The visual calm and serenity of Japanese interior design not only ‘sparks joy’ but also allows a space – and its guests – to breathe. The Japanese home storage principles of versatile functionality and mindful minimalism have fascinated professional organisers for decades. It’s all about prioritising simplicity as an approach to decluttering your home.

These thoughtful home storage and organisational ‘hacks’ – bound up in century-old design philosophies – will transform your spaces and daily lifestyle routines. 

Cultivating tranquillity in Western homes starts by integrating and reinterpreting the following Japanese life organisational principles which are a refreshing perspective on simplicity, balance and harmony: 

The concept of ‘Ma’ | Just breathe

Westerners are likely to associate the concept of ‘Ma’ with ‘always doing what your mama told you to do.’ (And if your Ma always told you to make your bed and pack away your clothes, then we are all for that). But the Japanese concept of ‘Ma’ is a little more nuanced, but just as functional. 

At its core, the ancient concept of ‘Ma’ is all about creating space for breath. 

In Japanese interior aesthetics, ‘Ma’ refers to the space between objects, emphasising the beauty of emptiness. In Western homes, clutter often dominates, creating unnecessary stress and chaos. To embrace ‘Ma,’ consider editing your stuff, decluttering countertops, and choosing furniture with clean lines. Create spaces that allow for mindful breathing, where simplicity becomes a form of art in itself and where every space allows you to relax and just be. 

The ‘Ma’ concept redefined means implementing hidden storage solutions, bamboo laundry baskets, beautiful storage baskets on open shelves or investing in under-the-bed storage options to keep daily essentials out of sight, allowing your living spaces to just breathe. 

The concept of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ | The beauty of imperfection

Wabi-Sabi celebrates the beauty of impermanence and imperfection. In Western culture, striving for perfection and a sense of permanence is a pervasive, yet unachievable goal. 

‘Wabi-Sabi’ means appreciating the natural ageing process and embracing the imperfect beauty of your belongings.

Accepting that the concept of perfection is an ‘illusion,’ and realising that one’s home cannot be ‘perfect’ like a showroom, is a huge relief, freeing you to appreciate the beauty of each piece and its functionality. This step towards achieving contentment and happiness in each space in your home is all down to integrating the concept of ‘ Wabi-Sabi in all your spaces.  

Incorporate distressed or weathered furniture, natural woven baskets, handmade pottery, and handmade or recycled textiles to infuse a sense of authenticity and character into your living space.

The concept of ‘Ikigai’ | Purpose in design

‘Ikigai’ is the Japanese philosophy of finding joy and purpose in life. Translating this into Western interiors involves curating spaces that reflect your passions and values.

The ‘Ikigai’ concept of interior design believes in keeping things minimal and purposeful.

By embracing the idea of ‘less is more’ and keeping furniture minimal, the colour tones, fabrics, textures, and patterns light, monochrome and muted,  and limiting your decor to functional accessories, all portray a sense of ‘Ikigai’ minimality. 

Dedicate a corner of your home to your hobbies or create a personalised workspace that fosters creativity and productivity. Display items that symbolise your passions, encouraging a sense of fulfilment and purpose.

The concept of ‘Shakkei’ |Borrowing from nature

‘Shakkei,’ or ‘borrowed scenery,’ involves incorporating the surrounding environment into your design. While traditionally applied to gardens, this biophilic concept can be adapted to Western homes by connecting the interior with the external landscape.

The concept of ‘Shakkei’ helps facilitate a connection between the interior spaces of your home and the natural landscape outside.

If you do not have large windows that bring in natural light and connect the indoors with the outdoors, use strategically placed mirrors, interior plants, or fresh flowers in vases to seamlessly blend your home with nature. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes a sense of unity with the space, keeping you at one with nature. 

The ‘KonMari’ method | Sparking joy

As Westerners, we tend to succumb to a hoarding mindset; holding on to stuff.  Marie Kondo’s iconic and user-friendly decluttering method of letting go revolves around only keeping items that ‘spark joy’.  Embarking on a disciplined journey to apply this philosophy to every room and in your home helps maintain a clutter-free environment, which contributes to beautiful spaces, mental clarity and overall well-being.

The ‘KonMari’ method is different from other tidying techniques that rely on strict guidelines instead of personal criteria.

According to Marie Kondo, “Joy is personal, so everyone will experience it differently; Marie describes it as …a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising.”

Tackle one room at a time, holding each item in your hands and asking yourself if it sparks joy. Donate or discard any items that no longer serve a purpose, making space for the things that truly matter.

Incorporating these ancient Japanese principles into Western interior design and home storage isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s an intentional lifestyle shift towards mindfulness and balance, and embracing the essence of simplicity, imperfection, and purpose.

The end product? A personalised and curated home that is tranquil, beautiful and nurtures your well-being.

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