A few weeks ago, we received a new and rather special assignment from one of our customers. They were seeking an interior design for their bedroom that was both comfortable and spacious, with a wide area for makeup. These customers had always been drawn to the minimalist, uncluttered aesthetic of traditional Japanese design and felt that it would be the perfect fit for this room.
We knew then that this would require us to delve deep into the world of traditional Japanese design in order to truly understand what makes it so unique and special. Before we began researching Japanese-inspired design, we were aware of its minimalist and uncluttered aesthetic. However, during the research process, we learned more about the specific design elements and techniques that contribute to this aesthetic.
We learned about the importance of using natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo, and how these materials help to create a sense of harmony with the natural world. We also gained an understanding of the role that shoji screens, tatami mats, and sliding doors play in traditional Japanese design, as they help to divide and define space in a subtle yet effective way.
In addition to these design elements, we also learned about the importance of color in Japanese interiors. We discovered that neutral tones such as white, beige, and earth tones are often used to create a calm and serene atmosphere, and we incorporated these colors into our design as well.
Overall, our research into Japanese-inspired design allowed us to create a beautiful, functional bedroom that truly captured the essence of traditional Japanese style. We were able to bring together all of the elements that make Japanese design so unique and special that our customer was seeking.
Principles
To create a Japanese-style bedroom, we considered incorporating these design elements:
Sliding doors: Traditional Japanese homes often have sliding doors, or fusuma, made of wooden frames and paper panels. They can be used to create privacy or to divide a room into separate areas.
Natural materials: Japanese-style interiors often feature natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo. These materials can be used for flooring, walls, and furniture to create a sense of harmony with the natural world.
Neutral color scheme: Japanese-style bedrooms are often decorated with a neutral color scheme, using whites, beiges, and earth tones. This helps to create a calm and serene atmosphere.
Simple, functional furniture: Japanese-style bedrooms typically feature simple, functional furniture that is low to the ground. This includes futons, low beds, and seating cushions, as well as storage solutions such as dressers and chests.
Other elements that can give a even more Japanese look are:
Tatami mats: These traditional Japanese floor mats are made of rice straw and are often used as a floor covering in Japanese homes. They provide a soft, comfortable surface to walk on and can be paired with zabuton cushions for sitting.
Shoji screens: Shoji screens are made of thin wooden frames and translucent paper and are used to divide spaces and filter light in Japanese homes. They can be used to create privacy in a bedroom or to separate the sleeping area from the rest of the room.
Mood Board
In our design process for this bedroom, as usual, we decided to use a mood board as inspiration to help guide our decision-making and ensure that all elements of the design are cohesive and aligned with the desired aesthetic.
By compiling images, textures, and other visual elements that reflect the desired mood and atmosphere, we can better understand the direction we want to take with the design and ensure that it accurately reflects our vision.
