Post updates by email:


When it comes to interior/exterior design, I'm pretty much all over the place. 

For instance, I posted about my cozy, comfy dream house in this post

But then I also posted about my attraction to gritty industrial design in this one.

As many of you know, I spent a summer (2 1/2 months) in Japan and fell head-over-heels in love with it and the Japanese culture. I can only describe Japan as "my home away from home" because that's exactly what it felt like - home. When I got back to the States, it took months to forget about my homesickness for Japan. 

Japan was deeply transformational for me. In case you're interested, I posted about it here

One major thing I admire about Japan is its style and design. Everything not only looks beautiful, but it also has a purpose. Japan has such limited space; therefore, space cannot be wasted. Japan is also spotlessly clean and well-organized. 

If I could use one word to describe Japan, it would be balanced.
 
The Japanese work extremely hard yet strive to live a balanced life.

Chowa is a Japanese concept that is both a philosophy and a set of practices that can help get to the heart of what is most important and change our way of thinking about ourselves and others. Chowa is about balancing priorities and relationships and finding inner strength and flexibility in times of change and difficulty.

During the entire 2 1/2 months of living in Japan, I never once witnessed an angry or impatient Japanese man or woman. Not to mention how polite they were and went out of their way to always make me feel comfortable in their country. 

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Japan, I guarantee it will alter you. 
++++++++++++++++++++
Japanese style and design...


Let's start with the style and design of Japanese gardens.

One thing you immediately notice in Japan is the impeccable attention that goes into their gardens. I once stood on the sidewalk and watched a gardener prune a tree with such care and detail. And the whole time he was doing it, he had a smile on his face, as if he was communicating with the tree.

Japanese gardens are both an art form and a philosophy.

The Seven Principles of a Japanese Garden-


Zen gardens are structured around seven guiding principles: Austerity, Simplicity, Naturalness, Asymmetry, Mystery or Subtlety, Magical or Unconventional, and Stillness.

Here are a few examples...



Japanese Interior Design-

1) The use of natural materials and a muted color palette

Warm and earthy color palette, full of warm whites, beiges, and browns. Natural warmth of wood on large furniture, and natural materials like linen, rattan, paper and jutes on accessories and decorations.


2) Keep it clean and minimal

Minimalism and elegant emptiness. Reduce the clutter and do not overload the eye with too many decorations or accessories (note: this is something I feel very much the same about in my home space).


3) Use low and clean furniture

The furniture style is linear and low to the ground. Use a modern style, with simple and clean lines, no fuss but classy and timeless.

I like the look and feel of Japanese interior design because I'm a minimalist. And I don't like a lot of bright colors in my living space. I prefer the color to be subliminal. Relaxing and calming.

The homes I visited in Japan gave me a sense of peacefulness. The Japanese enjoy bringing the outdoors indoors because nature is a major part of their philosophy. 

Here are several examples of Japanese interior design. Notice how it makes the most of the space; how everything is so streamlined; how open, airy, and full of natural light the spaces are...






And to show you just how passionate I am about all things Japanese, I even use skincare that was formulated in Japan. It's called, Tatcha.
 
Not only is it highly effective, but exquisitely packaged as well. And that is typical of anything created in Japan - it's all about the presentation and quality. What I especially love about Asian skincare is they believe that taking care of your skin should be an enjoyable ritual. The Japanese are superior in skincare. All you have to do is look at their skin and you'll see what I mean.


Thank you all for indulging me today in my once-a-year post; gushing over my love and admiration for Japan.

I leave you with its beauty...



Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu! 💗

どうもありがとうございます

Means: "Thank you very much" in Japanese. 




26 comments:

  1. Ron, I loved this post for TWO reasons. I'm also very attracted to all things Japanese. And I also use Tatcha skincare. Isn't it incredible? It's rather pricey, but I don't care because of all the brands I've tried, I see the best results from Tatcha. Don't you love their rice polish? I use the classic. A jar of that will last me almost five months. And that's using it every day. Like you said, all you have to do is look at the Japanese skin to see how brilliant they are in skincare. I have sensitive skin, so Tatcha is perfect.

    Japan is on my bucket list of places I want to visit. I would LOVE to be there for 2 1/2 months!!! I believe you said you worked there if I'm not mistaken. How cool!

    The images you shared of the exterior and interior style and design are gorgeous. And speaking of gardens, I have a small Zen water fountain in my bedroom. I like to turn it on at night because the sound helps me fall asleep.

