7 Exceptional Japanese Interior Design Features to Follow

No matter what this cultural group is doing, you can bet that they are doing it in a stylist way that is to be admired, envied and will ultimately be influential in many people’s decor decisions. As many people know, the Japanese are among the healthiest humans in existence and their life expectancy far outlasts other cultures.

They also have a much higher birthing rate and that generally influences how much extra space is available within the confines of their architecturally smaller built homes. But less space is not a challenge for the well equipped and fashion forward Japanese women, who take much pride and care in their decor, regardless of limitations. So, it should come as no surprise that people from all lands far and beyond look towards the Japanese culture for inspiration in home decor. Here are some of the top exceptional Japanese style interior design's features to follow for a culturally infused home overhaul.

1. Japanese Shoji Screens
The first rule of interior design if you are to follow Japanese protocol is to utilize every inch of every room in the most obvious and productive way possible. One of the most popular trends in Japanese design is the usage of Shoji screens. These are constructed of shoji paper and wood carvings and often have lace patterns as well. They are dual functional in that they make beautiful decorations and during the evening hours are make shift room dividers that afford privacy.

2. Black and Brown Color Shades
Whereas the American decor tends to run bold and is rich in colors, the Japanese are more demur. Most decorations and furnishings are in subtle shades of tan, brown, black and creams. When bright colors are used it is merely to accent and is used scarcely.

3. Minimalist Style
Japanese culture overall is centered on minimal decor and simplicity. For them, it is better to have a few balanced pieces than many thoughtless decor items scattered about. As Japanese individuals are easily embarrassed and among the most polite of all cultures, tasteless art, risque photos and bold statements are lacking in Japanese decor on the whole.

4. Wood or Bamboo Furniture
Furniture, due to lack of space but also because the Japanese culture itself places importance on simplicity, is usually scarce. The few pieces of furniture that does adorn a room are always chosen with much thought and is generally picked for being functioning, not for decorative purposes. For an authentically styled home, chose simple pieces made of high quality wood or bamboo. Signature pieces could include a wicker chair or a low leveled table. The Japanese love low tables as meals are an important time during which family spends hours talking and uniting. Most authentic Japanese tables are constructed with heated elements in them for comfort during long meals.

5. Japanese Tatami Mats
Japanese decor lacks traditional carpeting and instead tatami mats are scattered about strategically. These would be placed in areas where your family or guests are most likely to linger, or stand in front of particular art pieces that guests and family would stop to admire. Typically made from rice straw, they are sturdy and insulate homes well.

6. Japanese Art Pieces
Japanese art plays a pivotal role in decor but such pieces should not be overindulgent. Instead opt for just a few pieces of artwork such as oil paintings and allow those pieces to stand on their own, without other centerpiece distractions nearby. Floral arrangements are also great for Japanese decor in decorative vases. Vases and flowers are areas where color is much appreciated and encouraged, unlike other decor in Japanese styling.

7. Nature Based Interior Pieces
Another top exceptional Japanese style interior design's feature to follow is anything nature based. Often in Japanese homes the presence of plants, water and rocks can be spotted. This could be a solo fountain with flowing water, which adds tranquility to a room, a wicker centerpiece with fresh flowers placed in it or even some candles with rocks and pebbles about the area to call attention to it.

Remember, with Japanese decor, less is always more. Guests should have ample space to convene while being able to appreciate uncluttered areas.