#Designspiration – Japanese Zen Style Interiors

Ever since Japan opened its doors to European trade in the late 1800s, Japanese style interiors have created a strong following.

From the Orientalism influence popularised by French decorators during the Art Nouveau era to the Memoirs of A Geisha craze in popular culture of the early 2000s, the Japanese inspired trend has been one of the sought after #designspiration in decorating one’s room.

The popularity of this style lies in its calming simplicity or Zen. For the Japanese, Zen refers to meditation and tranquillity; but, in interior design, Zen refers to balance, harmony and relaxation.

As we are constantly bombarded by chaos from our daily grind, having a calm, simple retreat creates a calming sanctuary that is restful and rejuvenating – exactly what Japanese “zen” interiors can do to you.

Here are some ways to add Zen to your rooms

Tip No. 1 – Natural Colours are Key

One tenet of Zen Philosophy says “Nothing matters, save experience”. Increase your room’s Japanese Zen experience by using soft natural colours. Use calming shades of white, grey, beige and brown. These natural colour induce a sense of relaxation and simplicity that is truly zen.

Here are some colour schemes that you may use.

Take a hue inspiration from this regal Japanese castle. Despite its immense size and imposing grandeur, its colour scheme blends beautifully to its environment. Use the verdant green as an accent wall and colour the remaining walls with that lovely shade of bluish-white. Use an attractive shade of yellow (maybe a light wood parquette?) for your floors. The shades of peach and light plum can serve as alternate accents.

Take note of the burst of colours in this Japanese shrine in autumn. The light grey will look great for your walls. The lush greens can be a nice shade for an area rug or an accent piece. Use the yellows, blush and plum to harmonize with the light walls.

This zen rock garden screams absolute tranquillity. The various shades of yellow and brown can make an interesting shade for your walls and floors. The light grey and green are nice complementing accents that give “zen garden” vibes to your rooms.

Tip No. 2 – Use Natural Touches and Textures to Your Room

Keeping in line with the nature vibe of Japanese Zen interiors, use wooden elements and natural accents, like floral (ikebana) or miniature plant (bonsai) arrangements, to increase the zen of your room.

A light wood (like bamboo) flooring is a stylish and practical addition to make your room more in tune with the Japanese theme. If you’re not looking to do major changes in your room, then wood textures, such as wooden room dividers, lamps and the like can give the same effect.

This beautiful floral arrangement, known as an ikebana, is a nice touch to your room. Adding an ikebana gives a bright, natural vibe that’s soothing to the eyes.

Using a mix of natural elements, such as wood and miniature bonsai, adds to the zen like atmosphere of your room. Studies show that nature colours, such as greens and brown, gives off a relaxing vibe to any room.

*Traditionally, Japanese Zen interiors use wooden flooring. This is both a stylish and practical option for a bedroom.*

Tip No. 3 – De-clutter

Japanese and Zen interiors means simplicity. Eliminate the clutter and keep only the essentials. Invest in a good wiring system to organise unsightly cords and cables. Streamline your room with the addition of good discrete storage to keep your room neat and clean.

Tip No. 4 – Add Japanese-themed accessories

Push the Japanese Zen theme with interesting Japanese inspired trinkets and pieces. Instead of getting a traditional lamp, why not use paper lanterns instead? A nice Japanese scroll as a wall décor gives a nice Japanese touch to your room. A word of caution, however – use these accessories in moderation. A zen room follows minimalism therefore accessories should be at a minimum.

*Paper lanterns makes a nice and stylish light fixture. It adds to the light vibe of the room.*

A few Japanese-themed trinkets here and there adds to the theme of your Zen-inspired room. But remember not too much! — A few Japanese-themed trinkets here and there adds to the theme of your Zen-inspired room. But remember — not too much!

*A Japanese Zen inspired room must have balance and harmony. Make sure that your interior accessories do not overwhelm your bedroom. Accessories should complement and not distract.*

Tip No. 5 – The Bed

The Japanese and followers of Zen usually sleep on the floor with tatamis or floor mats. Though sleeping in the floor does not seem as comfortable, aim for timber platform beds and bases to follow the look. Here are some interesting models from BEDWORKS:

The Vanessa Timber Base
The Vanessa is a low lying platform base that beautifully blends to your zen-inspired room. With its gorgeous timber colour options, the Vanessa gives an earthy-natural Japanese Zen vibe to your bedroom.
Click here to get this bed.

BEDWORKS VANESSA CUSTOM TIMBER PLATFORM BASE SYDNEY BED FRAME

The Katami Timber Bed Frame
A Japanese word that translates to “keepsakes” and “mementos”, the Katami bed frame gives a memorable twist to traditional Japanese elements. Its unique bedhead mimics a traditional Japanese window screen and its solid two-tiered base gets its inspiration from the okobo (or platform shoes) of a young “Maiko” (apprentice geisha).
Click here to get this bed.

BEDWORKS KATAMI TIMBER BED SYDNEY BED FRAME

The Tokyo Timber Platform Bed Frame
The Tokyo Timber Bed Frame features simple, sleek lines in its head board and raised platform base. Its clean and modern design creates an arresting focal point that blends perfectly for your Japanese Zen-inspired bedroom.
Click here to get this bed.

BEDWORKS TOKYO CUSTOM TIMBER PLATFORM BED SYDNEY BED FRAME

Let us at BEDWORKS add a little bit of Zen to your room and create a sanctuary of calm and serenity. Our range of exquisite custom timber bed frames are 100% Australian Made and features the best craftsmanship specific to Australian made products.

TALK TO US TODAY and see how we can help you. Our in-store team of friendly, bed frame experts can give you the help that you need in making that bed frame investment. Visit our online store www.bedworks.com.au to see our full line of bed frames!

The BEDWORKS Online Store offers a range of customization options for our timber bed frames. For full customisation, contact us either by phone 1800 835 791, by email [email protected] or by visiting us at our Stanmore or Greenacre location.

This post is intended to give interior design and bed frame style ideas and do not in any way lay claim to the interior design or bed frame styles mentioned unless otherwise stated.

#designspiration – Japanese Zen Style Interiors

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