    Wonderful post, Ron! "Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu!"

    And keep on writing about Japan. I love it! xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oops, forgot to ask in my first comment. What is that beautiful brush/bowl thingie in the Tatcha collage?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hola, Denise!

    OMG, I just about died reading your comment about also using Tatcha! Being a product junkie that you are, why am I NOT surprised? LOL!

    And ditto, I know it's pricey, but I don't care either because it WORKS. Also, I do get a discount because the store I work in carries the brand. Yup, I use the rice wash too. FAB-U-LOUS! (I use the gentle one). And like you said, a jar lasts forever! They just came out with a retinol alternative, which I haven't bought yet, but got samples. It's incredible! And I also love the new body products. Not only are they good, but they smell heavenly.

    Yes, you are correct, I worked there. If you ever get the opportunity to go to Japan, go. You'll love it. I know you will. And be sure to visit Kyoto.

    HA! I used to have a Zen fountain too. I had it in my Florida apartment when I lived there. I used to turn it on when I meditated.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! And keep on using Tatcha!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's a bowl and brush used to mix the rice powder. Isn't it beautiful? That's one Tacha item I don't have. LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ron, I don't think I ever mentioned this before but I was seriously considering architecture school, but then changed my mind. Part of the program included architecture history and theory of design. Ironically, Japanese architecture was one that most fascinated me.

    What I love about it are the clean lines and minimalism. I also like it's use of various woods and muted colors. I like color, but not in my home space.

    The photos you shared are prime examples of Japanese style, design, and architecture. The garden images are so beautiful. And that interior photo of the wooden entertainment shelf cover is so cool! I like that it slides back and forth.

    Lucky you that you spent over two months in Japan. Before the pandemic, I was contemplating a visit to Tokyto but then traveling came to a complete hault. Your post got me very excited to try again.

    Another thing I admire the Japanese for is their technology. Their automobiles are the best.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Goooood morning, Daniel!

    How COOL that you considered architecture school! I briefly dated an architecture when I was still living in Florida and he said it was very time consuming because of all the projects that were due. He loved it though!

    "What I love about it are the clean lines and minimalism. I also like it's use of various woods and muted colors. I like color, but not in my home space."


    Ditto! I like color too, but not in my home space. I'm that way with my clothes as well. I wear primarily black. I really enjoy seeing others wearing bright, colorful clothes, but not on me.

    Yes! Isn't the wooden entertainment cover the BOMB? You see, that's why I love their sense of style and design. Nothing is wasted and it all has a specific purpose.

    I adored my time in Japan. I didn't get the chance to visit Tokyo because I was worked every single day. All the sightseeing I did was done early morning or after my last show at around 6 pm. So it was hard to travel far.

    "Their automobiles are the best."

    Agree! I once owned a Toyota, which lasted me years and years and years. The best!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you get to Japan soon. You'll fall in love with it. I know!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ron, have you ever heard of the book: 'Decluttering: Japanese Art of Tidying Up:'? Well, I read it about a year ago and it changed my whole perception of clutter and living a more minimalistic life. I'm a natural born hoarder, so it was challenging for me to go the other way. But I have to say that not only did it make my home space look better, but it also cleared my cluttered mind.

    Do you know what I really noticed about all the photos you shared? Japanese style and design makes you feel like you can breathe better. Do you know what I mean? Like you said, open, airy, and full of light!

    I work with a girl from South Korea and her skin is flawless. Not heard of Tatcha, but I will check it out.

    Thank you for another interesting post, Ron!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Greetings, Candice!

    No, I never heard of that book but I have heard of others with very similar topics. And it's funny because every one of them was based on Japanese culture. Isn't it something how when you declutter and live more minimalistically, it declutters your mind? I like a clean, decluttered space because it calms me. Plus, my apartment is very small (250 square feet), so it's especially important that I keep it minimal and decluttered.

    And yes, I most certainly do know what you mean about being able to breathe better because I feel the same way. And ever though my apartment is small, I have a lot of windows, which makes it appear larger because of the openness and sunlight.

    I love all things K Beauty, so I'm not surprised to read that she had flawless skin. I've used several Asian brands, but Tatcha is by far the best.

    Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a grrrrreat rest of your week!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ron, I always enjoy reading your posts about Japan because your love 💚 and admiration 🙏 shine through every word. And it's so amazing that you posted about this topic because my girlfriend and I were talking about the possibility of going either late summer or early fall.

