Since travelling to Japan in my twenties I have always been inspired by the country’s approach to design and architecture. For me, Japan is a country of forward thinking innovators yet with a deep-rooted respect of tradition, which in turn reflects heavily in their love of crafts and interiors. Staying in a Japanese Ryokan in the charming city of Kyoto I was taken aback by the simplicity of its interior; with woven matting, smooth wood and paper screens, there was little else present in the rooms, yet the textures and light created a serene and atmospheric haven showcasing the power of simplicity.

For my Japanese inspired lounge scheme, I wanted to create an essence of Japan being careful to ensure the room didn’t become themed. In addition, I also wanted to achieve a softer less stark interpretation of Japanese design, a blend of east meets west to create a more comfortable and usable space.

Gathering some inspirational images of Japan, I centred my attention on the ancient rather than the ultra modern. The ceramics of the tea ceremony, the green nature of the bamboo forests, rich embroidery from the Kimono fabrics, the sweeping curves of the zen sand gardens and the soft tactile wood that features so heavily in traditional Japanese Ryokans.

Inspiration for a Japanese Inspired Lounge

There’s little doubt that Japanese design lovers will probably not favour my scheme however, for most, a happy balance rather than purist approach suits best.

The design backdrop is the soft sage green walls reflecting Japan’s verdant countryside, Little Greene’s ‘Ambleside 138’ from their National Trust Collection contrasts nicely against the calming tones of the Designers Guild ‘Seagrass’ natural linen.

Instead of the often linear grid-like approach to room design seen in Japanese Ryokans, I have taken inspiration from the natural curves of the Zen sand gardens. This John Lewis & Partners Sand Circle Rug depicts the patterns nicely with the curves continuing in the furniture and lighting.

The show stopping cabinet by Helsinki based Poiat continues the curved theme but also reflects the soft wooden batons used in Japanese interior design, these batons are resonated in the side table.

To echo Japans rich artisan culture I have selected handmade ceramics by Florian Gadsby, a Painting ‘White Magnolia, Java Sparrow’ from Imao Keinen Kacho and vintage Obi silk cushions.

Vintage Japanese Obi Silk Cushion by Hunted & Stuffed

I wanted the chairs to be simple and inviting and to complement the curves in the scheme. I chose this two seater sofa by Habitat and the beautiful pink Nora Lounge Chair by Bross.

I hope you enjoy my Japanese Inspired Lounge Scheme, please feel free to leave me your feedback.