Japanese design and culture has now entered bedroom decor. This is for good reason: Many people find its simple lines soothing. Since your bedroom is your innermost retreat, your sanctuary, it should offer you comfort as you enter the room. By utilizing sparing, but luxurious, Japanese decor and design, you can create a relaxing, meditative, bedroom. How do you go about creating a Japanese styled bedroom? Let’s find out.
Start from the bottom up, and consider your flooring. Would you like traditional tatami (tightly woven straw) mat flooring? It is very comfortable to bare feet. Traditional Japanese design requires a certain mat layout that dictates certain room dimensions. Modern Japanese-inspired decor may use a traditional tatami mat layout as a floor insert surrounded by other flooring or one tatami mat on top of hard flooring to use as a yoga mat.
Next is the central feature of a Japanese-style bedroom – a futon or platform bed. In Japanese design, this bed does not have a footboard or, sometimes, a headboard. It has an extended platform on which the mattress sits in the middle. It usually does not have box springs. It sits low to the ground and sometimes well away from all walls. Use all silk bedding in a single rich color to continue the Japanese theme (and to pamper yourself). Add several silk pillows to your platform bed to complete the effect.
Add shoji-style lamps for lighting. Their translucent panels are especially good for creating warm, diffused lighting. Put one on a dimmer switch on either side of the bed and have bright enough light for reading or soft, romantic lighting from the same lamps. Shoji doors could replace French doors leading into your bathroom or out onto your deck. Skylights also look classy framed to appear shoji-style.
Remember to keep bedside tables and other tables in the bedroom area low. Keep them in proportion to the height of your bed. If your bedroom also has a sitting area, consider keeping the Japanese theme and use a low table and zabuton (the seating cushions).
You should also consider adding a tokonoma, which is a small, raised alcove in which you might display a wall scroll, and other decorative features. A sliding-door wall closet can be opened up and trimmed to make a deep tokonoma. A shallow alcove can be framed out and set in the wall. If you are displaying a tall, narrow object, you can even put a tokonoma between studs. Traditionally, the decorations are changed every month or so. Small geisha dolls, a bonsai tree, or a Buddha statue are other ideas for your tokonoma decorations.
So there you go.
When you are ready for a soothing bedroom makeover, consider Japanese design ideas. Whether you go completely traditional with a tamaki room, and all the proper accents or whether you choose a lighter impact, only incorporating a few Japanese-inspired items in with your traditional bed and flooring, a bedroom with Japanese style elements is a mentally soothing retreat that you will look forward to visiting at the end of a stressful day.
By: Tom Matherson
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Nov 18th, 2010. 
If you are going for a certain look in your bathroom, then it helps to know what options are available to you from the start. Japanese bathtubs are becoming an increasingly popular part of modern bathrooms, as they have a very minimalistic design and they can fit perfectly in even the smallest areas. They are typically round in design, though they can come in a square shape as well. Some are even made in a rectangular shape, though the main style you will see are the round models. You can opt for those that have built in seats or you can go for those that are completely hollow on the inside.
One thing that you typically will not see with Japanese bathtubs are the inclusion of a shower next to them. In other words, if you are planning on getting one of these compact units, you should be sure that you understand there will not be anything attached to it. A nice thing though, is the fact that you have a lot of freedom to decorate the outer portion of the tub in any way your like. This is, of course, unless you opt for the design that simply sits on top of the floor, rather than the kinds that are built into the ground.
While Japanese tubs are very trendy, you should keep in mind the cost associated with them. In most cases, they cost more than $2,200, with some units going as high as $6,000. They are very reliable units though, as they are not very complicated and there are not a lot of moving parts to break. You can enjoy these soaker tubs at the end of a long day without worry. The best part though, is the fact that they look gorgeous in any type of home, and inspire most people who see them to take at least one bath in them.