    Being an artist myself, I can so understand your love of Japanese style and design. It's INCREDIBLE! It's an art form all its own. And a brilliant one at that.

    Btw, my girlfriend (being a product addict) read this post too and is now checking out Tatcha LoL 😂

    Cool post, dude!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hiya, Matt!

    Aw, thanks, buddy! I sometimes get carried away with my Japan posts because I love that place so much.

    Awesome to hear about your plans to visit Japan!!!! I think both of you will love it as much as I do. Japan is the perfect country for artists to visit because it's so artistic. Everything they do is an "art".

    May I make a recommendation? Try to make your plans in the fall because summertime in Japan is INCREDIBLY hot and humid. I was there during the summer and vowed that if I ever went back, it would NEVER be summertime.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Always enjoy our conversations.

    X

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ron, I'm happy you posted this because I, too, love Japanese style! Perhaps it's the Virgo in me, but I relate deeply to their use of natural materials, minimal spaces, and saying Good Riddance to clutter!


    The photos you selected perfectly illustrate just what Japanese style looks like. All those natural colors (not a screaming orange in the bunch!), and the precise use of their stuff. Nothing looks out of place or over-the-top. I can easily see myself living just like that (well, perhaps Monkey might have a different opinion, but he'd have to acclimate, ha!)


    Have a super rest of your week, my friend. We're awaiting rain and a cold front for Friday, but the weekend should be fabulous! xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Helloooooooooooo there, Debbie!

    " Perhaps it's the Virgo in me, but I relate deeply to their use of natural materials, minimal spaces, and saying Good Riddance to clutter!"

    Yes! And I'm a Libra with a Virgo rising, so I am VERY Virgo. Agreed! It must be something in our personality that prefers neat, clean, and minimal. I can't stand clutter of any kind. Makes me nervous. LOL!

    "All those natural colors (not a screaming orange in the bunch!), and the precise use of their stuff. Nothing looks out of place or over-the-top. I can easily see myself living just like that (well, perhaps Monkey might have a different opinion, but he'd have to acclimate, ha!)"

    Don't you just love the simplicity and minimalism those interior designs are? I love that kitchen too. I love those green cabinets. Ha! And I think Monkey would like it too.

    Always a delight to read your comments, my friend. Thanks so much for stopping by today.

    Yup, we're having the same cold front at the moment. No rain, but much cooler temps. And trust me, I'm savoring it because I can't stand summer heat and humidity. Which I think we're going to get a lot of the year. UGH!

    Have FAB weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  13. Such and interesting post, Ron! You know, I guess I've been Japanese all the while when it comes to my sense of design, style, and taste. I like thing simple, clean, soft, natural color, and no clutter. Oh dear god, I used to have a roommate who invented the term 'hoarder' because she had collections of EVERTHING. And she never, and I mean NEVER threw anything out. Her room looked like a department store. A junkie department store. We shared a bathroom and every time I cleaned and organize it, she would DE-organize it. She was a S.L.O.B.

    I love the color of those kitchen cabinets in that photograph. And I also love how all the colors a soft and easy on the eyes.

    Oh, and that tree mural (or wallpaper )in the bedroom is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Clair, your comment was freaking HYSTERICAL! I laughed my ass off!!!! And I'm with you, NO roommates for me. I only lived with others once. It was a very large house in Orlando, Florida with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. We each had our own room. And thank heavens everyone who lived there was neat, clean, and considerate. But still, unless I am in a relationship with someone, I prefer to live all by myself, thank you very much.

    "I love the color of those kitchen cabinets in that photograph. And I also love how all the colors a soft and easy on the eyes."

    Isn't that kitchen faaaaaaabulous? I too love those green cabinets. And it's a great shade of green.

    I don't know if that's a mural or wallpaper. Probably wallpaper. But I agree, it's gorgeous!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Have an awesome weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am a huge fan of Japanese design. So serene and calming. Japan is on my travel bucket list, and I hope to visit someday.
    For many years, my father worked for a Japanese company and was able to travel there, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He also took a Japanese language class in order to communicate with his coworkers, so he is fluent in the language!

    This was a really lovely post, my friend. Thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful weekend! 😘

    ReplyDelete
  16. You too, Kari?

