10 Things to Know Before Remodeling Your Interior into Japanese Style

Japan has the unique, effective, and most sophisticated way to relaxing the mind through its Zen practice. The Zen is also reflected in every aspect of life, including Japan house interior design, which brings everyone who enters into Japan style house the calm and relaxes feels. Using simplistic, natural essence and combining comfortable and functional design, the core of Zen teaching is about relaxing and calming vibe in the house.

If you are interested to bring peace into interior design, here is the step by step guide on remodeling your current house into Japanese interior designs.

1. Bring nature into your interior design

Japan has high respect and love for nature. Therefore, they try to maintain a strong connection with the natural world. The most famous ways to do that is through traditional Japanese plants art, such as bonsai and bamboo. Other plants that can be used are palms, orchid, cherry blossoms, and colorful floral arrangements. Therefore, make sure to bring plants into your interior design and make sure to keep it simple and natural.

Another way to bring nature to your interior design is by using large and expansive windows that allow you to watch the nature from every angle. You will need big windows, large sliding glass, or you can use the Japanese traditional sliding door for easy access to nature.

2. Change your bathroom into soaking tubs

Water, as part of nature, is also important for Japanese houses. Believed for having calming effects, Japanese bathtub called Ofuro is a must have in a Japanese house. Soaking in small and deep bath tubs with a bench seat is a tradition that will calm your mind and good for your health. Therefore, make sure to incorporate soaking-style tubs into your bathroom to create a spa-like environment into your house.

3. Use Japanese sliding doors and screen for your house

Japanese sliding doors are basically made to save space; this is because Japanese home tends to be small. Made from translucent paper held inside a wooden frame, Japanese door or screen is called Shoji. However, if you are worried about the security of this door, you can purchase a modern version of Shoji made of glass panels inside a wooden grid.

Shoiji has another purpose as a temporary wall which can be opened as wide as possible so that it won’t block the natural light and views of nature. You can replace your current door with this kind of door; it’s a great way to incorporate Japanese style into your home. It is also the best way to save space since your door won’t take a lot of space.

4. Introducing elements of wood and bamboo into your house

Another part of nature that can be introduced into your house is natural wooden elements. You can use furniture that made of natural woods such as maple, cypress, hemlock, and red pine. You can replace your current floor with wood floor. Or, you can simply use tatami for an easy way to change your current floor.

A clean line wood will provide calming effect into your house. Therefore, it might be the time for you to change your furniture into the ones made from wood.

5. Use Japanese style furniture

Japan has unique furniture, most of them are low to the ground and have a simple shape. There is a low table paired with cushions. This low to the ground furniture will make your house have a higher ceiling and looks spacy and calming. This is the best way to have Japanese house feeling. You might want to try futons, a bed that is spread flat on the floor. It will save you a lot of space.

6. Make your house as simple as possible

Japanese house is generally clean and minimalist, filled with sparse and functional furniture. So, if you already have multiple types of furniture, make sure that you arrange them as simple and as clean as possible. Modern style furniture with clean-line especially made of natural wood will be a good complement to a Japanese interior design.

7. Use open space and natural lighting

Another characteristic of Japanese interior design is open space and natural lighting to brighten up the house. Therefore, the owner should keep the windows clear of any obstruction, or you can use bamboo shade for more authentic looks. Having natural lighting will allow you to connect with nature, therefore make you feel calmed and relaxed.

8. Use natural color for interior design

Japanese interior design uses natural and neutral colors. You can use wood or gray stone tile floor, white wall and brown or black color furniture. However, don’t forget to add plenty of green from the plant. Keep it simple and natural.

9. Provide space for meditating and learn about Japanese culture

Japanese culture has lots of things that will provide serene and calm ambiance for meditating, tea party, or yoga. You might want to remodel your current living room for a place to meditate or relax. Don’t forget to add an element of wood such as plant and water. This way, you will be able to have a place where you can enjoy Japanese interior design properly.

10. Add Japanese accessories

You can add some accessories such as Japanese writing, Japanese art, or simply simple water bamboos. However, make sure that you do some research and understand the writing on the art pieces.

That’s all 10 things to consider if you wish to apply Japanese interior design in your house. Enjoy remodeling the house!