Most Japanese bathtubs are made of a porcelain material, though you can occasionally find them in hammered copper as well. The copper types are typically more expensive, not going under $5,000. Ultimately though, you will enjoy relaxing in whatever type you get.
By: Kaz Thompson
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Nov 15th, 2010.
The bath is the main centerpiece for any Japanese home, so much like the fireplace for any American. It provides warmth and a good sense of family bonding aside from the cleanliness it brings. For most people living in Tokyo, especially since floor space is a big commodity, there are those who are privileged enough to have at least a bath in their home while most people go to bathhouses. Japanese bathroom design is an influence of today’s trends.
The design is comprised of both modern and simple designs, whether the old houses in Kyoto have large, spacious baths while with slatted floorboards to drain the water and a tub mainly of seasoned wood. Other Japanese bathrooms can be as compact, emphasizing the need to conserve space as everything can be done in a tiny 2 meter-square bathroom space. The main idea of the design is either uniform or diversified, where it can be just stainless steel, tile or wood.
Towel racks and hooks are almost unheard of for many, but often an integral part when it comes to easy access to the nearest towel after dipping in near scalding water. Shelves are more popular as means for storage, even for some clothes like pajamas or robes aside from towels when it comes to contemporary design.
Showers and showerheads are not always introduced, since they use pails to carry water and washing themselves. Though a variety of compact showerheads with heaters have become a major part of the everyday Japanese and to conserve electricity instead of filling up a tub full of water. And the use of faucets is common as well to fill a pail of water.
When using toilets, the traditional type is actually sitting down on the floor while doing their, well, business and most are made with ceramic nowadays. Regular toilets, ranging from various functions like the one introduced in a local company that has everything a woman needs as well as an auto flush feature.
A lack of ambient design is very common with most Japanese bathroom design, as they prefer to have a sense of harmony, the way they need to relax without reminding them of their jobs. Although most designers also introduced some modern hardware like an LCD screen to watch while dipping in hot water or simple pictures, they would use any space to their advantage without being too overbearing.
By: Anthony Lee
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Nov 15th, 2010.
Japanese culture has always been a source of great curiosity and awe due to the serenity it evokes as a result of its simplicity and minimalism. Due to the stressfulness at the office, more and more homeowners have chosen to emulate the tranquility of Japanese bedroom design. Being in a Japanese inspired bedroom provides quietude and calmness, away from the bustle of the modern world.
In designing a Japanese-themed bedroom, one has to consider the salient aspects vital in Japanese design. Japanese bedrooms are marked by simplicity and minimalism for a pared-down look. Careful thought is put into Japanese bedroom designs. Each piece is carefully considered, not only for aestheticism, but, more importantly, for function. Moreover, furniture placing and type symbolize the Zen philosophy that the Japanese believe in.
Use of natural materials and natural light also defines Japanese style. Natural materials such as stones and wood are used for a low-key look that is equally appealing to the senses. Since natural light would be the main source of illumination, lighting fixtures are either concealed or recessed or are altogether minimized. The use of muted colors, such as greens and grays, are also helpful in minimizing visual “noise” and business, a vital aspect of achieving serenity and tranquility.
Furniture is also low and near the ground, not only to create the illusion of a bigger space but also to signify stability and comfort. Much emphasis is given to horizontal, rather than vertical, lines. This reminds us of our relation to the earth. Lack of ornamentation in wooden furniture is also a factor that sets Japanese bedroom design apart from all the rest. Japanese wood artisans rely on clean and simple lines to highlight their masterpieces. The same would hold true in the minimal use of accessories and d
Filed under Home Improvement by on Nov 14th, 2010.
Japanese culture places special significance on water fountains. There are two main types of Japanese fountains: Tsukubai fountain, Shishi-Odoshi Fountain. Both of these fountains have rich cultural history.
