Dealing with hot weather is a problem that is often experienced by people who live in crowded cities like Jakarta. If you are one of them, maybe you are looking for a method so that your house doesn’t get carried away by the heat outside. To overcome this problem, Japanese house designs can be one of the solutions.
Japanese culture, which is known to promote efficiency, simplicity and love for nature, can be seen clearly from the design of the house. Japanese homes are basically oriented towards Zen applications—combining natural elements with safe and functional designs. As a result, the interior of a Japanese house looks minimalist but can have a calming effect on the occupants. If you want to create a cool atmosphere and a relaxed feeling at home, here are Japanese home designs that you can follow.
The indoor pool of a Japanese Typical House
This is another unique Japanese home design that can produce a cool atmosphere in the room. Water, which is a symbol of peace and prosperity, creates oxygen which can make the air at home feel fresher. The sound of rushing water is also believed to make you feel relaxed. Therefore, it is not surprising that an indoor pool can have a calming effect on these Japanese householders.
Not only does it create a cool and relaxed atmosphere, there is a minimalist indoor fish pond
of course it has great aesthetic value. A mixture of water, fish and aquatic plants will provide an interesting texture that will make the Japanese house you design beautiful.
House with Sliding Door
One of the very unique Japanese house designs is the presence of a small courtyard formed in the middle of the building. Carrying out the concept of “bringing outdoor to indoor”, this small courtyard aims to help the circulation of fresh air always be easy and natural light can enter all corners of the house. Thus, it is not uncommon for Japanese houses to have more ventilation than other types of houses.
Small courtyard in the middle of a Japanese house
Generally, the room located near the courtyard is separated by a sliding door, or what is called shoji in a traditional Japanese house. The use of sliding doors is intended so that sunlight is not blocked and the transition between indoors and outdoors is as minimal as possible. So, if you are looking for inspiration for a more modern Japanese house, mirror sliding doors can be an alternative. Not only can sunlight enter, you can also enjoy the beauty of the courtyard from indoors.
Dominate elements of wood or bamboo
Wood or bamboo elements are very common in Japanese homes because they can add to the natural look of a room. Booths, doors, tables, sofas, especially small accessories made from real wood. Bamboo is also often used as decoration in Japanese homes, be it large-scale ones such as partitions or room decoration decorations such as lucky bamboo.
To add natural elements to the room, you can start by looking for wooden furniture. Changing the floor with wooden or tatami floors can also be an option. The floor of these two elements can make the house feel cool when it’s hot, and warm the house when it’s cold. Not only that, it is also believed that the texture of wood and bamboo can create a calm and safe effect in Japanese homes—you will definitely love it!
Minimalist Japanese Typical House furniture
Simple and calm nuances are the main features of Japanese home design. Balanced coloring and soft details will give the impression of a beautiful Japanese-style interior. With this kind of relaxing and calming atmosphere, don’t be surprised if you feel more at home in this Japanese house.
Modern furniture options made of real wood and arranged symmetrically produce a neat appearance, matching the design characteristics of Japanese homes. Look for furniture with small or short dimensions that make the room have more free space. Make sure each piece of furniture has a function and a proper place. Remember, Japanese home design has the principle of less is more—don’t make your house look “full”.
Open space and natural lighting in a typical Japanese house
Another feature of Japanese house design is open space and natural lighting. Sunlight that fills your home can enhance natural colors and create a calming room look. Then, how to get sunlight into the house?
Design wide windows in your Japanese home and make sure that nothing restricts the windows, such as thick and heavy curtains. Instead, you can use transparent curtains or even bamboo curtains to add a natural look.
With wide open spaces in Japanese homes, sunlight does not heat up the room. On the contrary, the warm light will spread to the corners of the room—giving a natural impression that soothes and relaxes the mind.
Green plants indoors
Japanese culture really appreciates and loves nature. Therefore, they try to protect their close proximity to nature. One of the tricks is to add plants as decoration in the room. This is why green plants are often found in Japanese house designs. In Japan itself, what is usually used is to sort out various ornamental plants, such as bonsai.
Various bonsai that can be used are banyan, bougenville, and adenium bonsai. Not only that, you can also use palm plants, orchids, and other flowers. If the plants above don’t suit your taste, you can still use other types of green plants, really. However, make sure that the overall appearance of the room in your Japanese home is always simple and natural.
The interior is a neutral color
To maintain a natural design concept, Japanese homes use neutral motifs that are in harmony with nature. Brown or dark colors from wood elements and green from plants usually dominate the room. Japanese house floors usually use wood or gray stone tiles. On the other hand, for rooms, the colors that are usually used are white, cream or light brown.
Bright motifs are not recommended for Japanese-style designs. Carrying a natural and simple design concept, neutral motifs are very important to build the overall look of the room. To overcome the monotony in Japanese homes, you can use black or bold motifs from earthy or stone tones, for example red or dark orange.
A typical Japanese home lounge
Returning to the Zen concept which is the orientation of Japanese home-style designs, providing a special space for relaxing with a calm and peaceful atmosphere. This room can be used for meditation, yoga, or simply gathering with family.
Add soft seat cushions and complete the room with natural elements. For example, favorite ornamental plants or miniature fountains, the sound of which can brighten up the room and make you feel relaxed. Don’t keep television or other electronic media in this room because it can disturb the calm atmosphere you are trying to create. By arranging the right furniture and atmosphere, you have a certain space so you can enjoy the cool, calm and safe interior of a Japanese house as best you can.
At first glance, Japanese home-style design bears a resemblance to many other contemporary interior designs that focus on a simple, chic and minimalist look. However, the room’s focus on natural elements and the use of furniture with a minimum size provide a distinctive traditional touch, different from other designs. Are you interested in having a house like a Japanese house?