1.Kanji Ueki 

Having worked in both Tokyo and Milan, Ueki has spread his works all over the world. Creating his own business Cassapo & Associates, their projects have provided spacial designs for Apple stores and high-end commercial spaces. Their projects showcase the textbook Japanese interior style of large minimalistic spaces and incorporate natural materials such as hardwoods and bamboo. Ueki works closely with Maruni, a product design company, where he produces sculpture-like wooden furniture.

2. Hashimoto Yukio

The designer now lectures and teaches at various Tokyo universities with over 10 years of experience under his belt. Utilising the Japanese interior design concept of lightness and ambience, Yukio’s work is beautifully showcased in commercial spaces, hotels and restaurants. The play on light and dark creates a mesmerising and sensual atmosphere in all of his unique spaces.

3. Koichi Futatsumata

Establishing the company CASE-REAL in 2009, Futatsumata focuses on providing a practical and sustainable solution to interior design problems. Specialising in product design, he creates incredibly clean and monochromatic designs for interiors, most commonly seen in Aesop stores.

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4. Naoko Takenouchi

Takenouchi was previously a restaurant designer in Tokyo, and has now partnered up with Britain’s Marc Webb to form the integrated design firm- Takenouchi Webb. Bringing a fusion style to Japanese interior design, his projects are a wonderful mix of western styles, texture and the Japanese design fundamentals such as minimalism.

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5. Tokujin Yoshioka

Having worked under the name of our next designer, Yoshioka has climbed the popularity ladder of Japanese interior designers. A go-to designer for commercial spaces, his clientele range from Issey Miyake to Hermes and Peugeot, just to name a few. His works are renowned for an airy, retro and futuristic style.

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5. Shiro Kuramata

One of the most celebrated and significant designers, we couldn’t leave him off the list. Kuramata’s futuristic and practical designs to this day are showcased in New York’s MoMA and the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris. Creating both beautiful spaces and furniture pieces, his work can be described as a fusion between oriental design and occidental styles.

5. Shinichiro Ogata

Owning the widely popular design studio Simplicity since 1988, he’s produced traditional Japanese design in mostly commercial interiors. Doubling up as a famous chef, Ogata focuses his discipline on environmentally sustainable design and paying homage to traditional Japanese fundamentals. His works traditionally use Japanese materials which create a naturally beautiful and elegant interior design style.

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Feeling inspired? Japanese interior design is truly a beautiful reflection of contemporary culture through minimalist and sustainable design. Consider taking inspiration from the Japanese interior designers in your next interior design online, to achieve harmony in spatial and aesthetic attributes. 

The post Japanese interior design- the top designers you need to know about appeared first on Designbx.

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.

Japandi interior design orgins

Scandinavian interior design (Scandi) has been developed on the principles of simplicity, minimalism and functionality. It continues to be popular in Australia, aligning with our relaxed lifestyle, connection to nature and beautiful, diverse landscape. The main characteristics of Scandinavian interiors include clean lines and the use of natural materials such as oak, leather and hemp.

Japandi is a new trend that is taking the interior design world by storm. It draws on the Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ principle of finding beauty in the imperfect and incomplete, and it blends perfectly with the simplicity of Scandinavian design.

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1. Colour

To achieve a Scandinavian look, focus on featuring a muted, neutral colour palette throughout your home. White is commonly used on the walls to make a room appear bright and spacious. Inject life into your room and make your home reflect your personality by incorporating accent pieces. Try rugs, cushions and artworks in muted colours, such as pastel pink and grey.

To create a Japandi feel, incorporate accent colours with a cool undertone, such as green and navy. Dramatic contrast (a key element of Asian design) can also be created by using a black frame for your artworks or photographs. Next, hang them above the light oak furniture pieces.

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2. Texture

Scandinavian inspired interiors usually have light coloured wooden flooring as opposed to carpet, as wood is closer to nature. Pine, beech and ash wood are the most common, with light stain finishes, to preserve a feeling of spaciousness.

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3. Simple contrast

Ornate and excessive details in furniture are not common in Scandinavian interior design. The style favours clean lined, modern and solid pieces. In the new Japandi style, statement furniture in dark tones such as charcoal, black or dark oak stained tones are used with light Scandinavian furniture. To achieve this look in your home, you could use a light oak dining table with black wooden dining chairs. This creates the dramatic contrast that is the hallmark of the Japandi style.

Introducing simple contrast between key furniture pieces maintains simplicity, while still expressing your personal design style.

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To create visual interest and rhythm, layer different muted natural textures such as a small rectangle hemp cushion with a square, pale pink cushion. To add an eclectic Japandi feel, find a unique statement piece. We love an asymmetric plant or sculpture that embraces the idea of ‘beauty in the imperfect’. By using greenery and plants, the connection to nature is reinforced.

These tips will help you to create the basis of your Japandi interior design. Express your own style and personality throughout your home interior by adding your own unique, personal touches to the ever-popular Scandi look.

The post Interior Design Trends of 2017 – Japanese and Scandi = Japandi appeared first on Designbx.