A home should be a retreat from the noise and stress of the outside world.
So, what to do when the distractions of life and everyday clutter start to encroach on the spaces where we’re meant to feel the most relaxed? One way to cultivate an environment that promotes presence of mind is to look East.
Timeless and aesthetically focused, Japanese design has long influenced Western architecture; it’s seen in the early 20th-century Bauhaus movement and the work of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, among others. And the design concepts that attracted those visionaries are having a moment again.
Etsy named the Japanese concept wabi-sabi — taking pride in imperfection and accepting impermanence — a top design trend of 2018. Japandi, a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian design, is a trending hashtag.
Proponents of Japanese design principles say that incorporating them into your own home can make you feel less stressed. Whether your aesthetic is shabby chic, midcentury modern or California coastal, there are ideas and aspects of Japanese design that you can consider adding to your home and your routine.