Revamp Your Home With Amazing Japanese Interior Design Ideas

Japan has always inspired the rest of the world in various ways including its culture, tradition, philosophy, and their impeccable discipline. Another aspect that has greatly inspired the Eastern and Western world is their interior design styles which are the epitome of simplicity and are in close connection with nature. Japanese interior design styles are simple, elegant, and tranquil which can inspire you to design your own Singapore HDB or condominium on similar lines.

What Is Japanese Interior Design?

Japanese interior design style predominantly takes its roots from Chinese culture that influenced it much between the 8th and 12th century. With time, this interior design style became more refined with clean lines, lighter colour palettes, and more elegance. The Japanese design style is characterised by the use of natural elements and skillful craftsmanship, usually with low-lying furniture, sliding doors, and room partitions. 

Key Elements Of A Japanese Interior Design

The Japanese interior design is greatly influenced by tradition and philosophy which helps create thoughtful and calm expression. This design philosophy, also referred to as Wabi-Sabi, creates an environment that is simple, calm, peaceful, and harmonious. Following are the key principles of Japanese Interior Design.

Simplicity

A Japanese interior is characterised by simplicity which primarily means to use those elements and furniture that are not only simple-looking, but are also easy to find, maintain, and replace. Bid farewell to elaborate elements and replace them with necessary essentials that are simple.

Natural Elements

The Japanese interior proudly boasts the free flow of nature through the use of natural materials and elements in the space. Without these natural elements, any home would feel as if it were an artificial confinement with no connection with nature. Plants, flowers, and natural materials like stone, wood, and jute can help bring nature inside your humble abode. 

Asymmetry

The common notion is that symmetry helps create balance and harmony in space. However, the Japanese design philosophy emphasises on asymmetrical or irregular elements that work together to create balance and harmony. This might seem like an impossible feat to achieve in theory but is possible in reality.   

Subtle Grace

A Japanese interior utilises minimalism which is based on the concept that less is more. With only the few necessary elements in display, the space exudes grace and elegance that cannot be achieved in an overly crowded interior. 

Harmony and Tranquillity

The Japanese Zen philosophy is all about harmony and tranquillity. Therefore, each and every element used in the interior balances the other whether it is in shape, colour, or texture. A light and muted colour palette also works wonders in bringing about peace and serenity in the space. 

Interesting Ideas For Japanese Interior Design Singapore

Now that we have an understanding of what the Japanese Interior Design entails, let’s see how its salient characteristics can be incorporated into your home to create unique and interesting living spaces. As inspiration, we will consider some of our most prominent portfolios that can show you how you can also incorporate Japanese design into your home with your unique touch to it. 

Modern Japanese Interior Design

The first Japanese interior design that we will discuss is a modern Japanese style. Modern Japanese interior design takes the Japanese elements like a light colour palette, addition of natural elements, and minimalism and combines them with some modern and contemporary features like modern and sleek furniture, use of some elegant decorative elements, and modern lighting. 

Our designed condominium at 15 PASIR RIS (COCO PALMS) depicts the modern Japanese interior design as it exudes elegance and style with a calming vibe. The picture below shows the living room of this home that appears as if it is straight out of an interior design magazine. The clean lines visible in the space through the accent walls, console, and dining table create a balanced harmony with the rest of the elements. A light colour palette is illuminated through beautiful, modern lighting fixtures that create a sense of calm and comfort in the space.

Coming towards the bedroom in this home, it features Japanese design elements with a bit of functionality to give it a contemporary twist. The bed is a platform bed which is low-lying keeping in consideration low-lying Japanese furniture. However, it has drawers underneath it with a set of open shelves at one end that can be used to store different elements. The sliding cupboard doors are also in-line with the Japanese style. This modern Japanese interior design idea can easily be incorporated into any HDB apartment. 

Japanese Scandinavian Interior Design — Japandi Style

A twist in the usual Japanese interior design style that has gained popularity in recent years is the Japandi style. As the name suggests, Japandi style is a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian styles that create a sophisticated and functional balance in a home where the east meets west in interior design. The Japanese style shares many design characteristics with the Nordic theme making the two quite compatible with each. Hence, the Japandi style is a treat for the eyes.

We designed a 4-room HDB at 181 BEDOK NORTH in Japandi style to make it stunningly beautiful and functional. The image below shows its living room which depicts a neutral colour palette with lots of light-coloured wooden elements like that in a Nordic interior. The sofa is simple and comfortable and is low-lying along with the other low-lying furniture pieces. The warm lighting illuminates the oak coloured wood while the large windows allow entry for plenty of sunlight to bring a touch of nature into the space. The result is pure beauty, elegance, and tranquillity of the Japanese-Scandinavian interior design.

The open-concept living room has a dining space which is dominated by warm lighting and wooden textures. The simple, sleek furniture and the overall symmetry seen in the space is the perfect testament to both these timeless interior design styles.

Japanese Minimalist Interior Design

The Japanese interior design style has minimalism as one of its key features. However, if you are a keen fan of minimalism, you can take it to another level in a Japanese interior by completely stripping off the space from all the non-essentials. When you have plenty of negative and open spaces, whatever elements are placed in the area are further accentuated and they are able to shine in all their glory. 

Consider the following image of a living room from a 5-room HDB BTO at BLK 308C PUNGGOL WATERWAY. This image is a true representation of a Japanese minimalist interior since it uses the key features of Japanese themes like low furniture and plenty of natural light while still keeping things to a minimum. The walls and floors are light coloured while the furniture is set in a dark grey tone to create a balancing contrast. The recessed lighting and track lights create a bright and spacious ambience where all the necessary elements and decor in the space are able to shine. 

This home’s bedroom also incorporates the same design principles of a minimalist Japanese interior design with light oak-wood bed set and closets. The low-lying bed is further highlighted through recessed lighting at the back and underneath it. No other furniture or decor elements can be seen in the bedroom which makes it simple and elegant. 

Zen-Inspired Japanese Interior Design

Here we discuss our final Japanese interior design style which is a classic zen-inspired theme. The zen philosophy focuses on functionality, the use of earthly colours, simplicity, and the addition of natural elements. Such a space is dominated by calm, neutral colours with refined and geometric forms in all elements. This can be seen adopted in reality by the following interior design portfolio designed by Swiss Interior. 

At 353A ADMIRALTY DRIVE sits this beautiful 4-room apartment which immediately catches your attention because of its cool and calm vibes. Adorned in a light neutral palette, the shades of light beige and grey work well together to create tranquil vibes in the space. One complete wall in the living room is of wooden texture and appearance that adds the natural element to the space. 

This interior design style boasts comfort and tranquillity through comfortable sofas, chairs, and cushions. Simplicity and elegance is this home's beauty with the fusion of neutral hues, furniture with clean and sleek lines, and a well-lit area atmosphere.

All these Japanese interior design ideas show how you can also achieve a calm and serene environment in your home whether it is an HDB, a condo, or a landed property in Singapore. These inspirational ideas have been taken from our amazing residential interior design portfolios. For more inspirational ideas and consultation, book an appointment with us today. At Swiss Interiors, we strive to create the homes of our clients’ dreams within their budget and preferences. So whether you want to opt for a Japanese interior design style or a Scandinavian one, we will make sure it is created to the best of your satisfaction.