Japanese

Japanese is the most popular ethnic style in Ukraine. It is characterized by flawless color combinations and minimalist forms.
The fundamental principle in creating the interior is to avoid overloading the guest’s attention. This is achieved by avoiding excessive decor and an abundance of furniture. Therefore, this style can be considered minimalist in some ways.

The color scheme is based on light tones: white, off-white, cream, and beige. Japanese furniture is also light and made of bamboo. The surface is smooth and untextured. When using fabrics, cotton or silk should be chosen. In Japanese homes, a special seating area is usually located in the center of the room. Another characteristic of Japanese homes are hieroglyphs, which serve as decorative elements, adorning furniture and walls.

Japanese interiors are characterized by spaciousness, so it is recommended to replace interior walls with sliding doors or traditional Japanese partitions. Tall windows (floor-to-ceiling) create a beautiful effect, although, naturally, homeowners don’t always have the luxury of such a feature. Frames are decorated with graphic patterns. It’s wonderful if the pattern matches that on the partitions. Place rugs made of matting or sisal on the floor. When choosing furniture, pay special attention to dark wood with a smooth surface (they pair best with light-colored walls). If for some reason you want light-colored furniture, make sure the wood doesn’t have a pronounced pattern (for example, larch is an option). Avoid mahogany or chocolate shades. A low bed is usually chosen for the bedroom, and the mattress should be smaller than the podium. Lighting can be provided by lamps with silk or paper shades – the light is soft and diffused. The main thing is not to get carried away with decor: a single flower in a vase or a kimono on the wall will suffice. Remember that a Japanese-style interior emphasizes maximum freedom of space, limited only by necessary structural elements (walls, partitions, and supporting pillars).

A cottage is the ideal location for this design project. The main reason is the available space, which is usually quite large. Another key feature of a Japanese home is the landscape, which acts as a unique extension of the interior. This characteristic of a traditional Japanese home can only be realized by owning a cottage. For example, you can make one of the walls sliding or glass. This way, you’ll be able to admire a beautiful winter garden or terrace year-round.

By the way, regarding sliding structures, fixed walls are absent from the interiors of Japanese homes: divisions into “rooms” are achieved through movable partitions, screens, and textile or paper curtains. The frame of these movable partitions is most often made of wood, then filled with rice paper or frosted glass. The Japanese call these insert materials “shoji.” It’s worth noting that dividing functional areas using such partitions can be seen in other styles as well. The fact is that modern Europeans, fascinated by Eastern traditions, are gradually adopting Asian aesthetics.

Despite all of the above, don’t overdo it with Eastern interior elements. Not all of them will fit well in our modern world. For example, you’re unlikely to find it comfortable to use floor cushions instead of modern armchairs, or tatami mats instead of a traditional bed. So, try not to overdo it. For a good design, simply select a few characteristic features and implement them. You’ll achieve the desired atmosphere, but at the same time, you’ll maintain a sense of moderation. Remember the minimalism we mentioned at the beginning of the article. It manifests itself in elegance and simplicity of details.

Furniture used in the design should be made from natural materials. Textiles play an important role. In addition to curtains and fabric screens, we recommend considering a variety of rugs and carpets. Finding fabrics and wall hangings made of straw, raffia, jute, sisal, bamboo, and other plant-based materials is easy, as Western manufacturers have begun producing borrowed items due to the increased interest in all things Eastern. Typical motifs for fabric and wall art include hieroglyphics, flowers, and leaves.

In the modern world, we suffer daily from information and event overload, which, in fact, leads to stress, constant fatigue, and so on. Sometimes you just want to come home and forget everything that happened outside, immerse yourself in an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and long-awaited peace. Perhaps this is why we are so drawn to minimalist interiors. A person tired from the day wants to be in a setting where they can take a break from the colorful world and indulge in meditation.