Japanese Style in Interior Design
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "Japanese interior"? Most people likely imagine sliding wall panels, low furniture, minimal décor, and natural tones.
Overall, this is correct—traditional Japanese interiors are built on principles of simplicity, minimalism, naturalness, and restraint.
However, when we look at interiors designed by Japanese architects for our clients, its clear that these spaces are far from sparse or austere. Many of them feature depth, rich textures, and unique solutions and materials. While minimalist in form, they are highly e xpressive and refined, thanks to high-quality textures, materials, and well-chosen technologies.
As our lead architect Yusuke Takahashi says, a true Japanese interior should be "concise yet desirable." Since each client has unique desires, we base our approach on one foundational principle: starting with the person and the emotional state we aim to achieve in the space. The interior should reflect the owner’s inner world, acting as an extension of their personality. When someone enters "their space," they should immediately feel balance, comfort, and a harmonious connection between themselves and their surroundings.
Interestingly, Japanese designers typically dont explicitly work with the principles of feng shui or wabi-sabi. For them, harmony is "built in"—due to their cultural and aesthetic roots, they naturally create harmonious spaces, whatever the purpose.
Our clients come to us with varied tastes, but they share a common desire—to experience a spiritual, aesthetic, and noble environment that resonates with their inner state. Its a request for an interior that speaks to a sense of inner nobility and reflects a certain level of spiritual maturity.
One of the hallmarks of Japanese design, as with Japanese culture in general, is its ability to assimilate diverse elements while remaining deeply authentic. A Japanese-style interior accommodates different functions—whether relaxation, focused work, spending time with loved ones, or quiet introspection—balancing functionality and aesthetics. Japanese interiors can incorporate various styles, traditions, modern technologies, and even elements from different cultures with ease.
Nature plays a significant role in Japanese interior design, which is why designers often reflect its characteristics in their creations. Despite the restrained appearance, each piece carries a depth of meaning, reflecting the element of nature it represents.
To learn more about the principles of Japanese interiors— such as the concept of suggestion or the principle of emptiness—you can watch a lecture by our lead architect, Yusuke Takahashi.
