A mix of Scandinavian interior design and Japanese minimalism has given birth to an entirely new trend Japandi interior design style. A philosophy of Zen inspired by simplicity and naturalness. This philosophy is translated into home decor by adapting clean lines, the most minimalistic approach to decorating, and simple furnishings.

Mayumi and Atsushi Kawamoto of MA-Style Architects are a husband and wife team decorated with countless, prestigious design awards. Their website boasts an impressive portfolio, as well as a step-by-step outline of their design process when meeting with clients. They hardly deviate from their respect of Japanese inspired design, however they do say that their process is generally influenced by the client’s requests. 

At the beginning of every design, the Kawamotos ask themselves several things. One of the key questions they ask is “how will this design enrich their lives?” After collating answers, they are sure to constantly refer back to the list to ensure the designs are specific to each client.

Read on to discover how to add elements of Japanese-inspired interior design to your home.

1. Using sliding doors or screens

An increasingly popular feature in modern homes of today, sliding doors and screens establish spaces which embody the qualities of the zen philosophy. Screens and sliding doors are not only a practical addition to the home, their presence is subtle and discreet. They add lightness and intrigue without overpowering a space, as seen in spaces transformed by Shoji. It is imperative to remember that an essential quality of Japanese style is to keep the space as minimal and humble as possible. The addition of sliding doors and screens adheres effectively to this brief.

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2. Use a low bed

As we navigate to the bedroom and investigate how to incorporate a Japanese style, an effective addition is a bed that sits low to the ground. This subtly mimics commonly used futon beds in Japan, a thin mattress that sits directly on the ground without a frame. A compromise is to invest in a low standing bed frame. Stylistically, this concept gives the illusion of space. The room will feel instantaneously bigger, and the bed won’t be an obstruction to the rest of the room, once again adhering to the humble and understated nature of Japanese-influenced interior design.

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3. Incorporate wood and bamboo

Wood and bamboo are two incredible raw materials that go a long way toward creating the Japanese style. The raw and earthy appearance couples perfectly with the emphasis on light. When selecting wood and bamboo to incorporate in the home, ensure the pieces you select are light in colour. This ties in perfectly with the concept, not overburdening  the space and assisting with reflecting natural light.

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4. Installing a soaking tub

Commonly known as an ‘Ofuro’, Japanese soaking tubs boast a plethora of benefits. They are deeper than western bathtubs and are typically housed in wood, but also available in acrylic and polyester They are ergonomically designed to offer support and relaxation. Aside from their physical health benefits, soaking tubs are a wonderful and unique design feature to add to the home. Granted, not every house has the space to accommodate a bathtub let alone a soaking tub. However, if possible, for both health benefits and fantastic design individuality, substitute your westernised bathtub for an Ofuro.

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5. Adopt a minimalistic approach to styling

The Japanese style truly adheres to the phrase “less is more”. The Kawamotos exhibit this principle when designing for their clients. They utilise the space in a non-overbearing way, keeping in mind understated styling for the everyday use. A minimalistic approach to styling creates a space that is in a way, uninhabited, free and open. The intention is for your home to create a desired mental state. What better way to instill clarity in the mind than to have clarity in the home?

This movement has truly gained traction and shows no signs of slowing down. A Minimalist interior design is incredibly popular in modern day homes, and truly pays homage to the foundations of Japanese design.

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Find out more about Japandi interior design to help you add some extra Zen to your home! 

The post Top tips for a Japanese style home appeared first on Designbx.

The blanc de blanc approach for the home interior style of ‘The School’ is a perfect blank canvas for the evolving creative needs of the space. Photographic studio one minute with natural light beaming off the all white surfaces, and Shibori workshop the next, full of creative souls enjoying a special kind of morning tea with friends.

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Simplicity and soulfulness seems to be the essence of Sydney-based Megan Morton’s design philosophy. Whether it’s her home interior style or photography layouts, she manages to dig deep and find the things that tell a story. Pairing back to a few curated pieces in a room is a real challenge, but Megan has this skill down-pat.

“Stylists are doing one thing one day, another the next and by weeks end have been asked to do the impossible”, she writes in her book, Things I Love. Well, she certainly makes it look easy.

Her concepts are shared among florists, photographers, engineers, embroiderers and general craftsman in a variety of impressive trades.

According to Megan, “What (stylists) do best is work with other people who are really good at their thing and deliver a result that works for everybody.”

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It is within these circles that she shares her success, acknowledging the teams of experts that make her style and its outcomes beyond amazing.

“Having something lovely to look at” is important to her, especially in her own interior style. When creating a space that is personal to you, it can be difficult to find a starting point. Great design is often found in detail that doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive – a small token that generates a memory or a moment that you can’t not have on display such as handwritten postcards, a collection of watches or a pile of linen bound books. Seeing your prized possessions in all their glory as you pass them each and every day is priceless.

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Making the most of what you’ve got is another great lesson from Megan. She writes about awkward spaces or ‘kooky small rooms’. Her approach is to embrace what you have and allow life to take place in these spaces just as they are supposed to. Never just assume a space has to take the path it has in the past. Transforming a usually ignored corner into a cosy reading nook or the space under the stairs into an office changes the way you think about your space and can open your way of living into something you had never imagined.

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“Houses don’t need to stick to one colour palette”

Megan has been seen to experiment in her own home with painting half of the floor black and the other white just to experience the difference of living in a space with two contrasting floors. There is no greater way to know what works best for you in your home until you have lived in it. Have fun with colour, because a change is as good as a holiday.

So, next time you need to make a decision on refreshing your own space, take a leaf from the pages of Morton’s style files: be original, create a space that tells your own story and have fun along the way!

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TOP 10 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT Megan Morton:

1. She rocks a maxi skirt like no other
2. Her genuine admiration and respect for all of the creative counterparts that support her
3. Ability to hero a few key pieces in a room that could be tempted with waaay to much ‘stuff’
4. ‘The School’ and all of its unique and expert workshops
5. Appreciates the elements and principles of design ‘rules’, but isn’t afraid to break them
6. Gypsy soul that makes a work/family life balance seem possible
7. Appreciation for handmade craftsmanship
8. The collection of arm jewels. Just WOW!
9. Values a great sense of humour
10. Appreciation for art 

Top 5 Megan Morton styles I love:

1. The most successful colour schemes have a dominant colour and a subordinate colour
2. When things go wrong, it can force you to create a new set of solutions even better than the first
3. A mantra of ‘something old, something new, something rough, something smooth’
4. Don’t use the straight-backed seating from the 16th Century when no one had time to sit down
5. Even if something is expensive, it only has value if you love it.

This article was written by Kylie Monteleone, @Spacedresser and Designbx interior designer. 

The post Famous Interior Designers: Megan Morton and her home interior styles appeared first on Designbx.