5 Ways To Transform Your BTO/HDB Into A Zen & Minimalist Japanese-Style Home

By Wei Yin on 24 Apr 2020

Digital Editor

An INFP who enjoys watching sappy Korean dramas in her free time. Good food and cute dogs are all she needs.

There's just something about the clutter-free look, minimalist vibe and relaxing ambience that make a Japanese-style home so mesmerising.

If you will be moving into a new home soon and want to achieve that same zen and minimalist Japanese-style home, here are some ways to transform your safe haven into one.

Read on to find out more and take inspiration from the images below!

#1 Wood, wood and more wood

Photo from @张小北 via 小红书

To achieve a Japanese-style home, wood is definitely the material to go for when considering furniture and interior design. Wood gives your house a 'natural' look which is the vibe you want to go for.

Make use of wood throughout your home for a calming effect whenever you step in after a long day outside. Go for wood in lighter colours or slightly darker like the ones in the images above, but make sure not to go too dark as that could make you feel stifled.

#2 Incorporate nature into your home

Photo from @漫无目地 via 小红书

Incorporating nature into your home is a great way to channel Japanese-style home vibes. Choose bonsai and bamboo for an authentic Japanese-style home but if those are not your type of plants, here are some gorgeous low-maintenance plants to add to your home instead.

Remember though, the trick is to choose green plants because it's rare to see Japanese homes filled with colourful flora.

#3 Use your balcony as a tea drinking or meditating space

Photo from @漫无目地 via 小红书

Rather than drinking tea on your dining table, make it a real Japanese experience in your own home by using your balcony as a tea drinking area. Place a carpet or mat on the floor and some floor cushions. Place all your tea ware and snacks on a low table.

If you don't have a balcony, you could use a divider like the image above to section off a portion of your living room to make it look like a balcony. It can also be used as a meditation area to relax in.

#4 White, brown and grey colour palette

Photo from @斐亨家具买手仓 via 小红书

When choosing the colour palette for your home, we recommend going for cosy neutral colours such as white, brown and grey. These colours will make your house appear bigger and is in line with the Japanese-style. Grey is a good accent colour that isn't too dark but will help to spruce up the space.

#5 Opt for sliding doors

Photo from @斐亨家具买手仓 via 小红书

Shōji is a door, window or room divider used in traditional Japanese architecture, consisting of translucent or opaque sheets on a lattice frame. Replicate that same feel by opting for sliding doors for your kitchen and balcony. Choose translucent screens to let natural light flow through or opaque ones if you prefer more privacy.