You have probably seen or tried the trend of turning your photo into dreamy Studio Ghibli-style scenes using AI. In just few seconds, the skin softens and colours bloom; you could see clouds, glowing windows, and soft hues all around. But before all this, it was not just a trend but a world made by hand. You have heard of it-Studio Ghibli.
Ghibli- the art behind Spirited Away's bathhouse and Totoro's country home, with creaking floors and a cluttered kitchen. More than imagination, it was an art crafted to be felt through the eyes. Truly, they were not made for Instagram, but for intimacy instead. And this is the reason we are drawn to this Japanese art by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and see a reflection of Japanese home concepts in it.
But what's the point? Behind these viral edits and the actual Ghibli art, we learned the definition of homes- that tell us stories, that hold memories, and that breathe comfort. You know what, we can also learn to create a home that feels like it's embracing us through the beautiful and evergreen Japanese philosophies for the home.
From Wabi-sabi to Ikigai- it stores the prettiest philosophies, following which we can create a home full of cultural values, beauty, and simplicity.
Before you dive further, this blog is not just about ‘decor tips' but also rediscovering the soul of your home. Let's go through 5 Japanese lifestyle concepts that help us bring style, intention, and simplicity.
You will learn:
a) How to use empty spaces as a form of beauty
b) How can we make imperfections welcoming
c) How your home can have its own personality
So, if you're the one who prayed for a home like your favourite Japanese show, here we go.
Japanese Concepts: The Art of Intentional Home Decor
Many of the concepts were shaped by some of Japan's greatest thinkers and philosophers who pondered life's meaning, monks who discovered the raw simplicity and imperfections, and fearless revolutionaries who challenged the status quo to bring new ways of seeing the world. These visionaries did not just create random concepts; rather, they gifted a piece of their experience to the world.
Some concepts emerged from Zen monks meditating in nature and solace, while others were penned by philosophers who learned the beauty of purposeful living. Later, the artisans and craftsmen translated these ideas into ceramics, garden designs, and home decor interiors.
Years later, the same unfiltered Japanese lifestyle concepts are passed down to you through this blog. This is your chance to bring the timeless wisdom and meaningful home decor into your homes.
1. Wabi-Sabi (侘寂): Finding Beauty in Imperfection
It does not appreciate the world that seeks perfection; rather, it asks you to embrace the imperfections. Because, as a matter of fact, imperfections are what make things real.
We all may have one such in our homes, a cracked ceramic plate, wrinkled table mats, or a damaged photograph. Wabi-sabi says these aren't mistakes, rather stories we let go. Every home should look like a space lived in, loved, and human. Just like those Ghibli films, no room is tidy. There is always a show out of place, a towel draped loosely, a bowl left from breakfast.
Remember:
a) Try to embrace raw textures like handmade ceramic dining accents, vintage woods, or worn rugs. Loved accents never go old- they become vintage.
b) Things do age; instead of replacing them, keep them as a remembrance of time and beautiful memories. Clearly, it's all about perspective.
c) Design your house for peace, not for Pinterest.
Adopting a Wabi-sabi lifestyle will help you emotionally, too. As it focuses on embracing imperfections, it brings clarity and a sense of peace to your mind, and wellness to your home too. It will also help you to detach your mind from peer pressure and temporary impressions.
"Your home will start looking perfect, the moment it feels yours."
2. Ma (間): The Beauty of Empty Space
If Wabi-sabi taught us to accept imperfections, Ma teaches us the importance of leaving space to breathe. In Japanese home concepts, Ma refers to pause, create a gap, or the emptiness between two things. It is not empty to reflect absence, but rather to create space for calmness and to breathe.
In most Asian homes, you will rarely find interiors with space. Here, empty spaces are used as storage solutions, which might be functional but not soothing. Just like space between chords saves music from being a noise, your home deserves some space too- in between accents, furniture, and corridors.
Ma suggests letting your space celebrate emptiness and become a resting point for your eyes. If you have adorned your walls with wall decor, do not try to add anything further. Or if you are a big fan of preserving flowers and love to keep them in decorative vases, then don't try to overdo anything on the background wall.
Here's what you can do to make a space for emptiness:
a) Leave some walls and open shelves intentionally bare.
b) Use natural light and negative space as your unique home decor elements.
c) Use minimal, foldable, or two-in-one furniture to make your functional needs and focal points compatible.
d) Remove the furniture you never use, and rebox the accents that do not please you.
