MA is usually considered as space where the absence of things means more than the presence of them. It is all about the negative space, emptiness, and clearness. Japanese minimalism takes roots in traditional Zen Buddhism aesthetics, the minimalist movement that carries the mission of keeping life simple and uncluttered by focusing on the bare essentials.Īt the heart of it is MA (lit., “gap”, “space”, “pause”), a Japanese cultural concept meaning the love to not things but space between them. When thinking of minimalism, Japanese interior and graphic design are likely the first things coming to mind. Minimalism Deep-Rooted in Japanese Art Illustration by Ani Chitishvili Let’s dive deeper into the history of the concept and see incredible samples of this style implemented in UI design for mobile apps and websites. This incredible cohesion of styles and technologies has given birth to a new trend in product user interface design - Japanese neo-minimalism. Here old art traditions combine with digital technologies, and the ancient stays side by side with innovation. Konnichiwa, and welcome to the overview of the digital product design trend emphasizing the beauty of Japanese minimalism in the modern digital world. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” - Lao Tzu “Be content with what you have rejoice in the way things are. Are you ready to immerse in Japanese art trends leveraged in the context of the modern digital and graphic design services company world? This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.In this article, I’m considering the concept of Japanese minimalism, its implications in the user interface design of digital produ cts, and its key principles. When freshly laid out, there is a fresh, grassy scent that wafts through the room that calms and soothes the mind. Traditional Japanese homes have tatami laid in rooms, as opposed to parquet flooring as it is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Tatami flooring, also known as straw mats, are typically made from woven igusa, a water rush that grows in the southern area of Japan. They were intended to imitate the essence of nature and served to encourage meditation about the meaning of existence.

Rock gardens typically consist of rocks, water features and some greenery atop of sand or gravel. Other than wood, another common natural feature of Japanese interiors includes simple internal rock gardens. Rock gardens (Image credit: Interior design ideas)Įvery Japanese home includes serious respect for nature, as part of its aesthetic of balancing what is man-made and natural. If it gets a bit too sunny, opt for sheer, gauzy curtain panels to frame your windows instead. If possible, try to incorporate skylights, and expansive windows to open up the home, and forgo the heavy curtains. As mentioned above, open space and minimalist design principles reign in Japanese design. Research has also proven that natural lighting helps us be more productive, happier and calmer as well. Minimalist design and open spaces reign in Japanese interiors, and one way to achieve this design aesthetic would be the use of natural lighting. Natural lighting (Image credit: lookboxliving) Incorporate it in bigger pieces, like bed frames and sofas to mimic this comfortable look. However, most modern homeowners still require actual furniture, so the modern renditions of this aesthetic are replaced with low to ground furniture.

Most Japanese interiors include movable floor cushions that forgo actual chairs and sofas. Low to ground furniture (Image credit: nyomtassolcson) Wood staining protects and preserves the natural beauty of the wood as opposed to paint. Wood is prized in Japanese interiors, but if you’re looking to change the colour of your wood, stain it instead of it painting over.

Try replacing a large internal wall with a Shoji as it could be a great way to incorporate some light into your home. A key feature of both modern and traditional Shoji is that it does not block the natural light. Modern versions of the Shoji uses glass panels instead of rice paper for easier maintenance. Unlike regular swinging doors, Shojis slide back and forth, saving space in small homes.

Traditionally, they are made from translucent rice paper framed by wood. One of the most iconic elements of Japanese interiors is Shoji, also known as sliding screens. Sliding doors (Image credit: nippondaira hotel) Bring some of these tranquil decorating touches to your home with key elements of this interior style to replicate a peaceful, Zen state of mind. Japanese interiors have a quiet, meditative feel that encourages those in the space to take a step back to enjoy the simpler things in life.

Japanese minimalist aesthetic