Schemes that incorporate details from Japan’s landscape and culture possess a timeless beauty – think fine silks, trailing cherry blossoms, and delicate screen prints.
From the soft elegance of cherry blossom motifs to the quiet luxury of fine silks and artisanal screen prints, this interior design style has an enduring appeal that lies in its ability to evoke both simplicity and sophistication. Whether interpreted through minimalist silhouettes, organic textures, or poetic wall coverings, Japanese influences are finding fresh expression in today’s interiors.
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Arboreal repeat
Depicting an array of native trees and plants, from weeping willow to cherry blossom, interspersed with calligraphy that resembles poetic waves, this wallpaper is a showcase of Japanese symbolism and texture.
Legendes wallpaper in Burgundy, £133.50 a roll, Casamance
(Image credit: Casamance)
Printed on a brushed straw ground and available in four colourways, including a metallic gold, this design by Casamance beautifully complements the organic movement of Arabescato marble and natural wood as shown here.
By the light of the moon
Tsukimi wallcovering, hand-painted on gilded silk with antiquing, from £1,851 a panel, W91.5cm with variable height, de Gournay.
(Image credit: Stephan Julliard)
The beauty of the natural world and the changing seasons are recurring themes in Japanese art, as are space and light, all of which are celebrated in de Gournay’s Byōbu collection. Named after Japan’s harvest moon festival, this silk wallcovering features feathery grasses and wildflowers illuminated by glowing moons.
Celestial calm
(Image credit: ©MATTIA AQUILA)
With its undulating clouds and floating moons, this design sets the tone for a serene space. Designed by Elisa Defossez, it is pictured in the warm neutral Eclipse colourway, which pairs effortlessly with Japanese-inspired indigo fabrics.
Zen garden
Bench in Suna in 3014F/04; bolster cushions in 3014F/02, £156m, George Spencer Designs
(Image credit: George Spencer Designs)
Influenced by the meditative process of sand raking and its curvaceous shapes, this Suna fabric by George Spencer Design features hypnotic abstract patterning. Available in eight soft, earthy shades, it looks fabulous used on seating with simple silhouettes and dark woods
Into the woods
Torrey Pines wallpaper in Mineral, £189 a roll, Thibaut
(Image credit: Thibaut)
Symbolising longevity in Japanese culture, the soaring pines featured on this wallpaper are a fitting motif for a timeless scheme. It is one of an array of Japanese-inspired designs from Thibaut’s latest collection, Yutori, which references traditional Japanese techniques and showcases natural materials.
Time to shine
Walls in Haiku in Curry, £188m; headboard in Kyoto in Clay, £156m; bedspread in Senso in Curry, £142m, all Larsen
(Image credit: Larsen)
Inspired by a Japanese screen featuring hand-painted pampas grass, this Haiku fabric, on the walls, is a jacquard of silk, wool and cotton. It is paired with a headboard in Kyoto – a fabric with embroidered cordwork reminiscent of Japanese basketry.
Eternal spring
White Blossom wallcovering in Original, from £477.54 a panel, H225xW90cm, Iksel
(Image credit: Iksel)
A fine Edo painting inspired this design, which captures the ephemeral beauty of Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. Earthy tones of paprika, terracotta, olive, and brown bring comforting warmth perfect for bedroom ideas. Pair with a velvet headboard and cocooning cream curtains for a scheme of quiet luxury.
Textural blooms
Chair in Cherry Blossom 11027 584, £261.90m, Stefan Gabel for Zimmer + Rohde
(Image credit: Stefan Gabel for Zimmer + Rohde)
This luxurious velour jacquard fabric elevates simple upholstery into works of art. Featuring trailing cherry blossoms raised in a velvety pile on a cotton satin ground, it comes in four beautiful colourways, from cool blue to glamorous gold.
Our favourite Japanese inspired fabrics
A truly beautiful print based on an antique Japanese kimono print. Comes as a fabric and wallpaper and can of course be used either way.
Harlequin
Kimono Wallpaper
This design, taken from an original Japanese warp print kimono, has been translated onto wallpaper. With the feeling of fabric on the wall, Kimono`s scale is perfectly suited to this wide-width format. A very special transitional design.
Teyssier
Tatami wallpaper
A beautiful textured semi-plain fabric with a mid-century modern feel, perfect for both upholstery and soft furnishings. Inspired by traditional Japanese woven mats.
If you’re not planning a full remodel or a full wallpaper transformation, you can still evoke the serenity and balance of Japanese design through smaller touches. From soft lighting to tactile ceramics and natural materials, these pieces capture the essence of the look, no renovation required.
Bring the Look Home
Soho Home
Aldway Square Cushion
Beautiful printed velvet make this almost iridescent cushion really tactile and deeply luxurious.
This may look like woven cane at first glance, but it is actually carefully handwoven threads of metal. The metal has been finished in antique bronze. A sight to behold.
Oka
Katsura Console Table
Drawing on the elaborate woodwork found in traditional Japanese architecture, this table makes a statement wherever it is placed.
Iconic in every way, this plate set is part of the Oka Icon range. It will never go our of style, rest assured.
Liberty
Mount Stitch in Acacia
One of my all-time favourite Liberty prints. Inspired by Japanese mountainscapes and ancient forests, this dramatic scenic embroidery perfectly complements the printed arboreal and floral artworks in the collection.
Liberty
Persian Gardens Velvet Cushion
A beautiful piece we have adored for a long time. With a Japanese inspired archive print, with the most exquisite illustrations, it is a beautiful and versatile decorative piece.
Much of the Japanese aesthetic is, at its core, very similar to minimalism, which strives for the utmost curation through careful balance and precision. Though the Japanese aesthetic is far more reminiscent of warm minimalism, it balances simplicity with texture and depth.
AloJapan.com