10 Zen-Conjuring Bedrooms That Encourage Calm
Slumber in serenity with simplicity-celebrating bedroom ideas borrowed from the Japanese
According to sleep specialists and the practice of sleep hygiene, bedrooms should be uncluttered and free of distractions, such as a workspace or TV. What better place to search for this kind of simplicity and restfulness than in Zen- and Japanese-inspired design?
Even if Japanese design doesn't appeal to you, there are elements we can steal to simplify any style. There are the more obvious features of Japanese design, like shoji screens, platform beds, bamboo mats and blossoming branches. And there are the subtler ingredients — a focus on symmetry, the color black and natural materials — that aid simplicity but don't read as themed.
Here are 10 Zen-inspired bedrooms, some of them outwardly Japanese in style and some of them not. All of them are as simple, restful and peaceful as a deep sigh.
Even if Japanese design doesn't appeal to you, there are elements we can steal to simplify any style. There are the more obvious features of Japanese design, like shoji screens, platform beds, bamboo mats and blossoming branches. And there are the subtler ingredients — a focus on symmetry, the color black and natural materials — that aid simplicity but don't read as themed.
Here are 10 Zen-inspired bedrooms, some of them outwardly Japanese in style and some of them not. All of them are as simple, restful and peaceful as a deep sigh.
Modern Zen. This extremely simple bedroom also has touches of glamour and opulence. The materials, bedspread, thick carpeting and formal drapes give it a romance and warmth not usually associated with Japanese design.
This is another example of modern Zen. It borders on cell-like, but the warmth of the wood saves it and gives it a crisp elegance.
A more obvious Japanese-style room with bamboo mats, shoji screens and sconces. Even without the obvious clues, the elemental ingredients are here: symmetry, clean lines, natural materials and a total absence of clutter.
This bedroom marries a plusher traditional style with the simplicity and symmetry of Zen style. The results are cozy but uncluttered.
This is earthy, warm Zen. Simple Japanese design does not mean going completely plain and adornment free. There is room for color and pattern as long as it is minimal.
French flea market meets Zen master. The actual pieces have nothing to do with Zen or Japanese design, but the arrangement and the color scheme take their cue not from the provenance of the furniture but from the idea of calm simplicity. I love this room.
These wood-paneled walls could have so easily led to a cabin-by-the-lake style with colorful wool blankets and oars as decor. Instead the room is Zen cabin all the way.
Another Zen-inspired room that could almost take a turn for the severe except for the warmth of the wood, the soft colors of the painting and the toasty beige wall.
Sunny, modern California Zen (except it happens to be in D.C.). This simple and uncluttered room is made cheerful with sunlight and warm wood.
I love this eclectic take on Japanese simplicity. Here we find symmetry, a hint of shoji screens in the lampshades, sculptural branches on the bedspread and a general uncluttered and calming feeling.