Japanese Style Homes: 6 Common Features To Look For

‍‍Japanese style homes are not super common in the U.S. – but they are unique and beautiful to see in the wild. Knowing what to look for will help you find one, so today we’re looking at common features of Japanese houses.

Japanese influence on American architecture and design can be seen throughout the US. – for example, mid-century modern design is influenced by Japanese design.

Iconic American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was fascinated by Japanese wood prints and the elements that married indoors and outdoors together.

Traditional Japanese home are called ‘minka’.

Here are 6 popular features of Japanese style houses:

1. Neutral color palettes

You will rarely see bright, contrasting, and overwhelming colors in Japanese style homes, instead neutral color palettes are utilized to ensure a calming, chill environment. Think muted browns, beiges, creams, and other neutral shades with black accents.

2. Minimalism and simplicity

Minimalism and simplicity are integral to Japanese design, and strong and clean lines are often seen throughout Japanese homes. Minimal furniture opens up rooms, relating open and airy spaces.

Remember, less is more.

3. Lack of decoration

As mentioned above, minimalism and simplicity is everything. And that means little to no decoration, excess items, clutter, and trinkets. You’ll sometimes see simple art on the walls, but nothing too excessive allowing the beauty of interior Japanese architecture to shine.

4. Technology

Modern Japanese houses will often have smart homes features and high-tech features throughout, but blended seamlessly with the calm aesthetic. This smart home technology aims to make everyday life easier, simplify tasks, and enhance efficiency.

5. Open floor plans

An open floor plan is very common in Japanese house design, creating open, bright, and airy spaces. One central hallway with a wooden veranda connects the rooms and leads them to the outdoor areas, as mentioned below.

6. Highlighting and incorporating nature

Nature is central to Japanese residential architecture. In traditional homes most rooms will open to the garden via the primary hallway with veranda known as ‘engawa’.

Large windows, sliding glass doors, and thin paper/cloth screens are also used to allow nature to enter the home, material used often allow some air to flow through improving circulation fo air and humidity.

You may have heard the term ‘wabi-sabi’ before, which refers to the appreciation of beauty that is “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete” in nature. This is another way in which Japanese homes emphasis and incorporate nature.