Zen Inspired Interior Design

Our homes should be the place where we feel most calm and peace, and what better style to promote these feelings of serenity than a zen inspired space, like those featured in our Japanese Zen Gardens post and our look at Japanese Style Interior Design. In this post we're focussing not only on traditional Japanese zen, but also on its modern adaptations.

1 | Visualizer: EkeInterior

Floor cushions around a low table are an easy way to create an oriental dining zone, along with high contrast dark wood against a soothing warm cream backdrop.

2 | Visualizer: Sergei Davidoff

This example of slightly elevated low seating would prove easier on the knees and back than floor cushions. The shelving that overlaps the edges of the wall column in this design are slightly reminiscent of the silhouette of a Japanese pagoda.

3 | Visualizer: Viktor Fretyán

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5 | Architect: Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

Minimalistic lines are the obvious influence of traditional Japanese interiors on contemporary spaces.

6 | Architect: Edward Suzuki Associates

Balance is key in a zen style home.

7 | Architect: Takuro Yamamoto Architects

Simplicity. Clutter is not part of the zen philosophy.

8 | Photographer: Marser

This is Rurikou-in temple, Kyoto

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The temple is shielded by nature.

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Softness underfoot creates relaxation in a zen room.

11 | Architect: Studio Mumbai

Play with natural light.

12 | Designer: George Nakashima

A zen room is a place of harmony.

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Embrace nature.

14 | Via: Architecture In Transformation

Ideally, a zen room would be free from peace disturbing electronic devices.

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Paper paneled doors never fail to evoke an oriental look, install in doubles for balance.

16 | Via: Live Door

Natural materials are key.

17 | Visualizer: EkeInterior

A low Japanese style platform bed is the obvious winner for a zen bedroom scheme.

18 | Architect: Sanuki + Nishizawa

This is a bold way to bring nature into a scheme with a look of permanence and stability rather than in a moveable pot.

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This contemporary Japanese platform bed includes low slung bedside tables.

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This modern bedroom translates the simplistic lines and warm natural palette of a traditionally zen space.

21 | Designer: Roche Bobois

This up to date play on zen styles out each simplistic element.

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Another fashionable take on the platform bed.

23 | Designer: Roche Bobois

This Japanese inspired bed incorporates an eye-catching illuminated platform, but the room is still based on a zen theory of clean lines and warm natural hues.

24 | Via: SFGirlByBay

This window seat complete with tea kettle is a zen box.

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This platform bed has been updated with a bright bedspread.

26 | Designer: George Nakashima

Paper lanterns are a pretty and cost effective way to light a zen scheme.

27 | Architect: Heidi + Peter Wenger

Zen dining areas can be formal too.

28 | Via: Trilogy Partners

The backs on these floor seats are a welcome addition.

29 | Photographer: Melanie Ko

A basic sunken fire pit can keep things cozy.

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Keep any accent colors uplifting.

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These floor level seats are smoothly carved from a single piece of wood.

32 | Via: Doctor Disruption

A rustic look works well in a zen inspired room.

33 | Via: DHC.co.jp

If your room could open up to a garden then utilize it.

34 | Photographer: Sheyx

Gardens should be washed in zen style too.

35 | Visualizer: Angelina Alexeeva

If you don’t have an outdoor garden, you could always incorporate the zen garden ideal within your interior room, using twisted trees and pebbles.

36 | Visualizer: Evan Mandala

Bamboo and green fronds bring a sense of calm.

37 | Via: Divine Bathroom Designs

An interior zen courtyard is an amazing solution if space allows.

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This highly contemporary straight edged bath tub harks at the minimalistic lines of zen influence.

39 | Architect: Escher GuneWardena Source: LA Times

Another zen garden.

40 | Architect: Aidlin Darling Design

A sunken bath tub takes the minimalistic zen look a step further.

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Zen meditation room.

42 | Architect: Takuro Yamamoto Architects

Another minimalistic adaptation.

43 | Source: Dwell

A border of bamboo need not take up a lot of space.

44 | Architect: MM++

A wide border can hold adventurous planting.

45 | Architect: mA Style

Light-wells work as an ideal place for planting.

46 | Designer: Massimo Iosa Ghini

47 | Designer: Toyo Kitchen

48 | Via: blog.naver.com

49 | Designer: Bakoko

The horizontal lines are quite strong here.

50 | Architect: Milligram Studio

Simplistic furniture.