The Japanese dining room, one of the most desired today. Not only meets the wonders of minimalism, but also permeates tradition, culture, beauty and elegance.
Do you imagine being able to share with your family in a wonderful Japanese dining room or be able to meditate on the doorstep of the Genkan next to your Zen garden?
It is very difficult to encompass all the wonders of Japanese decoration with luxury of details in a single article. However; today we share the smallest details that make up a Japanese dining room so you can create the perfect atmosphere at home Are you ready to start?
Japanese Family Eating
The first thing to note is the size of the table. We begin with this aspect, the most obvious of all. But without which you could not say that you have a Japanese dining room.
There are many reasons attributed to Japanese culture and its lack of use of chairs in communal areas of housing. However; the ones with the most historical weight are two.
The first of these is because the Mongols never came to conquer Japan. The concept of chair as such was taught by the Mongol conquerors that imposed their customs upon all people who submitted. The use of the chair was one of them.
The second aspect is due to tradition. The position of Seiza, which comes from the martial disciplines: karate, aikido and judo. Rather than belonging to a contact sport, are part of the Japanese culture tradition.
Seated in Seiza in front of an interlocutor, you imply that you are listening intently, and that you do not plan to get up and run. It's another way to prove you a good, respectful listener.
Japanese Dining
It reflects humility and commitment to the rest of the people gathered there. The old samurai used this position in the meetings where the peace deals were agreed upon. It was supposed that drawing the katana in that position was too uncomfortable and almost impossible.
For that reason, the Japanese smiths developed smaller knives and the samurai trained in aikido from the Seiza position.
So having so much cultural material from where to express your decoration, what do you say if we start to build it based on this historical account?
Decorating the Japanese Dining Room
If you have already decided to take the big step forward (or better said, down); and adopt the low table for eating and for meetings. Then the next point is to prepare the soil.
Being in a Seiza position is not simple; in fact, the same Japanese have hard times trying to continue with their tradition while being in the West. This is due to the nature of the soil.
The tatami is a very important addition that you cannot ignore, because the other options are: torturing your knees by sitting on the floor, or buying a "modern" Japanese dining table; A higher version that includes chairs with legs.
The tatami is the soft base of bamboo, straw and even polypropylene. The important thing is that it is a smooth surface that shelters us from the hard soil and thanks to it we can be seated comfortably in Seiza.
And in case you were still having trouble choosing the colors, remember that the Japanese decoration is not only minimalist, it is also cozy and humble. So always use this colors: cream, brown, red, white, black and beige.
Green may also be part of the decoration, but only if it is present in plants.
If you already have a tatami under the new table, then we can start with the additional details of the decoration. Those that will enrich the decorative environment but that will not overload it.
That being the most common mistake people make when they want to adopt the Japanese style.
Zaisu and Zataku
Taking care of the posture of Seiza is something that is practiced every time and is perfected over the years; nonetheless, not being native to Japan or being practiced since childhood, we can make it a bit difficult to sit correctly.
For this there are these decorative but at the same time functional accessories used by the wealthy families of Japan.
These chairs without legs are the way in which Japan, without renouncing their traditions, welcome Western culture.
The zaisu and zataku are excellent decorative attachments, will facilitate the transition from typical large dining room to small wooden table; And above all they look beautiful.
Do not forget that both the wood of these accessories and the wood of the table should be: Acer mono and / or Maple.
The Elements On The Table
Many in the West are accustomed to serving several portions of food on a large plate. However; in Japanese culture, the food is presented on the table in an almost artistic way.
Each element of the nutritional pyramid is intended for a different bowl or flat; And the diners with their dishes on the bamboo tablecloths and their chopsticks, take the food from each of these plates and take it to their own.
This way of eating has its great negative side: you will dirty much more. It is therefore convenient to inculcate people who sit at the table, to help with the dirty dishes once you have finished eating.
Another detail that you must know about the elements on the table is that, according to the traditional form; table centers tend to be small, as they do not remain on the table while eating.
Details, details, details. We had already spoken before the position of seiza and the samurai. As a place where you can display the katanas and the traditional samurai collection armor that you surely acquired years ago at a bargain price; is at a point that people can appreciate from the dining room.
Not in the dining room, but in a place where they'll appreciated from there. Japanese swords are a symbol of natural power and respect. If you want to make the aura of your decoration more sober, include some.
Another important element is the Shji. Although many people consider it too complicated to demolish one of their walls to include a paper door and measure.
I recommend that if you really want to adopt Japanese culture but you cannot tear down a wall; then acquire a panel similar to the old dressing rooms but of Japanese origin.
These are decorated with traditional art, their colors will not fade with the decoration but will fit perfectly, and most important of all is that you will separate the dining room from the other areas of your house.
You will set a guideline that will define where Japan begins and where the West begins; at least as you gradually continue to transform the other corners of your house.
The Determining Factor for the Perfect Japanese Style Dinner
As obvious as the low table, the last detail you must take care of for a dining room inspired by the beautiful culture of the rising sun is: food.
You cannot serve a pizza following the traditional guidelines mentioned above. To make a Japanese-style family dinner, you need to cook like Japanese people do.
On the internet you will get many video tutorials that will guide you to prepare delicious Japanese food and if you want your home to gradually acquire that aura and that the dining room slowly impregnates itself on it.
Then you should start routinely preparing, whether cold or hot, the traditional Japanese herb tea.
I love writing about interior design. I am in love with achieving harmony at home to improve the well-being of my family. I usually write for the "Visitacasas" blog, both in Spanish and English, and personally answer the questions about home decoration of all our users.
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