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Hyderabad: In a world of endless décor trends, fast furniture, and social media “perfect homes,” Japan’s approach to living offers a refreshing alternative.
Instead of filling space with more things, Japanese principles focus on balance, restraint, and a deep respect for materials and daily rituals.
These ideas are now gaining traction far beyond Japan, especially in India, where urban homes are shrinking in size and people are increasingly drawn to sustainable, calming interiors.
“Clients no longer just ask for luxury finishes. They want homes that feel uncluttered, purposeful, and easier to live in. That’s where Japanese design principles are finding resonance,” Hyderabad-based architect Sandeep Reddy told NewsMeter.
Here’s a closer look at the key principles and how you can bring them into your home.
Wabi-sabi: Finding beauty in imperfection
Wabi-sabi values the imperfect, the aged, and the simple. A cracked ceramic bowl mended with care or a wooden table with scratches tells a story of use and time.
Interior designer Anusha Rao explains, “Indian families often hold on to heirloom furniture or utensils. Instead of hiding their flaws, wabi-sabi encourages us to display them with pride. It’s a sustainable and emotionally rich way to decorate.”
How to apply: Keep fewer but more meaningful objects, favour raw textures, and don’t shy away from showing signs of use.
Ma: The power of empty space
Unlike the instinct to fill every corner, the Japanese idea of ma values negative space. It is the pause between objects that allows each to stand out.
Reddy notes, “When you give furniture and art breathing room, your home instantly feels more open, no matter the size. It’s not about emptiness, it’s about clarity.”
How to apply: Leave walls bare where possible, ensure clear circulation paths, and highlight a single object or plant rather than many at once.
The Genkan: Entry as a ritual
The genkan is the traditional Japanese entryway where shoes are removed before stepping inside. It creates a clear boundary between the outside world and the home.
Rao says, “In Indian metros, hygiene and air quality are concerns. A defined entry space, even if it’s just a mat, a shoe rack, and a small bench, is practical and culturally adaptable.”
How to apply: Dedicate a small zone near your door with storage for shoes and umbrellas, and a tray for keys and mail.
Natural materials and light
Japanese homes make deliberate use of wood, paper, clay, and natural fibers. These materials age gracefully and connect interiors to nature. Diffused light through shoji screens, for instance, creates a soft atmosphere without harsh glare.
Reddy explains, “In dense Indian cities, bringing in natural light and greenery has become essential for mental well-being. Even potted plants or bamboo screens can create that indoor-outdoor link the Japanese excel at.”
How to apply: Choose fabrics like cotton or linen, let natural light enter through sheer curtains, and introduce plants wherever possible.
Storage and simplicity
Japanese homes rely heavily on hidden storage to keep spaces clutter-free. What remains visible is chosen with intention.
Marie Kondo’s famous question “Does this spark joy?” has inspired many globally, but local organisers see the same impulse here.
Professional organiser Sneha Gupta says, “Indian families are realising that clutter makes homes harder to manage. Japanese-inspired storage solutions, multipurpose furniture, built-ins, regular decluttering are being adapted widely.”
How to apply: Opt for multipurpose storage furniture, under-bed drawers, and a one-in-one-out policy for new items.
Seasonal living: Small, regular changes
Japanese homes celebrate the seasons by changing small details, a flower in a vase, a fabric cover, or tableware. This rhythm keeps homes fresh without constant new purchases.
Rao observes, “We’re seeing more clients rotate textiles and cushions with the seasons. It’s a low-cost way to refresh a space and reconnect with nature.”
How to apply: Rotate cushion covers, display seasonal plants or branches, and adjust table settings to reflect the time of year.
Ritual and display
The tokonoma, or display alcove, is dedicated to a single object often changed with the seasons. This habit teaches focus and appreciation.
“The Japanese way shows us that you don’t need ten decorative items to make an impact. One focal piece, changed mindfully, is enough,” says designer Radhika Nair.
How to apply: Create a small shelf or corner to showcase one meaningful object, and refresh it monthly.
Why the Japanese way is gaining traction
• Urban lifestyle fit: Works well in smaller apartments by maximising space and reducing clutter.
• Sustainability: Encourages repair, reuse, and natural materials.
• Mental wellness: Creates calmer, more intentional spaces.
• Cultural overlap: Indian traditions of seasonal festivals, minimal ritual displays, and respect for heirlooms align naturally with Japanese principles.
Final word
Decorating the Japanese way isn’t about importing an aesthetic. It’s about rethinking how we live with our possessions, our space, and our time. As more Indian households embrace mindful consumption and flexible living, these principles provide practical tools.
“It’s not just design,” says architect Sandeep Reddy. “It’s a way of living that respects both people and objects. And that’s something every culture can learn from.”
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