    You see, that's yet another thing you and I have in common - Japanese design! Yes, like you said, serene and calm.

    "Japan is on my travel bucket list, and I hope to visit someday. For many years, my father worked for a Japanese company and was able to travel there, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He also took a Japanese language class in order to communicate with his coworkers, so he is fluent in the language!"

    Oh, how AWESOME! And I applaud him for being fluent in the language because it's not an easy language to learn. But what I love about it is how its written because even that is a work of art. I used to enjoy watching several members of our stage crew write the language. I found it fascinating!

    Always a joy to read your comments, my friend. Have a fantabulous weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  17. Big fan of minimalism and decluttering. To me, less is more. I'm very sensitive to my surroundings, so it's important that I keep my home space clean and organize.

    And I'm curious, what are your top 3 favorites from Tatcha? I used it years ago and then stopped to try other brands. However, I went back to it because I didn't find anything that worked as well. I have sensitive skin, so Tatcha is ideal. Isn't the essence fantastic? Expensive, but so worth it. I also love their moisturizers and vitamin c mask.

    Ron, you put so much time and effort into your posts. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Morning, Abby!

    I feel exactly like you when it comes to my home space. My studio apartment is very small, so it's important that I keep it organized and minimal as possible. I do very well in small spaces. All my life I've lived in studio apartments. I like how easy they are to clean. What's really amazing about all the spaces in Japan is that they are small, but have everything you need to be comfortable. Living there made me realize how little I need to be content with my living space.

    You use Tatcha too? And I agree, their products work so well. Yes, expensive, but it's the one thing I allow myself the luxury because I really enjoy taking care of my skin. I also love the whole "ritual" of Tatcha skincare. My top three are the rice powder (gentle), the essence (yes, fantastic!), and the overnight repair (genus product!). I also love their rice face wash and vitamin c serum, They just came out with a retinol alternative serum, which I've been using for a few weeks and love it! What I really love about Tatcha is that it's not aggressive, but it works like nothing else I've ever tried.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words. Hope you're having a great weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yes Ron, I saw (on their website) the new retinal alternative serum ( silk serum) and read the reviews. I have a feeling it will be my next purchase. LOL! I use the rice powder as well. What I like about their products is that you used very little to get results, so to me they are worth the price. They also offer gift sets that are not overly expensive, so you can try all their products.

    " What's really amazing about all the spaces in Japan is that they are small, but have everything they need to be comfortable. Living there made me realize how little I need to be content with my living space." - that's why I believe in 'less is more.'

    ReplyDelete
  20. I like that serum because I feel that it's just as effective as retinol, but with no irritation or dryness. That's why I like their vitamin C serum as well.

    Their gift sets are the BOMB! And they are the perfect way to try all their products.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hey Ron! Popping in to see you and I hope to post by the weekend. I love all the photos you’ve chosen. Such beauty! I’ve been obsessed with Japanese gardens for a while now. Whenever we visit a botanical garden, I’m always drawn to the Japanese gardens. I do love the minimalism and the peacefulness of how they are laid out. And those curved bridges are so charming. And how cool are bonsai trees? Last fall, when we were at a botanical garden in Columbus, we saw quite a few really old bonsai trees. Amazing! And aren’t those little pagoda houses darling? I’d like one for my garden.

    You know, I’ve not seen my Japanese architecture, but it reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater in your state in a place I’ve always wanted to visit. I love the clean lines and light colored wood.

    You will never believe where my son and daughter-in-law are right now. Tokyo!!! They just arrived yesterday for a two week vacation in Japan. They are having a baby in September, so this is their last big trip for a while. I’m excited for them. Last night, they did karaoke, which is very popular in Asia. If they send me a lot of pictures, I’ll share them with you.

    Hope you’re having a great week! XO

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hellooooooooooooo there, my friend!

    FAB to see you! I figured you were doing some traveling since you mentioned that in one your recent posts. Can't wait to read and see your upcoming posts!

    Aren't Japanese gardens stunning? Like you said, I find them incredibly peaceful. There is something very ZEN about them. They have a beautiful energy you can feel.

    Yes to bonsai trees and pagoda's! When I was in Kyoto, Japan, the trees, pagoda's and temples were breathtaking~

    " it reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater in your state in a place I’ve always wanted to visit."

    OMG, you are absolutely correct about that, they DO resemble Frank Lloyd Wright! I really need to go to Springfield, PA to see that house!!!

