Japanese culture is one of the most appreciated cultures in the world. They are more inclined towards minimalism and uncluttered living. Japanese home decor is known as “Zen”. The cultural decor brings in peace and harmony and turns a space into an amazing place to live in. 

Japanese folks believe that their home reflects the person who lives there. Clean lines, nature, and no clutter are all traits of Japanese interior design. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of a Japanese home is that, unlike most of us, their workplaces are not filled with dust. They use only the most basic materials in the construction of their home and keep it clean.

Indian Homes are relatively small and therefore it is not feasible for us to have the Zen installed here completely. But, the minimal and intelligent cultural decor has a few AMAZING elements that you can easily add to your Indian home too. Let’s have a look at the ways that help you add the touch of Japan to your Indian home. Keep reading:

• Connect with nature:
  
  

The most important and essential part of Japanese home decor is that they love to stay close to nature. Indoor plants, a big lawn and garden area, and large windows to let the natural light in, are some integral parts of the Japanese home. They like to maximize their connection with nature in all forms. 

Try this in Indian Homes with:

1. Well-positioned windows
2. More indoor plants
3. Terrace and balcony gardens for small apartments.
4. Incorporating multiple natural elements to homes like rattan, and wood.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• Color scheme: 
  
  

Almost all Japanese homes have a similar color scheme that varies from neutral to earthy tones. They have their homes made of rattan and wood in many cases so the color tone is very natural and warm. 

The priority colors for Japanese homes are white, off-white, beige, shades of brown, mocha, stone grey, and shades of nude.
 

Try this in Indian Homes with:

1. Paint your space in one or two colors mentioned above.
2. Try to incorporate fabrics and furniture in the same shades.
3. You can try wooden flooring.
4. Incorporate rattan and wooden storage items.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• Sliding Doors:
  
  

Sliding Doors are also known as Shoji, which is traditionally made with translucent rice paper and wood. It is one of the most authentic and iconic elements of the Japanese interior. Modern Shoji replaces the rice paper with glass, but both modern and traditional shoji allows sufficient natural light inside the house, it also saves space and is easier to maintain.

Try this in Indian Homes with:

1. Instead of sliding doors try sliding windows.
2. Add a sliding glass door to your balcony.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• Japanese entryway:
  
  

Japanese interior is very thoughtful and everything incorporated in the house has a particular logic and meaning behind it.
The home entrance is often set lower than the rest of the home so that the dirt and dust can not make their way inside the house. It works as a nice transitional space between indoor and outdoor.

Try this in Indian Homes with:

1. India already has the concept of groundsel which serves the same purpose.
2. Try adding a small stair at your main door.
3. Create a replica of the Japanese entryway with the traditional groundsel.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• Wabi-Sabi art philosophy:
  
  

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese phrase that loosely translates to "beauty in imperfection." It emphasizes the idea of living in harmony with nature while remaining humble and simple.
This attitude is based on accepting imperfections and the lifetime. The Wabi-sabi concept sees beauty in honesty and imperfection when it comes to home design. This means you value aged items rather than constantly replacing them with new ones.

Try this in Indian Homes with:

1. Add artifacts inspired by wabi-sabi art.
2. Keep a few old decor items to create a rustic vintage look.
   
   

• Japanese bathroom:
  
  

The soaking tub is one of the Important elements of Japanese bathrooms. It is relatively small from the bathtubs and adds a soothing spa-like experience to the bathroom. In Japan, some Japanese bathrooms are half-open, and some even have the terrace open, to create that perfect natural atmosphere. A dry bathroom is also a common phenomenon in Japanese home decor.

Try this in Indian Homes with:

1. Add a smaller bathtub than usual.
2. Add small plants, try to keep it minimalistic.
3. Check if it is feasible to add glass walls to your washroom. Maybe in the shower area.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

• Tatami Flooring
  
  

Tatami flooring is also known as straw mats, that is made from woven Igusa (a water rush that grows in the southern areas of Japan). The specialty of this flooring is, it stays cool in summer and warm in winter.

These straw mats also have the pleasing fresh scent of grass that spread in the room and are very soothing and help to calm the mind.

Try this in Indian Homes with:

1. India already has the concept of jute and bamboo mats called “Chatai”.
2. You can also opt for tatami flooring as it is.
3. You can replace it with rugs and carpets.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Minimal, thoughtful, and intelligent are some basic qualities of the Japanese interior, just try to stick to these qualities while creating your Japanese home in India. Keep the decor close to nature, make it minimal, stay on the functional side and get your home a perfect Japanese make-over.