Turning Japanese By Gaby, Great Divide

TASTEFULLY evolved over centuries, there is nothing new about Japanese interior design features. Even though western influences are increasingly noticeable, improvements in materials and processes are being made, the basics have been graciously preserved.
Very much in line with less is more, Japanese styling is all about quality over quantity.
· Designs are very simple, functional and clutter free.
· Furniture is grouped or placed towards the centre.
· Walls are an important. Perhaps an alcove to display an important collectable piece or to maximize impact.
· Neutral colours, taking hues from nature accentuate the look of orderliness. Off whites and blacks do not clash.
· Use vivid colours sparingly

Some Japanese textures and materials that immediately come to mind are cedar, rice paper, maple, bamboo, stone, and woven wicker. One might also think of textured silk, tatami floor mats, and the elaborate needlework of kimonos and obi’s.

As a focal point, like for example, red lacquer on a single bamboo post or column.

As with colour, when decorating aim for a balance of opposites. Interior finishes can be highly opposing and contrasting, and yet achieve balance.

· Highly polished floors with heavily textured mats, a lacquered box displayed on top of a rough wooden table, or white pebbles on a polished black granite ledge around a tub.
· A long grained cedar wood table or bench with a perfectly crafted, shining lacquered box. Floors of engineered bamboo hardwood surrounded by a single slab of quarry stone or polished concrete.
· Heavy texture of natural fiber mat with stretched taunt leather seating.