Inculcating Ma into your lifestyle will make your life serene and bring moments of stillness, exactly what your mind craves. Too philosophical? Try doing it in reality!
3. Ikigai (生き甲斐): A Reason for Being
More than a design idea, Ikigai is a philosophy for life. It means the purpose of your life, the reason to wake in the morning. Now, when we think of incorporating this into our home decor, think of it as keeping the things close that push you towards positivity and happiness.
It might sound a bit complicated, but it starts with a small effort. You see, Ikigai is the feeling of intentional living- what matters to you, without any bias. To be honest, your home is the best way to shape your lifestyle, and Ikigai is one of its ways.
To be precise, design your home decor interior beyond aesthetics, look if it supports your purpose- be it a desk dedicated to your writing, a station for culinary sauces, or a wooden treasure box for your precious collections.
The goal is to surround yourself with things that remind you of your goal. Here's how you can start small and make an Ikigai home:
a) Dedicate one space, even if it's small, for something that you truly enjoy doing.
b) Surround yourself with things that serve a purpose, bring in sweet memories, and push you towards productivity.
c) Replace your habit of pursuing every trend with mindful investments.
Take a deep breath and think, what's your Ikigai? Does your home support it?
4. Shibui (渋い): Understated Elegance
In a world often chasing attention, Shibui is a concept that says true beauty will never try too hard. It believes calm beauty is the one that brings timelessness, elegance, and simplicity to your life. Just like manipulated advertisements that shout to convert the lies into truth, if beauty is too loud, it's fake.
Even for your home decor ideas, this concept stands out, making your home look ageless. Think of soft hues, plain table linens, neutral-toned ceramic drinkware, minimal wall decor ideas, and minimal accents. Shibui shows that simplicity and restraints can be powerful, too.
This is how you can bring Shibui into your home:
a) Choose quality over quantity. This means look for accents that are intentional and ageless. Their purpose in your life is not temporary, nor can the handcrafted home decor ever bore you.
b) Focus on balance and subtle contrasts- light with slightly dark or rough textures with smooth patterns. This will also create a visual balance.
c) Don't overdecorate your space; let objects speak for themselves.
When your home decor follows Shibui, it does not demand attention; it steals it- effortlessly. Isn't it the end goal?
5. Oubaitori (桜梅桃李): No Space For Comparison
This is one of Japan's most comforting philosophies for home decor, loved by a lot of interior designers. Oubaitori takes its name from four trees that bloom in spring- cherry, plum, peach, and apricot. All of these grow beautifully, in their own time and way. This means no competition, just embrace the authentic.
The goal is to make your home feel like you, not like the ones we see in those celebrity magazines- expensive and temporary. Every home is shaped by different seasons, people, and personalities. Some want quiet surrounding with a tribute to Charlie Chaplin, others love colours and want their wardrobe like Hannah Montana.
To include Oubaitori in your home, you should:
a) Prioritise comfort and authenticity rather than trends and perfection. Not just because the concept says so, but also because the approach to following trends is cost-ineffective and chaotic.
b) Celebrate what's already in your home, instead of focusing what is missing. Mind plays a great role in loving your home decor.
c) Let your home change slowly- leaving a signature of rarity.
So, these were the top 5 most celebrated Japanese home concepts that can bring life to your home decor. If you are looking for some creative home decor ideas, this time ditch those magazines and ask yourself these questions:
- How can I make my home reflect my personality or passion?
- What accents in my home truly matter to me?
- Is there space in my home for rest, mindful thinking, and disconnecting from the world?
- Have I been putting effort into home decor for my happiness or for approval?
- What would my home look like if it was designed for hibernation, an extremely off-the-world me-time?
Always remember, there are no right answers, just honest ones.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Japanese philosophies for the home is that they don't ask you to do more; they attract you towards positivity and real beauty. By celebrating imperfection through Wabi-sabi, making room for emptiness with Ma, discovering elegance in simplicity with Shibui, and letting go of comparison for Oubaitori, you begin to craft a home that does not just look beautiful but also feels alive.
Not to impress. Not forced. But real.
Let your home be the place of your dreams and timeless values. Maybe a part of your favourite Ghibli scene or home inspiration from Japan.
At Kairaus, we've an urge to contribute our craftsmanship and signature of luxury to your dreams. Hence, we craft accents that lead you to a lifestyle- real, functional, and beautiful. Explore our collection and make it yours.
