Simplicity, minimalism and functionality are the three key principles in Japanese architecture and interior design. A Japanese kitchen is the most functional and utilitarian space in a Japanese household.

Focusing on the functionality of the kitchen has resulted in its simplification over the years. The Japanese kitchen has become more contemporary, sleek and captivating, while still sending a statement through the architecture.

A Japanese kitchen is not just a place where food is made. Typically, it brings people together. It is a space that integrates cooking, eating and spending family time together, all in a clean, calming environment.

Japanese Kitchen Lighting

The design of a Japanese style kitchen starts with the lighting of the space. Lighting always has great importance in Japanese architecture. Light has the ability to affect the human senses when used correctly in the space. It is scientifically proven that the manipulation of light is capable of giving the user a sense of spaciousness or captivation, peace or distress.

In Japanese design, manipulation of light using different wide openings to allow the space to be well-lit will give the sense of spaciousness and peacefulness. Good natural illumination of the space can be established by having large windows opening up to the natural environment outside, or by having sliding shoji doors opening up to an outside garden or natural scenery.

Natural Materials

When it comes to the materials used, it is pretty important for the Japanese to use natural materials as it has been in their culture and tradition since the beginning of their time. This goes back to the fact that nature is a huge contributor in creation of the style. The natural environment is the symbol of purity, simplicity and peacefulness. Japanese architects and designers strive to mimic the natural environment, to be able to create a minimalist design that proposes peace and serenity through the architecture of the space.

Kitchen Furniture

As we’ve mentioned, the key principals of Japanese style interior design are simplicity, minimalism and functionality. Hence, furniture selection for the kitchen will follow the concepts of straight lines and clean geometry, and are applied to cabinetry, seating, flooring and any artificial lighting.

The counters and dining table are typically made from natural wood, and counter-tops are made from natural marble. The flooring is made from wood left in its natural raw state, or made from stones.

Color Schemes

All elements of the Japanese style kitchen are in harmony with one another and are united by a color scheme that is derived from the natural environment. There are two color schemes used in the typical Japanese kitchen, either light or dark. The end result would always give a warm, cozy, and clean mood to the space.

Japanese architecture has always been fascinating, and the more one gets to look deeper in it the more you’ll be able to understand and respect it. This respect goes back to the fact that this style has been resilient to changes in its concepts and principles which came from their tradition.