Japanese style furniture has long enjoyed a reputation among the “elite” world of interior designers.  Some say it’s the contemporary clean lines and abundant use of white space that has catapulted this style to the upper echelons of modern decorating.  Others attribute the popularity of Japanese furniture in the West to its uncluttered appearance, which is a marked difference from the “lived in” look of most American homes.

Let’s face it, very few homeowners in the U.S. are going out and seeking a minimalist look.  The culture of this country has always been based on conspicuous consumption and oversized possessions.  We want the largest plasma TV screen, the longest dining room table and a couple of overstuffed recliners; hardly a great combination for Feng Shui or Japanese style furniture.

Most designers would agree; the best room to start with your Japanese is usually the bedroom.  Why?  Because Japanese style furniture is the most restful style of décor for creating a peaceful oasis, and where better to do this than in the bedroom.  All the elements are already familiar to most homeowners, including futons, platform beds, Shoji room dividers, Sumi ink paintings and dark wood dressers.  Some like to add tatami mats on the floor to coordinate with the organic color palette.  Fortunately, all of these simple elements are available at online stores like Chopa.com.

Can Japanese style furniture make your home feel more spacious?

The answer is a definitive “yes.”  It is this one feature that has captivated so many designers.  According to a recent blog post on Chopa.com, “Japanese Style Furniture Can Make Your Home Look More Spacious,” it is clear that the best designers are already using Zen and Japanese elements precisely for this reason.  The article also reminds homeowners to be patient. You can’t transform your home from a cluttered American bungalow to a sleek spacious show house overnight. It takes time.  But there is no doubt that when you’re through, Japanese style furniture will give your home a spacious and peaceful look.

When it comes time to put your home on the market, Japanese style furniture will be an enormous help.  Most of the professional “home stagers” start by incorporating some basic principles of Zen design.    This is a process that can make a home more appealing for a home tour by removing excess furniture and knick knacks.

Whether you start with the bedroom, a meditation area or sitting room, Japanese style furniture has the power to transform the interior of your home.