From open plans and functional furniture to natural colors and natural greenery, Japanese design paves the way for warm, minimalist interiors. Minimalism takes many forms, but its main aim is to create clean spaces that bring peace. When wanting to make improvements to their homes, many homeowners are turning to the simple, fresh and invigorating lines of Japanese interior design. "Japanese interior design is clean, open, calming and sophisticated," says Mary Beth Christopher, founder of MBC Interior Design in Manhattan Beach, California. - It has organization and a clear idea. It feels like every element has been chosen with great care. But instead of coldness and sterility, the design brings a warm feeling due to the natural materials and large windows that let in the light and include the greenery outside."
Japanese-style interior design shows great respect for nature, which is evident in the use of earthy and neutral color palettes, natural materials and plants. “Japanese interior design should be divided into territory designer Jackie Terrell. - Traditional Japanese houses are rare today, but over the years they have influenced a number of Western architects. The wooden floors and sliding paper doors between the rooms and to the outside gardens are some of the most distinctive features of the Japanese traditional style.' Furniture and decorations in muted soft colors are combined with bright open spaces. Large windows and tall glass doors are a preferred way to incorporate outdoor elements such as natural light or a garden. With the increased pursuit of wellness as a result of global changes, indoor plants are becoming increasingly popular and can make the connection between interior spaces and the natural environment. In addition, in Japanese-style homes, designers strive to create a natural transition from one element to another and in the spaces themselves, so an open plan, freed from everything superfluous, is often found. Clean and tidy spaces are paramount to this minimalist style. Although everything listed so far is an integral part of Japanese style, minimalism strives primarily for functionality—achieving a balance between contemporary style and design with a clear idea. Sliding doors, screens or dividers allow occupants to temporarily separate spaces without sacrificing the open concept. "Traditional elements such as tatami mats, sparing accents, zabuton floor cushions as well as Japanese futon mattresses, sliding door closets, paper and painted screens will become increasingly popular," says Jackie Terrell. Functionality goes hand in hand with tidiness. Japanese-style furniture is usually flexible in design, multi-functional and has built-in storage.
If we compare Japanese-style interior design with its Scandinavian counterpart, we will find a number of similarities, primarily in terms of functionality. But there are also a number of significant differences, mostly in the preferred colors and materials. While both styles clearly focus on neutral tones, the Scandinavian leans towards colder and more industrial whites, grays and blacks. In the Japanese style, warmer colors are preferred, based on beige, cream or pink shades. In terms of materials, the Scandinavian style often includes metal in addition to wood, while the Japanese style usually combines wood with linen and paper. Some interior designers working in the Japanese style are more inclined than their colleagues to accept the imperfections of materials and forms and consider them a design advantage rather than a disadvantage. If the choice between the two styles is overwhelming, then designers can always turn to the new hybrid japandi style, combining modern elements of Scandinavian design with sophisticated Japanese aesthetics. "We'll continue to embrace the idea of convenience, but we've looked to the past more than in recent years," says Mary Beth Christopher of MBC Interior Design. - Light wood will always have its place, especially in Scandinavian design, but people are increasingly leaning towards rich objects with a history, and that means darker wood furniture. Thus, traditional elements such as the gold fringe on the sofa, the velvet armchair or the antique gilded mirror bring the comforting feeling of something familiar, but also a sense of freshness, provided they are properly combined with the rest of the furniture.'
Reproduced with permission from Luxury Portfolio
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