Colors of the world 2

The Cool Sophistication of Japan

In Japan, the home is seen as a private sanctuary from the chaos and hectic pace of the world outside.



Traditional dwellings were built of natural, organic materials, such as clay, straw, paper, woods (both hardwoods and bamboo), and stone. The Japanese also made use of natural light, water and greenery. Even today, this timeless vernacular continues to fascinate modern architects. Home interior decoration in Japan is expressed by the concept of wabi—unostentatious refinement—a reaction to the opulent, over-decorated Japanese culture of the 16th century. While highly decorated or strongly colored items may still be incorporated into Japanese interior design, this is always done with restraint, and with a profound awareness of the concept of yin and yang:
Elements, even though they are opposite, are linked, and must work together to create harmony.





Interiors. The balancing of light and space is the basic canvas for Japanese interior design. Light tends to be diffused, and living and sleeping spaces are usually flexible, with moveable screens.

Color palettes in Japan and East Asia are usually quite subdued, showing a distinct preference for colors that are soft and quietly restrained. Colors are most often drawn from neutral palettes, such as browns, grays, beiges and off-whites. Schemes are very often monochromatic, and may derive from dark woods (often stained hardwoods), lighter woods like bamboo, polished concrete, and stones or pebbles.
Tip: Paper lanterns are available in many unique shapes, and can add an authentic and inexpensive Eastern touch.

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