If you want to make your home simple yet beautiful, you ought to learn from the best. In this case, from the Japanese. Japanese people are known for their discipline and simplicity when it comes to design. The beauty of their design lies in the fact that the space becomes useful and functional. In other words, form and function are co-equal.
Many people are drawn to Scandinavian design, but if you want some oriental touch in your home, Japanese minimalism will be your best bet. What’s good about it is that it does not demand a lot of elaborate structures. It is characterized by clean lines and blocks of patterns, which make the interiors structural. The colours are neutral, so you will be able to avoid the usage of garish shades and faulty colour combinations.
You may want to look through interior design magazines and some visual boards online. Nevertheless, here are some of the pointers that will help you implement this design.
Build shoji or fusuma
Large windows and adjustable walls are among the main characteristics of Japanese homes, particularly in traditional abodes. For your interiors or terraces, you may use shoji or window panels that use translucent screen or paper. Glasses may be elegant, but if you want to have a warm yet aesthetic effect of light diffusion, you may want to use shoji.
Fusuma, on the other hand, are thin panels and walls that divide a space. What’s good about fusuma is that it allows you to change the configurations of the room by just moving the walls. Make sure that you use concealed hinges when you build these items.
Add an engawa
If you are serious about incorporating Japanese features into your home, you may think of building engawa. This is a corridor that surrounds your home. Usually, it is made of hardwood and is always polished to keep its shine. If you are after upgrades and modifications, your engawa can double as your patio. Just make sure that what you put in it complements the design.
Create a genkan
The Japanese and even the people from its neighbouring countries are particular when it comes to the cleanliness of their homes. This is why many homes in Japan has a genkan.
A genkan is a small foyer where people take off their shoes before entering the house. It is usually lower than the rest of the house floor. The genkan usually has shoe shelves and umbrella holders. For most homes, you can hang your coat in this place.
Go for tatami flooring
Flooring is important in every house, but for Japanese people, it should be more than that — it should be even comfortable. This is why they go for tatami flooring. You may have your hardwood floor, but if you want to make it versatile, you should cover it with tatami or a straw mattress. Think of it as a carpet alternative.
Japanese design is all about function. When your home is simple and functional, it becomes stunning. There may be some design challenges that may come your way, but when you focus on creating a comfortable home, you will be able to create a nice and relaxing space.