Tsukubai is a Japanese term which translates as “To squat or crouch” in English. Tsukubai fountain is a Japanese fountain usually found outside the Buddhist temples and Japanese tea gardens. Visitors are needed to “squat or crouch” i.e. to bend down, and go through the cleansing ritual before entering the temple. This cleansing ritual is conceptually similar to the ablutions ritual performed in Christian churches. This Tsukubai cleansing ritual involves hand washing and mouth rinsing. This cleansing ritual is performed prior to entering the Buddhist temples for tea ceremonies.
A Tsukubai fountain is usually made out of stone basin, known as chozubachi. The most prominent element of Tsukubai is a bamboo pipe also known as kakei. A small bamboo scoop is placed on top of the basin, ready to use for performing the cleansing ritual. Tsukubai fountains are usually found outside the Japanese tea gardens or in Japanese themed homes.
A stone lantern, also known as ishidoro, is placed near the tsukubai to provide light during the evening tea ceremonies. Arrangement of stones around the Tsukubai is critically important when it is designed. Green floras and bamboo plants make a great compliment to the area surrounding Tsukubai.
Simplistic in design, a tsukubai is beautiful addition to your garden or tea-house to increase it’s Zen-appeal and add cultural history to intrigue your guests and visitors.
Shishi Odoshi is another Japanese fountain that is very well known for its peculiar style and antique beauty. Shishi Odoshi literally translates into Deer-Scarer. Japanese farmers used the shishi-odoshi fountain to scare away the deer’s and pests that were destroying their agriculture.
As the Japanese culture progressed, Shishi-Odoshi was used more as a meditative element. It’s ability to create calm serenity in its surrounding is really appealing to the Zen Monks. Shishi-Odoshi is famous for the rocking motion of bamboo and its “clacking” sound. The bamboo rocks back and forth with water being filled and emptied from the spout. When the bamboo spout gently hits the surface of basin, it makes a “clacking” sound that is soft and refreshing. People performing meditation are especially fond of this soft clacking sound to focus and concentrate.
A shishi odoshi has become a classic garden water feature in recent years because of its cultural history and unmatched beauty.
By: Amy C.
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Sep 9th, 2010.
Japanese beetles can cause serious damage to your landscape, feeding on the leaves and flowers of your plants, causing defoliation, deterioration and possibly death. Female Japanese beetles lay eggs in your lawn, which hatch as new grubs. These grubs feed on the roots of your grass plants, damaging large areas of your turf.
Description:
Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) adults are about 13 mm in length and easily identified by their bright, metallic green head and thorax, metallic brown to copper wings tinged with green edges and six tufts of white hairs along either side of the abdomen. The Japanese beetle grubs are milky white, “C “-shaped grubs about 2 cm in length. The head is brown, and the body has three pairs of legs. The spines of Japanese beetle form a “V” shape.
Life Cycle:
Adults emerge from the soil in late June through mid-July, feeding actively in sunny locations for about 30-45 days. Beetles can fly up to 1.6 km; even flights of 8 km have been noted with a good wind. Beetles usually feed and mate during the morning and return to the soil in the late afternoon and evening.
Moisture is crucial to egg hatch and larval development. Eggs may be laid in poorly drained ground where loose soil allows for the easy deposition of eggs. Egg laying continues until late July and August. Eggs hatch in about two weeks. Eggs and larvae fail to develop under dry conditions. If there is adequate moisture, newly hatched grubs feed on fine roots in the soil. In drier or cultivated soils, grubs will be found lower in the soil.
In September, as soils begin to cool, grubs move deeper into the soil. As soils warm in the spring, grubs move to the surface to feed for 3-4 weeks before pupating in late May and early June.
By: Avgraphx V
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Sep 5th, 2010.
Regular bathtubs can sometimes be a bit unsatisfying for those who like to soak in the tub. They are just not deep enough for total immersion while sitting. One solution to this problem is the Japanese soaking tub. These tubs are typically at least 22 inches deep, with some going as deep as 32 inches. You can find these tubs in a number of different shapes, including rectangular, circular, oval, square, and even hexagonal.
