Interior designer Sarah Bianchi has shared her tips on making your home more zen and highlighted the beauty of minimalism, as well as a mistake residents often make when furnishing their abodes
Japanese interior style meets Scandinavian sophistication is quickly gaining popularity in homes this year. Sarah Bianchi, CEO of furniture and interior brand Arighi Bianchi, recently toured Japan to explore its evolving design trends.
She says, ‘Japanese interiors are more than just an aesthetic – they’re a lifestyle choice. They embody simplicity, functionality, and a deep harmony with nature.’
As homeowners move towards calm, clutter-free spaces, here’s how to bring Japanese elegance into your home and what to avoid to keep things calm…
Less, But Better: The Beauty of Minimalism
‘One of the biggest shifts I encourage clients to make is moving away from over-styled, cluttered spaces,’ says Lucy Mather, design expert at Arighi Bianchi. Japanese design is about intentional simplicity, so every piece in a room should serve a purpose. Instead of filling your home with ‘stuff’, focus on quality over quantity. She explains wood, bamboo, and stone bring warmth and authenticity, while soft beiges, muted greys, and earthy browns create a soothing backdrop.
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Thoughtful Lighting
Lighting in a Japanese-inspired space isn’t just functional – it’s atmospheric. Lucy adds, ‘The right lighting creates depth, enhances textures, and influences mood. Rather than harsh overheads, layer your lighting.’ Paper and wicker lanterns diffuse light beautifully, casting warm, soft glows that transform a space from stark to cocooning. Low-hanging pendant lights also work well over dining tables and soft linen curtains help control brightness without blocking the world out.
Blossoms and Botanicals
Lucy says, ‘If there’s one non-negotiable in Japanese interiors, it’s a connection to nature.’ Adding a bonsai tree, oversized potted greenery or a delicate arrangement of cherry blossom branches can make a room feel at one with the outdoors in a stylish way. The expert expands, ‘Even stone, whether in the form of a small Zen Garden or an elegant sculpture, adds a touch of raw, elemental beauty.’
Tokyo Energy: A Modern Contrast
Not all Japanese interiors are muted and soothing. Japan is also home to bold, futuristic design, and Tokyo’s brightly-lit streets are influencing interiors in an unexpected way, Lucy notes. She explains, ‘Think statement neon artwork, graphic prints, or sleek black furniture with calligraphy-inspired designs. Pair these with minimalist layouts and organic textures to stop the space from feeling too high-tech. It’s a balance between the ancient and the ultra-modern, something Japan does so well.’
Zen Bathrooms
Home owners can turn their bathrooms into their own wellness retreats with the right styling. Lucy shares, ‘Freestanding soaking tubs, open-plan wet rooms, and natural materials like hinoki wood create an atmosphere of calm. Layer in soft lighting, scented candles, and matcha-infused fragrances, and you have a bathroom that feels more like a spa.’ The Japanese believe in the ritual of bathing as a form of self-care, and this can be embraced in your own home.
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