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yocharchitecture

Japanese Design : A lookbook


Unpretentious simplicity grounded in Zen philosophy.


This way of life has long been a significant part of Japanese culture and has influenced their design principles.



‘Harmony’

is the core of Japanese design.


It is about the selection of material tones and textures even furniture and decor that work cohesively as a whole to achieve aesthetic harmony.





Wabi-sabi

Japanese design is able to emanate a perceived sense of richness within simplicity through its foundational concept of Wabi-sabi.



Wabi-sabi is a union of two separate concepts:


Wabi + Sabi = Wabi-sabi

The beauty in simplicity and imperfection

The patina of age

An appreciation for the effects of time and imperfections.

Recognizing beauty through use, age and the layers of history.

In harmony with the flow of life, Wabi-sabi celebrates the passage of time.

 

Keywords


 

Simplicity



Tranquility



Beauty in the understated & imperfect



 

Lookbook


 






1.

Connection to nature

breaking down the threshold between inside and out through sliding doors and break out spaces such as verandas called Engawa.












2.

Comfort in Zen simplicity

basic aesthetic sense of less is more. elimination of clutter - gaining design clarity through the exclusion of non-essentials.





The Unfolding Home by ACOS









3.

Warm, neutral base tones

off-white, beige, cream












4.

Rich, earthy accent colours.

brown, terracotta, green, charcoal





Aman Kyoto







5.

Natural material palette

wood, stone





Kameari House by Tamai Atelier
















6.

Appreciation for imperfections

balanced asymmetry














7.

Emphasis on spatial flow and natural light







House in Inari by Taichi Nishishita Architect & Associate









8.

Clean lines and minimal styling

Purposeful decor and understated beauty






Shire Space Research Office by Shire Space Research




 

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