Japanese décor is diametrically different from Western décor in form, function and principle. Where Western décor is more flexible and is really an adaptation of various art forms, Japanese décor is influenced by and has remained true to ancient traditions.

Because of the fundamental differences between the two, trying to mix and match Japanese décor with Western décor would require careful thought and a precise eye for detail and a lot of planning.

Characteristics of Japanese Décor

Color in Japanese Décor
Neutral, natural colors are the defining tones of Japanese interior décor. They provide simple backgrounds and prevent the room from looking cluttered, which is in keeping to the eastern philosophy of simplicity.

In Japanese décor, a statement is achieved by using a single predominant color or texture, unlike western décor, in which colors and textures are combined and blended to achieve the desired result. Where stark black and bright red are rarely used by themselves in Western décor; bold black or red brush strokes on pristine white rice paper are a common Japanese art form.

Contrasting Textures in Japanese Décor
Japanese décor uses materials that are unique and not seen in any other kind of décor; think rice paper, cedar, stone, bamboo and wicker furniture that has a typically Japanese weave. On the other hand you also have the ubiquitous tatami floor mats, kimonos, obis and textured silks and brocades.

In adhering to the principles of yin and yang, interiors in Japanese décor manage to achieve perfect balance despite combining highly contrasting and opposing textures and surfaces. It's only in Japanese décor that you would see heavily textured bamboo area rugs placed on highly polished floors without looking out of place.

Principles of Display in Japanese Décor
Japanese décor focuses on a central object, which could be a Japanese altar, an intricate still life composition, a garden or an irori or hearth. This is very different from Western décor, which typically focuses on an object that lies along the periphery of vision, such as an elaborate window treatment, or a painting that is placed on a side wall.

One of the most common features in any Japanese home is a tokonoma, or a display alcove. You'll never see a tokonoma that is cluttered with several objects. Instead the display follows the principles of minimalism, which states that less is more and you achieve better harmony and balance by taking away rather than by adding to the existing display. Excess artifacts are stashed away and only select pieces are displayed depending on the season, the occasion that is being celebrated and the guest that is being honored. To achieve an organic or natural environment any objects in grouped together in odd numbers and displayed in the tokonoma, whereas objects grouped together in even numbers helps achieve an environment that is ordered and disciplined.

Interesting applications of everyday items in Japanese Décor
Even everyday items are crafted with a lot of care and the results are immensely evident in the intricate and elegant finished product. Here are a few ideas for using everyday Japanese objects as interior décor items:

• A heavily embroidered and ornate wedding set consisting of kimono and fan is a true treasure to own and display in your home. Hang it from a decorative rod in your living room and wait for the non-stop accolades to pour in.
• An obi, or the sash worn around a kimono makes a unique and attractive and eye-catching table runner.
• Teniguis, or rectangular shaped headbands make excellent placemats that go with the rest of your Japanese décor.