Japanese Design – How to Create a Japanese Style of Decoration
If you believe you want to incorporate the Japanese Design Style of Decorating into your home, condo or apartment you have the type of personality that treasures peacefulness and serenity in your abode. As in most Asian-inspired rooms, there is a total lack of clutter and everything is in its place. One of the largest differences in this style of decorating as compared to the Western hemisphere is that each room will have one major focal point. There is one item that will dominate the room and all other pieces blend harmoniously without calling attention to themselves.
Orderliness is the keyword. In the Japanese Design Style of Decorating your walls will be white or another neutral color. This allows the eye to zoom in on the focal point and not be distracted by a vibrant hue. Furniture, upholstery and pillows will have Japanese designs in black, red, green and gold. Most Japanese floors are bamboo. If you were planning to purchase new hardwood or carpeting you will discover that bamboo can be an affordable alternative. Window treatments can be bamboo blinds or woven curtains in a neutral color.
Japanese Design has two separate themes or looks: traditional and modern. The traditional style uses a lot of natural woods and elements whereas the modern Japanese home will have many furniture elements that resemble the contemporary look of western interiors. Whichever style suits your taste, each will definitely be focused on the abundant use and reflection of natural light. There will be a natural flow to any room and it will seem that each piece of furniture or element was purchased and placed with a greater plan in mind. Once you enter the room you will immediately feel at peace.
Many decorators use a Japanese shoji screen as the main focal point. Some of these screens can be absolutely beautiful using the traditional Japanese colors and trends in art. Most of them will have painted interiors and the wooden frames will be black lacquer. Some may have a hint of gold gilding in the frame. If this is how you design your room, all of your furniture and accessories will pick up a color that is prominent in the screen. Remember that your furniture should be kept to a bare minimum. You do not have to sleep on mats or sit on cushions, but you do not want any one piece of furniture to detract from your focal point. Bamboo is one of the more popular ‘woods’ used in furniture making plus natural grasses are used for floor mats.
As far as decorative objects in your room you cannot go wrong bringing the beauty of nature inside. Small water fountains can bring serenity by just sitting quietly and listening to the water trickle over the rocks. If you like plants, have several live orchids where they get the proper amount of light. If you want a new hobby that will bring some balance into your busy day, go for a bonsai plant. You will need to continually keep it ‘well groomed.’
Additional ideas for decorating your room in the Japanese Style of Decorating is to bring in bamboo baskets of varying shapes and sizes for storage and to hold items for everyday use. When you are selecting your furniture and baskets do not confuse bamboo with rattan. Some people think the two are one and the same. Actually, rattan is a solid wood stem and a bamboo plant is hollow. They are both grown in the east and both contribute to a great deal of Asian decorating.
Enjoy the serenity you will bring to your home using Japanese Design.
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Styles and Periods
Furniture History
Decorating Styles
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