Japanese-Inspired Home Décor: Why we love it and why you should take note!
Offering infinite inspiration, not just for travel, but also for home interiors and décor – it’s why we’ve carefully selected Japan as one of our key ‘Postcards from’ destinations at Arighi Bianchi.
And as Japan’s iconic 'cherry blossom' blooms in March and April, we think there is no better time than Spring to highlight the rich culture and how we incorporate it into our inspiration right here in Cheshire.
Ceremonial tea, cherry blossoms, imperial palaces, ancient Samurai culture and ethereal mountain temples are all woven into Japan’s rich culture. Not to mention its advanced technology, innovation and the art of mindful living that is woven into every aspect of its daily life and interior design.
Travel to Japan is booming – is it on your travel bucket list?
The combination of Japan’s diverse and unique culture together with its stunning scenery, from the bustling neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji; the peaceful temples of Kyoto to the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific islands, it’s easy to see why Japan appears on so many travel-lover’s bucket list.
Japan hit a record 37 million tourists in 2024 – a YOY increase of 47% (source Bloomberg, Jan 2025). A weaker yen means that dining, shopping, accommodation and transportation are now all cheaper in Japan than they once were, and this is thought to be a key driver behind the surge, alongside the enduring appeal of Japanese culture.
Who hasn’t dreamed, at some point or other, of admiring the beauty of Sakura cherry blossoms in full bloom, wandering through serene bamboo forests and tranquil gardens, soaking in a relaxing onsen or hot spring, or exploring the vibrant streets and hidden gems that Tokyo has to offer?
Postcards from Japan - Bringing the essence of Japanese style in your home
Our new Postcards from Japan furniture and accessories collection has landed at Arighi Bianchi. Offering you the opportunity to bring the essence of Japanese style into your home and to practice the art of mindful living.
From the timeless appeal of traditional ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) to the simplicity of contemporary apartment living, the essence of Japanese interior design is firmly rooted in harmony, balance, and an intrinsic connection to nature. The warmth of natural wood, the beauty of handcrafted ceramics, or the relaxing influence of neutral tones and soft lighting, effortlessly creates an undeniably captivating sense of style and peace, all synonymous with the curated Japanese interior aesthetic.
We’ve loved exploring the design philosophies, textures and tones that make it so effortlessly chic. Within our collection you find beautifully crafted furniture, warm wood tones, delicate ceramics, cushions featuring Japan-inspired botanical patterns and Oriental birds, soft linen textiles, natural materials like bamboo, jute, and stone, and minimalist décor pieces that will bring a touch of the Japanese aesthetic into your home.
Japandi and Wabi-Sabi - Two key philosophies in Japanese Interior design
Japanese home décor is a versatile aesthetic that blends seamlessly with other design principles, particularly Japandi, which fuses Japanese minimalism with warm Scandi influence, and Wabi-sabi, which celebrates imperfection and authenticity. Each style can easily be tailored to your personal aesthetic while staying true to these core influences of each philosophy.
Japandi focuses on simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo and linen. These elements bring warmth and a connection to nature into your home. The colour palette is typically understated, featuring earthy and neutral tones like beige, cream, grey and light brown, promoting a serene and relaxed atmosphere.
Wabi-sabi finds beauty in imperfection and simplicity and is currently influencing UK interiors. This approach encourages the use of natural materials and textures, creating calming and balanced spaces that embrace the imperfect and transient nature of objects. This aesthetic celebrates imperfection, transience, and authenticity. Weathered materials, handcrafted items, and asymmetry are embraced as part of the design and go hand in hand with the ‘modern organic’ interior trend that is very much in the spotlight.
Japanese interior design also takes a Zen approach, which focuses on balance and mindfulness.
So how do you introduce the Japanese interior aesthetic into your home?
We’ve curated a helpful selection of furniture and accessories that captures the essence of Japanese interiors and will inspire you in your own spaces.
Furniture choice is about clean lines and organic pieces crafted from wood, bamboo and stone to bring warmth and authenticity to your space. Key to achieving the look is choosing low-profile furniture, such as sleek wooden coffee tables and minimalist bed frames that echo the grounded, tranquil aesthetic of traditional Japanese homes.
Clockwise from Top Left: Ludlow Slatted Console Table, Dixie Four Poster Bed, Pompeii Sideboard, Canobie Coffee Table
Layering textures complements the Japanese inspired aesthetic. Linen cushions, woven rugs and translucent shoji-style screens all work to create a calming environment.
Soft furnishings featuring iconic Japanese motifs, such as delicate cherry blossoms or graceful cranes, will infuse your space with an elegant touch of Japanese-inspired style. Statement lighting, inspired by Japanese paper lanterns, fosters a soft, ambient glow throughout your space and offers a simple and effective way to completely transform the feel of your room.
With accessories, embrace the Japanese philosophy of ‘Ma’, the intentional use of negative space by keeping décor minimal and purposeful. For example, in Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, the space left between the flowers is seen as being equally important to the flowers themselves.
As ‘openness’ is a key principle of ‘Ma’, rather than filling or overdecorating a room, try embracing the idea of space and allowing décor to breathe and flow effortlessly. A single sculptural vase, a thoughtfully placed bonsai, or a delicate ceramic tea set can make just as much impact as a fully styled shelf.
Embrace the Japanese way of living
Japan is so much more than just a travel destination—rather it’s a philosophy, a way of life rooted in harmony, simplicity and a deep connection to the natural world. By embracing natural materials, neutral tones and thoughtfully curated Japanese-inspired pieces, it’s easy to bring that same sense of tranquillity and chic simplicity into your home to create maximum impact aesthetically and mindfully.
Visit us in-store to browse our curated Japanese-inspired décor or explore our collection online.
Here's two of our favourite products in the new collection
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