What characterises the Japanese style in interiors?

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Do you dream of an interior that exudes harmony, combining simplicity with elegance? The Japanese interior style, with its minimalist approach and deep respect for nature, is winning the hearts of many around the world. In today’s article, we will discover the basic principles and elements of Japanese interior design that will allow you to create a space conducive to relaxation and balance. Get ready for a journey into a world where every detail matters and aesthetics combine with functionality in Japanese interiors.

From this article you will learn:

Japanese style in interiors – key features

The Japanese style in interiors draws on Zen philosophy and harmony with nature. The rooms are dominated by a light colour scheme: whites, beiges, muted greens and browns. Elements of black also often appear as a counterpoint. Japanese interiors are characterised by elements such as low furniture, tatami mats, sliding doors (fusuma) and screens (shoji), which allow the space to be divided without being closed. The Japanese style in interiors is based on the principle of “less is more”, which means eliminating unnecessary elements and focusing on simplicity and functionality. In Japanese interiors, excessive decoration is avoided, allowing for a space that promotes relaxation and harmony.

Japanese interior design – natural materials

The Japanese interior style is characterised by simplicity and closeness to nature, which is reflected in the use of wood, stone, bamboo and rice paper. Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional Japanese technique of preserving wood by tanning it, has a special place here. These materials not only bring warmth and elegance to the interior, but also emphasise man’s harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature. Therefore, if you want to have a Japanese-style décor, it is worth knowing the history and advantages of Shou Sugi Ban, the traditional technique of wood tanning.

Japanese interior style – wood, stone, bamboo, rice paper

The Japanese interior style is based on the use of natural materials, which bring harmony and authenticity to the space. Each has not only an aesthetic function, but also a symbolic and practical one. The juxtaposition of these materials is the essence of Japanese-style interior design – creating a space that is cohesive, balanced and rooted in tradition. Some of the most commonly used raw materials include:

  • Wood – is a key material in Japanese settings. Used in ceiling beams, floors and furniture, it lends warmth and cosiness to the interior. Fire-treated wood, known as yakisugi, is a traditional conservation technique that gives the surface its characteristic depth and texture. Today, fire-treated wood for interiors is also growing in popularity outside of Japan – for its unique appearance and durability;
  • Stone – brings an element of austerity and stability to a space. In Japanese interior design, it often appears in the form of stone walls, floors or decorative details. Its cool texture contrasts perfectly with the warmth of wood;
  • bamboo – is a versatile material that is used both for furniture and as a decorative element. In a Japanese-style interior, its lightweight and ecological character fits perfectly;
  • Rice paper – plays a key role in forming the atmosphere of an interior. Used mainly to create sliding shoji doors, it provides a subtle diffusion of light and contributes to the unique intimacy of the space. It is an intrinsic element that gives Japanese interior design a light and calm feel;
  • tatami mats – made from rice grass, they traditionally cover floors in Japanese interiors. Their natural texture and scent add character to a space while enhancing comfort.

Japanese style interior – key elements

One of the most recognisable elements of Japanese-style interiors is the sliding shoji door. Made of wooden frames and rice paper, these doors serve to divide space while allowing light to pass through, giving the interior a light and airy feel. The open layout of the room, often found in Japanese interior design, promotes the free flow of energy and natural light. Japanese interior minimalism makes a room decorated in this style functional and aesthetically pleasing, without unnecessary elements that could disrupt harmony.

Traditional furniture and art-inspired decoration

The Japanese interior style is characterised by distinctive, low furniture and a frugal form of decoration. Everything is subordinated to the principles of simplicity, functionality and connection to nature. Combined with moderation and attention to every detail, they create a space filled with tranquillity, symbolism and deep respect for tradition. The arrangements often feature elements such as – for example – carefully selected:

  • futons – thin mattresses that serve as beds that can be rolled up and tucked away during the day, making the space more versatile and functional;
  • chabudai tables – low, simple tables at which one sits on zabuton cushions. They encourage communal dining in a position close to the floor;
  • tan wood furniture – increasingly popular also in contemporary developments. Thanks to the Shou Sugi Ban technique, tan wood furniture adds contrast to an interior but remains consistent with its natural character;
  • ikebana – the traditional art of flower arranging, present in Japanese interior design. These compositions express harmony, balance and a deep connection with nature;
  • bonsai – miniature trees symbolising patience, precision and the controlled form of nature. They bring an element of contemplation and tranquillity to Japanese-style interior design;
  • Calligraphy – artistic handwritten signs adorning walls, often in the form of scrolls. It is not only decorative, but also an expression of the striving for spiritual balance present in Japanese interiors.

Integration of nature and light in Japanese interior design

Japanese interior design is based on a harmonious combination of daylight and elements of nature, which has a direct impact on the comfort, well-being and atmosphere of the living space. The integration of light and nature makes Japanese interiors a space for living in harmony with the rhythm of the day, the seasons, the cycles of nature and the inner need for tranquillity and balance. Key solutions include:

  • Natural lighting – Japanese-style interior design is based on maximum use of daylight. Large glazing and sliding shoji doors allow light to penetrate freely into the interior, optically enlarging it and opening it up to the surroundings;
  • The play of light and shadow – twilight and subtle contrasts between light and shadow are a hallmark of Japanese interior design. Subtle tonal transitions give the rooms depth and promote contemplation;
  • lamps with paper lampshades – emitting soft, diffused light, create an atmosphere of calm and tranquillity. Their natural forms fit perfectly into the aesthetics of Japanese interiors, emphasising their simplicity and elegance;
  • Plants in the interior – elements of greenery are an integral part of this style. Bamboo, bonsai and orchids are popular as they bring freshness, life and symbolise balance. In a Japanese-style interior, plants are not an accidental decoration, but a well-thought-out part of the composition;
  • Zen gardens – minimalist arrangements of sand, stones and plants designed to inspire reflection and tranquillity. They are often visible from inside the house and are a natural extension of the house. They are an important component that links the Japanese interior style with a philosophy of harmony and a deep relationship with nature.

Summary

Japanese interior style is an aesthetic based on simplicity, natural materials and harmony with the environment. Low furniture, sliding shoji doors, tatami mats and details inspired by nature – such as bonsai or ikebana – are key here. Light is also important, creating a calm, calming atmosphere. Increasingly, Japanese interior design is being enriched with unique wood-fired furniture, following in the tradition of Shou Sugi Ban. If you are looking for solutions that combine tradition with modern design, check out Atelier TwentyOne’s offer – we offer tanned boards made using a method inspired by the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, which emphasises the depth, durability and unique character of the wood.