Pure, clean, uncluttered and balanced are all words that can be used to describe Japanese-style interiors. And what better place in your home to apply these looks and feelings than in the kitchen – a place in everyone’s home that can be busy, untidy, hot and cluttered on a daily basis.
There are several Japanese interior styling concepts and principles that we can apply when designing our own kitchens, to create a space that not only looks great but is a pleasure to work in.
1. Careful planning
Japanese houses tend to be small and compact, which means their kitchens, too, are smaller than what we may be used to. Occupants of any small Japanese homes have learned how to live in these spaces comfortably while still ensuring they have everything they need at hand.
The key is being organised. Carefully plan your space so everything you need within your kitchen has a place, to ensure you always find what you’re looking for, and that all of your cupboards and drawers are uncluttered and easy to navigate.
Write a list of everything you need to store in your new kitchen so you don’t forget anything and use this to help with the planning process. You might find you need more shallow drawers than you first thought for the likes of tea towels and utensils. Also measure your small appliances so you can plan wide and deep enough to store them off your bench top.
2. Wabi-sabi aesthetic
The aesthetics of any kitchen are important. Wabi and sabi are two of the key Japanese aesthetic concepts.
Wabi-sabi alludes to the Japanese art of appreciating things that are imperfect and transient. Characteristics of the wabi-sabi aesthetic include simplicity, economy, modesty, asymmetry, austerity and appreciation of natural objects and materials.
Simple, clean lines play a big part in the planning of a Japanese-style kitchen. This doesn’t mean boring, though! Instead, think streamlined and simple.
3.Shoji screens
Shoji screens play a huge part in Japanese interiors. They are generally used as room dividers and are usually sliding as opposed to hinged, so they don’t take up valuable floor space. An authentic Japanese screen is usually made of fine translucent paper inside a wooden frame.
You can incorporate a similar look into your kitchen design using wooden frames or even painted frames with glass inserts to make entry doors, pantry doors or even small overhead cabinet doors.
4. Embrace nature with natural tones
The Japanese culture embraces the beauty of nature and that is reflected in the natural colours that they use to decorate their homes.
When you are planning your Japanese-style kitchen, select natural and earthy colours and materials such as timber, organic green and brown colours and natural stone. Complement these with soft whites and calming creams to create a soothing, Zen-inspired feeling.
5. Shibui principle
Modesty is the best policy! If you are drawn towards photographs of pared back, minimalist kitchens when you flick through magazines, then a Japanese style kitchen is prefect for you – and you will love this principle.
Shibui is a wonderful Japanese Zen principle that basically means something is beautiful by being understated. In other words, the object or space being described is exactly what it is supposed to be, and no more.
Think pure and simple, elegant, minimalist, functional and beautiful without being flashy or unnecessarily elaborate.
6. Embrace the outdoor world
Japanese culture embraces nature. They respect it and live in harmony with it.
Add some plants to your kitchen space to bring the outdoors in – maybe in the form of some potted herb plants.If your kitchen is positioned in an area of your home that allows you to have large, fully opening windows and doors that break the division between inside and out, then go for it.
7. Ditch the clutter
The aesthetic principle of Kanso refers to the elimination of clutter and omitting non-essentials.
Keep your kitchen design fresh, clean, neat and tidy by keeping unnecessary items off your bench tops
Strip back the contents of your kitchen cabinets to their bare essentials and you will have mastered this principle. You’ll be surprised how much space you can free up, and how much clearer your mind will feel if you get rid of all those appliances and gadgets you have never used or have retired to the back of your cupboard for the day you ‘might’ need them.
Elita is located in Thane's prime spot Ghodbunder Road, a location with natural expanse. Elita has 22 storeyed tower and 7 storeyed eco-houses with 1, 2and 3 BHK fully air conditioned apartments.
El canto is Thane’s 1st musical themed living. We are building an aspirational and emotional connect with a surprise. El Canto is also located at Ghodbunder Road, Thane’s hotspot.
Today, the Dedhia Group is a family of 2500 happy home owners pushing us farther into the path of excellence and dedication. Our source of inspiration and service satisfaction- our customers have always been the sole reason we dream every day for creating skylines that dot the cityscape of tomorrow. Book your dream home in El canto & Elita for a good lifestyle.
Elita is located in Thane's prime spot Ghodbunder Road, a location with natural expanse. Elita has 22 storeyed tower and 7 storeyed eco-houses with 1, 2and 3 BHK fully air conditioned apartments.
El canto is Thane’s 1st musical themed living. We are building an aspirational and emotional connect with a surprise. El Canto is also located at Ghodbunder Road, Thane’s hotspot.
Today, the Dedhia Group is a family of 2500 happy home owners pushing us farther into the path of excellence and dedication. Our source of inspiration and service satisfaction- our customers have always been the sole reason we dream every day for creating skylines that dot the cityscape of tomorrow. Book your dream home in El canto & Elita for a good lifestyle.
