15 Japanese Interior Design Ideas (with Pictures)

The feeling that Japanese interior design gives to a room is unmistakable. It’s just as much a feeling as it is a style. How many times do you notice a blanket of serenity embracing you when you enter a room with this design style? This decor isn’t driven as much by fashion and trends as many popular ones are today. You could even call it a lifestyle choice. That’s part of what makes it so unique and unlike any other kind.

The 15 Japanese Interior Design Ideas (with Pictures)

1. Simple Lines

Simple lines without a lot of frills are the hallmarks of Japanese interior design. They are also kept to a minimum. It’s evident in this image with the hardwood floor planks, the bench, and the conversation pit. Even the cushions mirror this concept. It creates an airy feel to a room that makes it appear less cluttered and, consequently, more comfortable.

2. Muted Colors

A theme that Japanese interior design shares with other styles is its muted color palette. It’s a fitting choice, given the simplistic lines. Garish colors would distract from the purpose of this design. Remember that Japanese interiors don’t scream for attention.

3. Biophilic Design

The biophilic design embraces the theory that humans have a certain affinity with the outdoors. This style remedies that situation by bringing these elements into your home. Zen Buddhism recognizes the imperfections of the Earth and is closely aligned with bonsai trees as one part of this style. It’s not just about adding a few houseplants to your home—it is about embracing nature all around us.

4. Simplistic Window Treatments

Sometimes, less is more; especially when it comes to window treatments and Japanese interior design. This example shows the beauty of muted lighting that also happens to be easy to clean versus heavy drapes or curtains. The lines are simple and fit the decor. They create a harmony with the sunlight streaming into a room, inviting both you and the light to enter.

5. Natural Shapes and Forms

When Japanese interior design includes patterns, they often are taken from nature. You’ll often see vines and leaves. It’s worth noting that the shapes and forms are realistic, even if the colors aren’t precisely what you’d see outdoors. However, they also capture the concept of simplicity and are not overdone. They appear as touches to a room instead of a focal point.

6. Natural Materials

One of the more refreshing aspects of Japanese interior design is its use of natural materials. You’ll find pieces made of wood and stone. As we mentioned earlier, plants are prominent both as additions to a room and as patterns.

7. Open Design

Many Japanese interiors feature an open design with little clutter, which is fitting with the minimalistic style. It also supports the feelings of serenity and peace it strives to create. Everything present in a room feels like it belongs. Interestingly, a space reflects a mood, often with no pieces or design elements clamoring for the spotlight.

8. Framing

A recurring theme in Japanese interior design is the use of screens instead of doors. Many have opaque-colored fabric within the frames. This choice allows light to penetrate the adjacent spaces and keeps the positive energy flowing without the formidable barriers of heavy wooden doors. It also allows air to circulate to keep the rooms equally comfortable.

9. Keeping All Rooms Minimal

Japanese interior design lends itself well to all rooms of your home. It looks especially beautiful in bathrooms. Basins often have taps from which water cascades like a waterfall. The simple lines still prevail in the other fixtures, along with the natural materials and a minimal number of elements that maintains the same uncluttered look.

10. Water Elements

We’ve discussed the natural elements that define Japanese interior design. We see it with the abundance of plants that bring the outdoors indoors. It’s also evident in water features. The bathroom may include something approaching an infinity pool instead of the unnatural and kitschy bathtub. The style mimics a natural pond that you can step into from the shoreline.

11. About Minimalistic Style

A minimalistic style is less distracting than other types, such as Victorian or traditional. Everything is extremely clean and simple. While it may seem stark, there’s also a comfortable feeling because of the serenity and calm it creates. The furniture doesn’t have any ornate carvings or structures. It’s a contrast to the cold, impersonal appearance of urban modern or contemporary designs.

12. Lots of Windows

Japanese interior design takes advantage of its surroundings to bring the sunlight into a room with views of the outdoors around the home. The window shapes follow similar principles with simple square or rectangular shapes. The frames aren’t ornate, either, typically with simple trim styles. It falls in step with the closeness to the outdoors and inviting nature into your house.

13. Low Furniture

Often, you’ll see relatively low furniture, including beds and couches. They differ radically from the plush, overstuffed sofas and high beds with the thick mattresses you’ll see with other styles. Japanese-style furniture doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Instead, you can think of it as a way to remain closer to the Earth at all times.

14. Bonsai Trees

While the Chinese created the precursor to bonsais, the Japanese made it their own with stunning plants resembling wild trees. The purpose of them is to create a focus for contemplation. Indeed, the care of the bonsai is a type of meditation in itself. The aim is to create a realistic tree where the artist’s hand isn’t evident in the process.

15. Timeless Appeal

One of the best aspects of Japanese interior design is its timelessness. The style will undoubtedly stand the test of time. It doesn’t matter if a room includes aged elements or new pieces. The same feeling prevails while some designs, like country or Bohemian, may come and go. We think that this interior design style will be just as popular years from now as it is today. Perhaps that is its greatest asset.

Conclusion

Japanese design ideas have a modern yet grounded feel to them. The style doesn’t rely on trends to direct its look. Instead, it springs from a theme that focuses on creating a stress-free, clutter-free environment. It also reinforces our connection with nature to establish a calming environment. This gives it a timeless quality that few other decors can replicate.

Featured Image Credit: Rain Yan, Unsplash