10 Elements of Asian Style
If you’re in the process of remodeling your home, or maybe if you’re buying or building a new one, take a few moments to read about how to create a soothing oasis out of it. For most people, a soothing oasis is a good and fully equipped spa center where they have a considerable amount of privacy to relax in silence and enjoy, simply put, the nice things in life. A good massage from time to time is always a good choice, and so are baths in perfectly designed, spacious steam rooms, showers in cabins that scream luxury, and sleeping in hotel rooms that look like heaven from books; perfect. Sounds like you need a weekend getaway to the nearest spa? You don’t have to. You can create your own heaven in your home. Just turn to Eastern culture; Asians are the ones that sure know how to bring tranquility, peace and calmness in their homes.
The typical Asian Style has 10 basic elements:
- 1. Bathing and Cleaning Aren’t the Same Thing.
Accent on the bathroom. When you go to a spa, you enjoy in a tub, a jacuzzi, or a massage tub and once finished, you get in a shower cabin to clean yourself, right? This is a Japanese philosophy that many interior designers and architects such as Josh Blumer have incorporated in the design of western homes. The point being; you don’t bath and clean yourself in the same place; bathing is time for relaxation, and cleaning is a part of the procedure.
- 2. Colours.
When I mentioned heaven-like rooms and design, I literally meant it. And that effect is achieved with the smart use of colors. Natural earthy tones are most commonly used since they emit a certain energy. Imagine fiery orange like the sun is rising in your room.
- 3. Handmade Quality.
Asian craftsmen take a lot of pride in their work; vanities and bathtubs in bathrooms look like pieces of furniture, and you literally can’t notice them, which is important for a well-decorated bathroom. The vernacular construction that incorporates regional materials like stone, wood and leather used in hand-made elements is common in these designs.
- 4. Wooden Surfaces.
Imagine a bathroom made completely out of wood. So zen-like, right? This is exactly what you need to achieve the natural, Japanese look of the bathroom. Remember I said, heaven-like? What kind of heaven would it be, without the presence of wood? You don’t need to be extreme and make an entire bathroom of wood, but a few clean lines and edges dressed in quality wood will hit the point.
- 5. Spa-like.
Japanese bathrooms aren’t small spaces with the sole purpose of cleaning yourself. These are large rooms in which except for cleaning and bathing yourself, you can do some relaxation techniques, like yoga or pilates. This is the spa-like element of Asian bathrooms, and it makes total sense; these activities are part of the healing process of a man.
- 6. Focus on Bathing.
I mentioned before that cleaning and bathing aren’t the same things in Japan. Bathing is a form of art in the Eastern culture, and the fact that almost every home has a bathtub in it proves that. People like to nurture themselves while bathing, and to make a connection with Mother Earth, they visit hot springs and baths on the open, surrounded by stones and nature.
- 7. Connection to Outside.
Now this is amazing. This will make you feel like you’re taking a bath in a jungle, especially if you have a garden. If not, then your bathroom should look at a window wall, so sunlight can get in and lighten the place. Again, connection to elements of nature is essential.
- 8. Lighting.
All that beauty created in a Japanese bathroom is nothing without the right lighting. During the day, it’s good to have the outer natural light get in the room, but when needed, artificial light should be present and carefully chosen. Dimmer effects are essential since they create a calming atmosphere.
- 9. Zen Philosophy – Focus on Being.
Japanese Zen style is present everywhere; in design, architecture, teaching, and even breathing. Zen philosophy focuses on being, and accentuates simplicity and beauty. Nothing that is overly done is not good for any man.
- 10. No Fuss.
Japanese have a saying “No fuss”. This means they appreciate what really matters – simplicity. So keep the bathroom clean and simple at all times.
Reference: http://www.kazari.com.au
