The use of diffused light is another basic concept. Living and sleeping areas are flexible and are usually defined by movable screens. In some sleeping areas there are futons placed on the floor at night, then folded up during the day and stored away which allows for more living space. While this seems strange to Westerners, it is the Japanese way of life. Japanese interior design is based on a simple form of design if you understand the fundamental principles. Ignoring these principles will make the creation of Japanese interior design difficult for the average interior designer.
The Japanese Home - Secluded Privacy
The Japanese home offers a private sanctuary hidden from the chaos and hectic pace of the outside world. The traditional dwellings are made from natural, organic materials. These might include clay, straw, paper, woods (both hardwoods and bamboo) and stone, just to name a few. Japanese interior design also makes use of water, natural light and greenery. Again, the incorporation of ying and yang is seen as the inside dweller brings the outside in to live in harmony. This timeless design provides a source of fascination to most designers.
The Japanese room is famous for its clean lines and uncluttered appearance. While there is furniture in a Japanese room, you will not find very many pieces. The colors of Japanese interior design are subdued, giving preference for soft colors that are quietly restrained. These colors are taken from neutral palettes, incorporating grays, beiges, browns and off-whites. Japanese color schemes are mainly monochromatic and lend themselves to dark hardwoods, polished concrete, bamboo or stones and pebbles.
The sliding doors in Japanese interior design are another basic concept. These doors are also known as shoji screens, fusuma doors and ranma transoms. Another standard in Japanese homes are the floors. These innovative floors are a tatami mat flooring system. The tokonoma alcove is another often-seen facet of the Japanese interior design home. The alcove is used as a special place for family treasures and artwork or seasonal decorations. One might find a bonsai, a hanging scroll or ikebana displayed in the tokonoma alcove. This alcove can be compared to the role of the mantle over the fireplace in a Western home.
If this type of interior design fascinates you, and you are interested learning more, take the time to select and read an interesting interior design book. And a book on Japanese interior design is the book you should read because the Japanese are indeed a fascinating culture to study and observe.