International Design Philosophies To Update The Design Of Your Home

Seek inspiration from around the world and consider these international design philosophies the next time you’re looking to update the design of your home

- Germaine Cheah

With the advancement of technology and ease of travel making the world more accessible, design-savvy homeowners have increasingly started to look for interior design inspiration from all over the world. Often influenced by the particular country’s climate and culture, these design styles go on to become the defining identity of that nation, which then catches on in other parts of the world. Here are some of our favourite global looks with tips on how to adopt them in our local context.

1 Japanese minimalism

Due to its calming effects and neat lines that give the impression of order and tranquiliy, Japanese interior designs have been adopted all over the world. To recreate that relaxed and restful vibe at home, take a few pointers from the country and adorn your space with plenty of nature-inspired elements – like wooden finishes and decorative foliage – as well as lightweight furniture pieces.

People who follow the Japanese way of life generally own as little as possible, meaning that belongings like furniture, accessories and clothing are kept to an absolute minimum. As such, if you’re aiming to create a home with this particular aesthetic, we recommend making it a habit to declutter your space from time to time. If you’re not sure where to start, a simple way to tackle decluttering is to ask yourself if you can live comfortably without that item. And if the answer is “yes”, either get rid of or donate it to someone else.