Posts Tagged ‘Japanese decor’

Designing By the Book – Your Japanese Dream House

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
the japanese house

the japanese house

Japanese architecture has always been a fascination for Westerners.  From Zen gardening, to futons and Feng Shui, it’s hard not to notice the subtle influences of Japanese culture on our lives, but Japanese décor is more than just a style of furniture; it is a way of life.

Enter a world where simplicity and clean lines take on a whole new meaning.  Designed with an astute sensitivity to the natural world, Japanese homes emphasize natural fibers, papers, woods and straw in almost every element of décor.  Open and uncluttered, the ideal Japanese house represents the antithesis of most American styles, so it can be a little difficult to pull off without some guidance.

The Japanese House – Architecture and Interiors is the perfect book for anyone with a sincere interest in transforming their physical space into an oasis of Japanese style.  Think tatami mats, shoji-aneled doors, natural woods, Sumi ink paintings, and sleek, low-profile furnishings.  By blending natural textures with shiny lacquered woods, pale oak with rich mahogany, The Japanese House provides the inspiration to stoke the imagination and inspire you to get started.

If 2010 is your year to simplify and transform your living space, reading The Japanese House – Architecture and Interiors is a great place to start.  It will take you on a tour of fifteen masterfully designed Japanese homes that evoke the serenity and style of Zen décor, each of them described in detail and beautifully photographed.  The Japanese House – Architecture and Interiors, by Alexandra Black is available in hardcover.

Zen and the Art of the Shoji Screen

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Shoji Four-Panel Screen

What can a Shoji screen do for your home décor?

Well, if you need a peaceful and meditative space within your home, away from the clutter and noise, a Japanese Shoji screen may be the answer.

What is a Shoji screen?

By creating a subtle division within a room, these decorative, unobtrusive room dividers can make any space more graceful, elegant and private. A Shoji screen makes an interesting and unusual accent in any room.

Also known as privacy screens, Shoji screens are constructed with a trellis-like wooden panel. Each square or rectangular opening is then covered in Shoji. Shoji is usually made from smooth, translucent, vinyl-coated fiberglass, which gives the appearance of rice paper.

How are they used?

A Shoji screen is portable and lightweight, easily folding into three panels. This can be helpful in creating a mobile, secluded workspace almost anywhere in the home. Using a Shoji screen will make a portion of a room private, while still a part of the main room.

Some people choose a Shoji screen to hide an unsightly closet, or cover a window which has an unpleasant view. It will also enhance the overall look of the space.

A Shoji screen can offer a certain degree of sun protection too, making them useful in south-facing rooms. By diffusing the light in an overly bright space, the screen creates more ambient lighting and improves the room’s appearance.

These Japanese screens are available in a variety of wood finishes, panel designs and sizes, so everyone should be able to find the perfect one for their home.