About Japanese Themed Decor

Decorating a home with a Japanese theme can be as simple as adding some signature pieces of furniture, works of art and accessories. Or, it can entail a major renovation, including finding creative methods of storing things and hiding clutter. Either way, Japanese decor adds tranquility to the home with its emphasis on natural materials, earth tones and flexible spaces. Does this Spark an idea?

Features

Infusing a home with a Japanese theme embodies the Japanese concept of sabi, a term that means elegant simplicity. Key features include geometric order, asymmetry, a balance of yin and yang (such as a black lacquer box holding white pebbles or textured tatami mats on polished wood floors), natural light, sheer curtains, minimal ornamentation and light wood furniture. Mats for floors, tables, benches, patios and chairs are common.

Styles

There are a myriad of Japanese styles from which to choose. The Zen style has soothing tones, simple lines and only a few, basic pieces of furniture. The Japanese country or farmhouse style has wooden beams, antiques, traditional wooden furniture, lanterns, folk art and vintage textiles. Japanese modern style has a bit more color, such as wasabi green against black lacquer, or red accents.

Considerations

One of the emerging trends in Japanese decor is to blend it with design elements from China, India, Korea and Thailand. The Asian fusion style is found at stores such as Cost Plus, Bombay Company and Pier 1. Pieces may have the style of vintage items or folk art, but with modern convenience, such as stone lanterns that are wired for electricity. Greentea Design (see Resources) has created photo galleries or rooms that are inspired by Japanese and Asian fusion design.

Function

Japanese design is about blending indoor and outdoor environments, thus the garden is of key interest. Garden architecture is a longstanding tradition, be it a simple meditation spot or shrine, tatami room, temple, tea house or viewing pavilion. Inside garden building, carved openings, transparent doors, open shutters and translucent shoji screens allow nature to enter through the architecture.

Significance

One of the prevailing principles in Japanese decor is that empty space provides a balance against occupied space. Thus, screens and walls are movable to allow for increased flow and multiple purposes. Furniture is light and adaptable, able to be stacked or hidden by a room divider. Beds may hide in cupboards or, like futons, be used as couches during the day.