Zen-inspired interiors are appreciated for their minimalist approach and unique simplicity. The “less is more” concept of Zen aesthetics is quiet, yet very powerful. Interior Designers, Architects and homeowners who want to apply this unique decor to their kitchens and bathrooms can use the tips mentioned in this post to get some of the best results available to this distinctive, yet homogeneous look. The Zen concept was originated in China as Chan Buddhism, which took place during the Tang Dynasty. Its principles come from the teachings of the Buddha with the term ‘Zen’ taken from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese ‘Chan’, which originated in India with the practise of Dhyana, but has then spread across several Asian countries including Japan, China, and many others. Zen-inspired interiors are appreciated for their minimalist approach and unique simplicity. The “less is more” concept of Zen aesthetics is quiet, yet very powerful. Not only this, but the concept also covers dimensions that include design, space and architecture, with several Zen-inspired gardens and temples in Japan embodying the minimalist concept.
Zen Influenced Interiors
When it comes to home design, Zen interiors mean creating an ambience which reflects harmony, balance, relaxation, and simplicity in design. The design style involves the rule of minimal, and it uses simplicity to deliver the very best in terms of aesthetic sophistication. A Zen design is an excellent way to strike the right balance between your personal and professional life. While the working environment may be generally stressful and chaotic, homes with Zen designs bring in the much-required relaxation and peace to the same space. Increasing stresses and responsibilities of professional lives is now pushing people to search for ways to add balance and harmony in life. This search has made Zen Designs increasingly popular all over the world. Homeowners looking to apply this unique style that originated in Asia to their kitchen and bathroom, first need to understand the aspects involved in creating the right Zen space. Some of the most important aspects are discussed below.
- Make the Colour Selection Wisely
Austerity in colour is a major feature of any Zen Design. It adopts mostly natural colours without using anything that is too loud. White, grey, beige, pink and green are some top colour options. Most of the kitchens and bathrooms with Zen decor prefer these colours as they allow visual continuity through floors, furniture, and walls. Special attention should also be given to the lighting in the room. Zen is a path to enlightenment which revolves around light. Use daylight to your advantage and invest in artificial lighting which can mimic sunlight but can be dimmed to create the right atmosphere.
- Minimalistic Furniture and Installations
When it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, most of the modern furniture and installations feature excessive decorations. This often makes it challenging to find colours that can match the interiors. Thanks to the advancements in manufacturing technologies, there are now several stone surface materials that are available in innumerable colours to match the simplicity of the interiors. Compac White Zement, Unistone Bianco, and CRL Quartz Chalk are some top options that can be considered for kitchen and bathroom installations. Try unique but soothing designs for installations like worktops, islands, vanity tops, backsplashes and upstands to make them match with the cabinets and interiors of the kitchen and the bathrooms.
- Continuity in the Flow of the Room
With a Zen decor, your focus should be on creating spaces that can set the energy free. This can be done by removing all the obstacles that are visible out of the room. This doesn’t mean that you should tear down the walls to set the energy free. Instead, try to envision that the kitchen and bathroom design show be clear, just like the concept of the water flowing. Create an unrestricted and open habitat where rooms can easily dissolve into one another and doorways look like almost-invisible portals.
Break the rules when it comes to bold designs and prefer things that do not attract a lot of attention. Polish slate floors or bare wood, remove door frames made from ornate, patterned wallpaper, and loud curtains and wall art to ensure that the eyes are easily drawn forward to a space that looks empty and serene. Set the imagination free and think that you are creating a cloud for your living.
