JAPANESE STYLE INTERIORS

 

Tokonoma (Wikimedia Commons: Kannonin Tottori 2010)

Peaceful simplicity, harmony, balance, order, serenity and a love for natural beauty, is the route some sophisticated urbanites choose, when pursuing Japanese inspired interiors; for as the name implies, it embodies the Japanese expression in its contemporary form. 

The three elements we encounter in traditional Japanese architecture are:

1. Wood structures culminating in the uniquely ornamental gabled roofs. 
2. The tatami.   
3.  Rice paper as a space divider allowing light to pass through. Usually in the form of sliding doors or a screen (Shoji).

The tatami mentioned above is a rectangular flooring mat placed in multiples, for instance, a certain space maybe a 4.5 tatami room, a 12 tatami room, etc. Thus it’s an indication of floor area. The length is exactly twice the width, while its thickness is 5.5 or 6 cm. Interestingly enough, the length varies according to the region, being either 1.91 m., 1.82 m. or 1.76 m. However, contemporary Japanese homes may have only one room with tatami, or none.

Japanese houses, especially in the city, tend to be rather small as real estate is expensive, so one way of maximizing space is using sliding doors versus traditional doors that swing and take up space. 

The colors are those of nature, which implies a simple and neutral color palette. Grey tones of stone or wood tile or wood on the floor, the browns of furniture, the green from plants and the opaque white in rice paper, is the prevailing color scheme.

The Japanese are mostly traditional people who value order and ancient customs, which is reflected in their interiors that tend to be uncluttered. The entryway (jenkan) is meant to greet visitors, being simple, with a space for storing shoes which are immediately taken off to usually wear slippers. 

Additionally, large expanses of glass bring nature in (no heavy draperies here), a tea room, a traditional calm soaking-style tub (ofuro) and open space with sparse or no furniture, are all in the philosophy of this style. In regards to lighting, the traditional Japanese lantern is used or angular lighting fixtures hang from the ceiling (In daytime, the large expanses of glass and perhaps skylights, contribute towards bright spaces). 

Main elements we may encounter in a traditional Japanese residence are a tokonoma or simply toko (an alcove where decorative items are exhibited), a hanging scroll, and an ikebana or kado flower arrangement.

The sound of running water is important, as it’s tranquil, so whenever conditions allow, it’s incorporated in the interiors. Accessories and green (bonsai and bamboo versus colorful flowers) complete the picture, contributing to a tranquil yet interesting interior.

Some contemporary Japanese designers have invented a Japanese version of Minimalism, as these two forms of expression appear to be complementary. In case you ever wondered about the proliferation of low coffee tables found in many contemporary homes in the West, look no further, for the cues came from this style.

Traditional serenity coupled with the aura of the Orient sums it up. This is the essence of the unmistakable aesthetic of the Japanese Style. 

Tatami and Shoji (Wikimedia Commons: 2008)

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