Our homes should be the place where we feel most calm and peace, and what better style to promote these feelings of serenity than a zen inspired space, like those featured in our Japanese Zen Gardens post and our look at Japanese Style Interior Design. In this post we're focussing not only on traditional Japanese zen, but also on its modern adaptations.
Floor cushions around a low table are an easy way to create an oriental dining zone, along with high contrast dark wood against a soothing warm cream backdrop.
This example of slightly elevated low seating would prove easier on the knees and back than floor cushions. The shelving that overlaps the edges of the wall column in this design are slightly reminiscent of the silhouette of a Japanese pagoda.
Minimalistic lines are the obvious influence of traditional Japanese interiors on contemporary spaces.
Balance is key in a zen style home.
Simplicity. Clutter is not part of the zen philosophy.
This is Rurikou-in temple, Kyoto
The temple is shielded by nature.
Softness underfoot creates relaxation in a zen room.
Play with natural light.
A zen room is a place of harmony.
Embrace nature.
Ideally, a zen room would be free from peace disturbing electronic devices.
Paper paneled doors never fail to evoke an oriental look, install in doubles for balance.
Natural materials are key.
A low Japanese style platform bed is the obvious winner for a zen bedroom scheme.
This is a bold way to bring nature into a scheme with a look of permanence and stability rather than in a moveable pot.
This modern bedroom translates the simplistic lines and warm natural palette of a traditionally zen space.
This up to date play on zen styles out each simplistic element.
Another fashionable take on the platform bed.
This Japanese inspired bed incorporates an eye-catching illuminated platform, but the room is still based on a zen theory of clean lines and warm natural hues.
This window seat complete with tea kettle is a zen box.
This platform bed has been updated with a bright bedspread.
Paper lanterns are a pretty and cost effective way to light a zen scheme.
Zen dining areas can be formal too.
The backs on these floor seats are a welcome addition.
A basic sunken fire pit can keep things cozy.
Keep any accent colors uplifting.
These floor level seats are smoothly carved from a single piece of wood.
A rustic look works well in a zen inspired room.
If your room could open up to a garden then utilize it.
Gardens should be washed in zen style too.
If you don't have an outdoor garden, you could always incorporate the zen garden ideal within your interior room, using twisted trees and pebbles.
Bamboo and green fronds bring a sense of calm.
An interior zen courtyard is an amazing solution if space allows.
This highly contemporary straight edged bath tub harks at the minimalistic lines of zen influence.
Another zen garden.
A sunken bath tub takes the minimalistic zen look a step further.
Zen meditation room.
Another minimalistic adaptation.
A border of bamboo need not take up a lot of space.
A wide border can hold adventurous planting.
Light-wells work as an ideal place for planting.
The horizontal lines are quite strong here.
Simplistic furniture.
