How can I apply the Japanese style of interior design to my home? Japanese style of interior design is clean and simple. Straignt lines, grass mats, and silk are also used to accessorize. One increasingly...
One increasingly popular interior decorating style is a Japanese inspired theme. If you have never used this decorating style before, you may not know how to get started. There are several very distinct things you can include in your decorating scheme to give it an Asian flare.
Kathy Dodson, award-winning interior decorator and owner of Decorating Dens, says that the Japanese style includes very simple, clean and straight lines. These lines can differ significantly from other styles of decorating, so it gives an immediate feeling of a Japanese inspired style.
Dodson says that there is also a lot of wood structural kind of framing that occurs in Japanese décor. "For the furniture, use simple, low wooden furniture." For example, she suggests using a low wooden table, along with pillows on the floor. Since sitting on the floor is a Japanese tradition, the pillows on the floor provide low seating to go along with the low furniture.
Dodson also suggests using lacquered furniture when decorating with a Japanese style. ". Lacquered furniture is a high shine kind of dark furniture." The lacquered finish on furniture can also be more brittle than other traditional furniture finishes, so special care should be taken on any lacquered piece, especially an older one. You should avoid any hard hits to the surface and should always test an inconspicuous area before using any cleaners. Lacquered furniture can be found at many furniture stores, including traditional furniture stores.
In addition to the furniture, there are a number of accessories that can help provide a Japanese flair to any room. For example, Dodson says that sea grass mats are a great choice in a Japanese inspired room. These mats can be found at many international market stores or through online decorating sources, and can be a fairly inexpensive accessory.
Dodson indicates that silk is the material of choice in a Japanese inspired room. Silk comes in a number of beautiful patterns and colors and can be purchased to match any scheme. This beautiful material can be used as a wall hanging, for window treatments, or even to decorate a lampshade. Visit your local fabric or upholstery store or check online for silk material choices.
Another accessory that Dodson suggests is the use of a screen. "Screens, like rice paper screens, would definitely bring that [Japanese] feel in." Screens are useful to provide separation between two areas, to block something unsightly in your room, or even just to put along a wall for decoration.
Whatever your personal style, using a Japanese inspired theme can be a lovely alternative in your home. Looking through decorator magazines can help to provide you with ideas. Dodson says not to use too many things on the wall for your Japanese styled room. So, she says the first step to get you started is to simplify and to get rid of the stuff you have hanging all over your walls. "It is a very simple décor." While it can be simple, it can also be very beautiful.
