Do A Traditional Japanesestyle Dining Room

Enjoy dining with friends and family in a Japanese-inspired dining room.

Japanese decor focuses on simplistic elegance. Basic, neutral colors are accented by bold hues. Furnishings are simplistic and serve a definite purpose. Accessories are minimal, yet those that are used reflect the culture and add interest to the space. A Japanese-styled dining room is neat and uncluttered, helping to create a relaxing environment in which to dine. Whether you live in Japan or you want to bring a touch of the Far East into your home, decorating in this style is fairly simple.

Instructions

1. Paint the majority of the walls a neutral color. White, tan or taupe are all colors that will work well in this style dining room. They serve as a neutral backdrop for bold accent colors and artistic accessories. Choose a bold color for an accent wall--red, purple or jade, for instance. This should be applied to the largest wall in the room or the wall that is first seen when you enter.

2. Choose a table that sits low to the floor to create an authentic Japanese dining experience. Surround this low table with decorative pillows, which will be used to sit on. If you prefer using chairs in your dining space, use a taller table and chairs that have straight lines. No matter if you are using a tall or short dining table, it should be simplistic, with straight lines. Black lacquer, cherry wood or bamboo are all materials to consider using.

3. Cover the doors with Japanese-style rice-paper doors. These doors slide open and closed, allowing you to have privacy if so desired. If you don't want the permanence of doors, use Shoji screens instead.

4. Accessorize with Japanese-inspired elements. Hang a Kimono or Samurai swords on the walls. A print of a cherry blossom tree is simple, yet eye-catching, and adds color and interest to the space. Set bamboo place mats on the table. Illuminate the space with Japanese lanterns, which come in a variety of styles, including floor lamps and hanging lamps. Place a bamboo or a fern in a large urn and set it on the floor. Use a potted orchid as a centerpiece on the table.

Tags: dining room, interest space, straight lines, this style