Free Article: Japanese Interior Design

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Japanese Interior Design Focuses More On The Natural
By Arthur Sneddon

When many think of Japanese interior design their first thoughts are of large pillows in the middle of a room surrounding low tables with paneling of rice papers. Much of the western opinions of Japanese interior design are the fault of misrepresentation on television and in movies. Eastern art, for example is simple and strong while western art tends to be more complicated and in many ways confusing.

Focal points in an American home are geared toward the perimeter with items such as fireplaces or large pieces of art on the wall or on a large stand by an exterior wall whereas in the east the focus is more towards to room's center and may be a fruit display on a table in the center of the room. When you consider Japanese interior design also think about any alcove or entryway you may have. In the eastern culture displays are often changed as often and weekly, while in the United States they tend to be dormant for months at a time.

Japanese interior design at times also utilizes Feng Shui in interior arrangements in the typically geometric structure of furnishings. Japanese interior design also attempts to balance color and texture, think of Ying and Yang, such as highly polished wood floors with heavy floor mats. While most westerners would shun the use of black as a color in their home, it is often contrasted with white or much lighter colors to reach the opposing color variation.

Furnishing Few And Far Between

Typically, Japanese interior design utilizes minimal furniture, but most pieces are used for more than one purpose. For example, futons are common, used as sofas during the day and beds at night, but other objects, such as the hibachi have always had more that one use. The western world thinks of the hibachi as small tabletop grill. However when used in Japanese interior design they also serve as small heaters and warmers for liquid drinks.

A large silk sash worn by women in Japan called Obis, can also be used as a table runner or a room divider. If you are trying to achieve Japanese interior design they can also be hung on the wall behind your bed to serve as a head board. Keep in mind that Japanese interior design utilizes neutral colors and emphasizes architecture rather than furnishings, attempting to reduce the appearance of clutter.

Author Details:
Arthur Sneddon, writes for a selection of web sites about home improvement, and related subjects such as flooring, home security & landscaping

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