use these strong Asian design sparingly. With the help of the talented Sydney architects in Superdraft Pty. Ltd., here’s how you add the Japanese touch in your own home:

Declutter

Clutter is not a design element, so take it all away. Remember, one core of Japanese interiors is clean and uncluttered living. Embrace it. Don’t overdo the decorations. Always go for order and you’ll be alright.

Involve nature in the design

If you’ve noticed, Japanese culture shows a huge admiration to nature. They invite nature in their homes. Simply adding plants such as bonsai or bamboo will instantly give your home some Japanese touch. Common sleek plants like palm or orchid works too. If you’re into floral arrangements, choose Ikebana as your decorative piece.

Bonsai plant used as decor in a modern bathroom.

Another way to harmonize with nature is through incorporating wooden elements. In traditional Japanese homes, the walls, doors, screen grids, floor, and frames are made of wood. It can be found anywhere! More wood brings the calm and serene earth at home.

Shoji screens

Shoji screen opens to a living room with wicker furniture.

Shoji, the name of authentic Japanese screen is a staple element in their homes. This is great for small homes-it slides back and forth, hence you save the space that a normal door will take up. The original shoji screen is made of fine translucent paper which is why it doesn’t completely block natural light. Modern, more durable versions of it can be purchased online or in your home improvement centre.

Soaking tubs

Water elements are also essential in Japanese homes. Japanese soaking tubs are small yet deep and has some sort of bench seat. Combined with natural elements like wood, wicker, and plants, you have a spa-like bathroom at home.

Low, minimal furniture

Most Japanese furniture are simple and prioritises function over decoration. All pieces of furniture in a room should have a purpose. If you’re going to go simple, why not go as beautiful as possible with some bespoke furniture – that way, you can customise it so it completely fits in with the room.

Balance of texture

Japanese culture balances everything in all the aspects of their lives and interior decoration is not an exemption. If you used something smooth, you need to put something rough or heavily textured to contrast it.

Zen space

To sum it all up, Japanese interiors are Zen spaces. All are peaceful and modest. But you can give some areas, such as your bedroom, dining room, or reading nook some special treatment. Make sure that it has fewer distractions and calming interiors. Paint the walls with white, soft blue, green, or brown.

All of these little things can help you pull off a Japanese touch. I hope this makes your home a little retreat back in the land of the rising sun. ∎

Author: Charlene Gonzales is a design writer from Superdraft Pty. Ltd. in Australia. Follow Superdraft on Facebook and Instagram