Although these tubs can be a bit expensive, there are some drop in tub options that are a bit more reasonably priced. The Signature Hardware Drop In Japanese Soaking Tub is $1,924.95. The one person tub is 32 inches deep and measures 40 inches by 40 inches. It is a regular bath with a built in seat, but if you want to pay a bit extra you can also get it as an air bath or a whirlpool bath. A two person version of this soaking tub is also available for $2,164.95. It measures 60 inches by 40 inches and has two seats.
Signature Hardware also sells hammered copper or acrylic stand alone soaking tubs starting around $3,000. These tubs do not have faucet holes, and must be used with freestanding tub fillers or tub fillers that are mounted to the floor or wall. One of the less expensive choices is the Caruso Round Japanese Soaking Tub, which sells for $2,970.95. It is 47″ in diameter and 32″ deep. For those wishing for something that is a bit more luxurious, there is the 72″ Riley Double Wall Hexagon Copper Soaking Air Bath Tub. This tub is hand made and costs $9,389.95. However, it comes with a remote control that is waterproof (and floats so you can easily find it) to control the 16 air jets that are included in the price of the tub.
Japanese soaking tubs made in the more traditional style can be purchased from Japanese Bath in Alaska. They sell 22 inch deep wooden ofuros (which is what these tubs are called in Japan) made out of Alaskan cedar or hinoki in four different sizes in each circular, elliptical and rectangular shapes. They will also make a custom tub to fit the space you have available. A 42 inch diameter Hinoki Circle Ofuro is one of the smaller tubs available and costs $3,350, which is at the lower end of the price range. Closer to the other end of the price range, the 60 inch by 30 inch Alaska Yellow Cedar Rectangular Ofuro costs $5,610 and is one of the larger tubs available.
By: Simon Harris
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Sep 4th, 2010.
You can easily transform your room or home into a relaxing and beautiful haven by adding Japanese decorating details.
Complementing your d
Filed under Home Improvement by on Sep 2nd, 2010.
Introducton
One can attribute the beautiful clean lines of a Japanese residence to its uncluttered look. A Japanese home seems to be quite bare compared with its typical Western counterpart which is usually filled with large items of furniture, gadgets and ornaments.
A Japanese home usually uses natural materials in it finishes with lots of timber and stone adding to the sleek feel. In Japanese interior design less is definitely more and it is not like the West where people feel a need to add items to a room, indeed the goal is to keep distractions to a minimum and allow the beauty of the building and its materials to be admired.
In this article we will focus on the design and construction of shoji screens which when used in a home can impart a very Japanese style to ones decor.
Frames
A good quality western made shoji screen is ideally made with a beech frame, the ideal thickness being 1-3/8″ with the kumiko or grid/lattice pattern being in cedar. The main frame should be finished with a clear catalyzed lacquer for ease in cleaning and durability.
Paper
Shoji paper is opaque and blocks the view but not the light. The paper used should preferably be Warlon paper which is a Japanese paper with a PVC resin laminated on each side. It is very durable and is also washable.
The most popular paper is white Warlon paper with a small amount of paper fiber but it is also obtainable in amber, bamboo and maple leaf patterns.
Where a more rigid screen is required the better choice would be Warlon Acrylic which has the appearance of Warlon paper but is a rigid sheet 2mm thick. it can be used in place of glass because it is resistant to water and weather.
If you already have windows which you want to give the appearance of shoji paper then you may convert them by using Haru Warlon which has the look of Warlon paper but is in fact a sticky-backed acrylic film for application to glass.
Laminated papers are also available, White Unryu is a very soft-looking paper with long curly paper fibers and Amber Kinwashi is a Japanese paper with short clipped fibers.
These papers get their strength because they are laminated onto both sides of a styrene core. For closet screens, cabinet doors or lighting fixtures single-sided Kinwashi and Unryu papers are also available.
