Zen: Practical, Fresh, and Intuitive Interior Design

Zen is defined in Google as “a Japanese school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing the value of meditation and intuition”. Trying to explain this term or reducing it to just one concept is a difficult thing to do.

Zen can be so many things. After all, how would you describe the taste of salt to someone who has not encountered it in his entire life? This practice must be experienced so that you can begin to understand its beauty, its concept and its spiritual and intellectual standpoints.

Zen in Zen-Buddhism

It is crucial to understand the meditative properties of Zen. This, after all, literally means meditation. This is a way of self-discovery and vigilance and is practiced by sitting on a cushion.

When applied in interior design, you have to keep these concepts in mind. It would be wrong to have bulky furniture or pieces that are floating off the floor.

Zen also spells peace and calm. Just picture Zen gardens and see how the principles and concepts there can be used in your habitat.

Zen Interiors

Your overall goal for Zen interior design is to create an inspiring space, one that does not look complex or dressed up.

Zen means you will have to use clean, straight lines. Never use busy patterns that will tend to cloud the person’s mind. You must also consider how to conceal your storage space. Zen, after all, must be uncluttered.

Zen also means having beautiful and natural materials on your open space. Use only the low impact hues such as those that were derived from nature (think of greens and browns).

Zen decorating is an awesome idea. More and more people are now using it in their homes. The purpose of decorating with this style is to have your home turned into a sanctuary of sorts. If you haven’t yet, gradually reduce the clutter in your space.

Use only the smallest decorative pieces so that they won’t create visual clutter. Be sure to clear all surfaces – from the table tops, walls, to tables.

Is Zen a radical concept then?

Well, both yes and no. Yes because it is a class of its own and no because it is similar to other designs such as minimalism and Asian style.

You may find similarities with Asian-inspired styles because Zen is basically that. Easterners have a heighted sense of spiritual awareness (especially the Japanese, Chinese and the Hindus) that they love to incorporate in designing their homes.

Zen Simplified

Zen interior design is elegant yet unpretentious. The design elements are there to calm the mind. In that space, art and nature effortlessly interact with each other.

To simplify, you must consider losing all the stuff that you don’t use. Hold a series of decluttering projects. You will soon observe that you will feel lighter once the non-necessities have been removed.

When it comes to Zen furniture, gather all the couches and chairs that you don’t need. See also if you have extra side tables, tables and cluttered pieces. Zen interiors has lots of clear space.

Still on furniture shopping for your new Zen home, make sure that the pieces are durable. Always go for earthy colors in the softest tones. Choose beige, whites, grays, and greens.

Add contour to your monochrome setup by combining the dominant hue with textured textiles (e.g. fusing white with moleskin). Don’t be afraid to create diversity.

Lastly, since Zen interior design is all about staying as close to the floor as possible, then you have to worry about the softness under your feet. Have a neutral-colored carpet installed to complete the look of your new serene home.