- Blending Storage Spaces
It is not necessary to turn into a monk if you just want to live like them. Focus on keeping things that you need and eliminate the rest. Even when it comes to things and objects that you may need every now and again, ensure that these are kept out of sight as much as possible. While it might not be easy to simply hide most of the things, use your meditative creativity to store them. Think through and make a list, even if you must, of items that you surely need and items that you can do without. When it comes to the kitchen, the minimal and sparse look that you are aiming for turns into creating an ambience where everything has a proper storage place. As an example, you can have built-in cabinets which disappear into the walls to hold your kitchenware and other items. Use natural stone installations or installations made from engineered materials such as Silestone Blanco Zeus creatively to make sure that none of the things grabs all the attention, and everything works in harmony to create a balanced decor. creatively to make sure that none of the things grabs all the attention, and everything works in harmony to create a balanced decor.
- Imperfection and Asymmetry
Fukinsei, a concept in Zen, means communicating the symmetry of nature by framing things in a manner which is evidently asymmetric and imperfect. While nature is perfect, it is not always necessary that things look the same from the outside too. This Zen concept can be applied to the kitchens and bathroom for the right effect. You can use asymmetric worktops, unique pots and pans, imperfect installations in the bathroom to create the best Zen decor. The missing symmetry of the installations paves the path for a creative act which transforms the aesthetic experience into something that is harmonious and immersive. In short, try to leave some space that is available for co-creation as appearance-wise, Zen decor is not required to be complete or perfect. While these are some of the most important aspects of any Zen decor, let us now have a look at some top ways to implement these aspects.
- Prefer furniture and installations that are low in height
The natural looks and feel of Zen decor come out best through low height furniture. Be it the table or seating of your kitchen, the low height of the furniture draws the eyes upwards, enabling viewers to sense and appreciate the volume and openness of the space. Prefer closed cabinets to open designs, as the things stored in the cabinets could easily divert the attention from the decor of the room. Most importantly, the worktop, island, etc. should have a consistent height to create a visual harmony.
- Go Natural
A crucial part of any Zen decor is using natural and authentic elements. You can use natural materials, natural light, and natural ventilation. Materials like marble and granite are very popular for Zen kitchens and bathrooms. However, there are now engineered materials like Compac Absolute Blanc and Quarella Bianchissimo which look like natural stones and have better physical properties. You can also place small plants and install nature-inspired wall art to enhance the naturalness of the room further.
- Embracing Simplicity
Soft lighting and simpler forms are crucial for Zen decor. Avoid any kind of garish decor, lighting that is harsh, or relying abundantly on ornamentation. Stick to the essentials and prefer basic and fluid shapes and forms for the furniture. You can look for focused task lighting which uses table lights combined with accent lighting that is soft and simple to decorate the edges of the room. This will create the perfect relaxed mood, which is the goal of a Zen room.
- Focus on The Lighting
Zen design is all about minimalism and lightness in terms of visual complexity as well as physical weight. Light, floating and minimal forms are known to offer a calming effect. Be it the overall design of the room or the decor pieces, eliminate everything that is extra weight. Light furniture matching beautiful worktop materials like Caesarstone Pure White or Dekton Zenith would ensure that the kitchen is not just beautiful, but practical too. Even if you want to have plants, prefer long and thin-stemmed options, such as bamboos and Asian plants, as they are light on your eyes.
- Look for Zen Decorations
When it comes to Zen decor, there are a lot of things that can be purchased for kitchens and bathrooms. Water fountains, stones, blossoms, and wall decal made from bamboo are some of the top options. Select them carefully and do not use them in abundance. If you are planning to buy a Zen wall art, one is more than enough for an average size room. If you’ve already installed wall art, avoid adding a lot of other stuff to it. The minimalist outlook should not be lost even if you are adding Zen decorations.
Conclusion
While Zen decor revolves around minimalism, getting it right can be quite challenging in the first attempt. It can be a long learning experience , but would surely help you create spaces that offer an excellent combination of harmony and relaxation. Focus on the Zen aspects discussed in this post and use the tips to complete the journey faster and get the desired outcome. Look for a reputed stone supplier in the UK, as many of them now also offer professional consultation services. Homeowners who are confused with the decor can consult such surface providers to create the right Zen decor.
Published by Jesus Alberto Mouzo on June 27, 2018