    "You will never believe where my son and daughter-in-law are right now. Tokyo!!! They just arrived yesterday for a two week vacation in Japan."


    Holy moly, that is soooooooooooooo cool! I think I remember you mentioning something about that in one of your comments months ago. You know, I never did have the time to visit Tokyo when I was there because I was working all the time. But it looks like such an amazing city. I bet you can't wait to see the photos when they return! And yes, karaoke is VERY popular in Asia. I remember a club we went to in Kobe that did karaoke. And they LOVE to do American songs!

    Much thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a great week too!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ron, my sister who lives in NY went to Japan about 5 years ago and when she got back, she expressed everything you said about the country, the people, and the whole culture. Like you, she felt transformed. What most impressed her was how limited space is, but yet everything is so organized, clean and just beautiful. She said that Americans need to visit that country to learn so many things.

    She couldn't get over how polite and kind they were, and went out if their way to lean and speak English.

    Gorgeous photos, Ron! GOD, how I love that kitchen. And that shot of the bedroom with the pink cherry blossom tree. I love the whole color scheme of that room. Those two final images are breathtaking!

    I agree, less is more.

    Hope you're having a great week, dear Ron! xoxo

    Hasn't the weather been perfect?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your sister went to Japan too? How wonderful!!!! I'll tell you, everyone I've EVER spoken with who has either visited or lived in Japan says the same thing. And I agree....the Japanese went out of their way to speak English so that we all felt comfortable. In fact, most Japanese speak English as well as the native tongue. And speaking of hotel rooms, mine was incredible too. We all had our own rooms, which were fantastic. And the bathrooms were incredible. The bathtub/ shower was HUGE.

    I love the room too. Isn't the mural stunning?

    Yes, I'm having a fantastic week, my friend. Hope you are too!

    And yes, the weather has been glorious. Not too hot at all. I went out to Ardmore today and had the best time.

    Have a great rest of your week!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  25. You know how much I LOVE this post, Ron!!
    Balance is a great way to describe Japan. I was recently reading about a couple books written by a neuroscientist that look interesting and one is about 'nagomi', which I think means balance.
    I have such a mix of decor going in our home that it's certainly not minimalist living. While I do appreciate the style, I'm definitely (for now anyway) more of a maximalist. Uh, maybe a better term would be... clutterist! haha!
    I am drawn to many things about Japanese style though... the gardens, wood, cleanliness, peacefulness! I can understand some of why you enjoyed your time living in Japan. And feeling that there was a strong connection for you there.
    Maybe I was a Geisha in a past life?? LOL I have the tattoo, the border in our bedroom, the books, the paintings, and since my mother-in-law passed... some of her collection of figurines. (I'll have to post them someday!)
    I watch many things on YouTube, and some recently that have interested me are of people who buy old abandoned houses in the Japanese countryside and then slowly renovate/restore them. One woman bought an entire estate for about 100k. A couple bought a house for 8k which I think was originally built in the 1800's.
    Have you ever been to Shofuso? It's a Japanese garden/house in West Fairmount Park? We bought tickets and visited quite a few years ago, but it was lovely.
    ~Mary

    ReplyDelete
  26. OMG Mary, I was sooooooooooooooooooo thinking of YOU when I was preparing this post because of our mutul love of Geisha's and all things JAPANESE!

    I will have to Google 'nagomi' and read up on that!

    "I am drawn to many things about Japanese style though... the gardens, wood, cleanliness, peacefulness! I can understand some of why you enjoyed your time living in Japan. And feeling that there was a strong connection for you there.Maybe I was a Geisha in a past life?? LOL"

    Me as well! And yes, perhaps we were BOTH Geisha's in a past life. LOL! As I shared before on past blog posts, the whole time I was in Japan, it all seemed so familiar. As if I had come HOME.

    "...people who buy old abandoned houses in the Japanese countryside and then slowly renovate/restore them. One woman bought an entire estate for about 100k. A couple bought a house for 8k which I think was originally built in the 1800's."

    That's another thing that I will have to search for on You Tube because I would love to know more about that! Thanks for mentioning that!

    No, I have never been there, but again, thanks so much for mentioning it because I may try and go there next week on one of my days off. I Googled it and thought it looked STUNNING!

    Much thanks for stopping by and sharing, my friend!

    X

    ReplyDelete

I moderate all comments before publishing. Thank you for stopping by.