On a more practical note one can easily change the shoji paper when it tears, or change it for a different colour or pattern when desired.
Tracks
Traditionally shoji screen tracks are made from wood and if given an occasional coat of paste wax and kept clean they should give good service for a long time. Wooden tracks are usually fixed to the ceiling and to the floor.
If you have a wood floor then the bottom track is usually made in wood the same as that used for the flooring and can be inlaid. Modern screens should incorporate a teflon guide to ensure smooth operation.
If you want to use a shoji screen to screen a wardrobe or closet then a metal, usually aluminum, track is preferable with rollers which, because they are captive in the track, cannot jump off or become jammed.
Details
An important design detail is the door pull, the recess where you can put your fingers to open and close the screen. The best ones are ebony and should be inlaid into the shoji frame, never attached to its surface.
If you have young children or pets you might consider a solid lower kick panel in the shoji screen. If you particular screen is wider or taller than normal then this panel can also help stiffen the screen.
Environmentally friendly
In these environmentally friendly days a shoji screen can also keep out the chill from a window in winter and enhance the efficiency of an air conditioner in the summer.
In a humid environment a shoji screen can control moisture in the room by absorbing it on humid days and then discharging it into the atmosphere when dryer conditions prevail.
Of course shoji screens are also made from natural materials from sustainable sources.
Atmosphere and Mystique
If you want to add an oriental flavour to your interior design scheme then adding some shoji screens could be the answer, they are a warm natural feature with geometrically designed lines.
The texture of wood and paper creates an aura of comfort while the geometric grid tightens the space. This contrast gives off an air of mystique and together with softened sun light coming through the atmospheric paper it bathes the room entirely.
By: Peter S Kelly
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Sep 1st, 2010.
Have you ever been fascinated by the feel of the Japanese decor? If you have ever went on a journey to Japan, you know that this look is very popular over there and it make a big impression too. There is a way that you can get the Japanese decor in your home with minimal effort. In fact, you probably don’t need to spend a lot of money at all.
The Japanese home decor feel is about finding balance, space, and the simple decor. There is nothing extravagant about the furniture or the appliances that go into a home this is not the way that they want to look to be like. Now, don’t go cleaning out your home and throwing away the appliances and decorations you already have. Just save them for another room in the home instead.
Furniture
Start with the basics in furniture. The first thing to consider is the kotastsu. This is a large table that sits very low to the floor and it has a small heater placed underneath. This is a place that everyone meets in the home to eat and to talk as well as being the focal point in the room.
Don’t fill the room with furniture that you cannot use; you want enough furniture to sit in but you do not want to take up a lot of space and create the cluttered look.
Floor
It’s normal for a Japanese home to have a Tatami, or mat that you place on the floor. You can have one large Tatami or you can have several of them in one room. If you don’t have a Tatami or you can purchase several bamboo area rugs. Bamboo rugs are the perfect addition to this look if you don’t have access to a Japanese rug. Bamboo blinds are also used as part of the decor. These bamboo blinds were also called sudare and they would actually provide a petition between rooms so you could not see through them.
Bedroom
One of the most versatile beds was invented in Japan. The futon was a part of the complete decor. It not only saved on space but it was a bed when someone needed a place to sleep and a sofa when someone needed to sit. The futon was originally on a wooden frame but today there are metal frames to choose from too. The mattress on the original futon was much thicker than the ones we see today. There was not frame to the bed either.
One of the most popular looks in Japanese decor is the Shoji screens. These screens were decorated with special art prints on them. They were used to divide a section of the room. A Noren was a curtain used to make a separation between two rooms. These curtains were made from cotton and they have screen images on them to highlight and accent the decor.
Using Japanese decor in your home will help you to relax and unwind after a hard day. If you don’t want to do your entire home in it, simply do one or two rooms; bedroom and living room.
By: Sarah Crosset
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Filed under Home Improvement by on Sep 1st, 2010.