Kitchen Renovation: Create a Japanese-Style Kitchen on a Budget

There are numerous popular trends in kitchen design currently, but it seems that the Japanese style has been a favourite choice of many world-famous designers for quite some time. Therefore, it’s not surprising that more and more people from all around the world are decorating their kitchens in this recognisable manner. So, if you also want to follow the latest trends and think that it’s the right time for a kitchen redecoration, go for it! We’ve prepared a list of some practical ideas that will definitely help you achieve this without breaking the bank.

Wabi-sabi aesthetic

The two most recognisable concepts in the Japanese style are Wabi and Sabi. They basically represent a type of style that appreciates imperfection, simplicity, natural elements and asymmetry. In other words, their approach is often minimalist and the kitchen decor is characterised by the presence of clean finishes without too many details and a balanced use of different shapes and materials. Finally, if you want to create the authentic feel of a classic Japanese kitchen, don’t forget to include a few ornate accessories that will certainly add that final touch to it.

Wood is the no. 1 material

It’s almost impossible to find a true Japanese kitchen without at least one wooden piece, be that a fabulous timber cabinet or an oak countertop. The main reason for this is that Japanese people value natural elements above anything else since they can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the entire house. Additionally, feel free to experiment with other natural elements like stone and wicker since they will definitely make your kitchen and your home look much more sophisticated and luxurious. Finally, the best thing about natural materials is that they are extremely affordable and very low-maintenance so you won’t have to spend hours scrubbing your kitchen floor and cabinets.

Shibui principle

Another famous principle of the Japanese design is shibui and it preaches modesty as the basic characteristic of a nicely-decorated kitchen. For example, instead of overcrowding the place with too many details, Japanese people like to keep it simple. Furthermore, large sinks have become a symbol of this style since they serve as a main focal point whose task is to break the monotony, but still preserve that simple feel of the traditional Japanese design. Having this in mind, it’s not surprising that more and more Australians are incorporating this trademark into their Japanese-inspired kitchens as well.

Decluttering is the key

If you don’t know where to begin the redecoration process, we advise you to start by decluttering your old kitchen. Make sure to get rid of all those unnecessary items that you never use since you can’t call your kitchen a Japanese-inspired one unless it’s sparkling clean. This is extremely important since the Japanese believe that it’s crucial to create a Zen space which will allow one to relax and get in touch with one’s inner self. Unfortunately, messiness simply doesn’t go well with this kind of a spiritual lifestyle, so make sure to take this task seriously and keep only the things that you really need.

Go green

Finally, considering how much the Japanese culture values the nature, it’s absolutely understandable why their kitchens are full of greenery as well. So, if you want to follow in their footsteps, make sure to pick out your favourite flowers and place them all around the house including your beautiful kitchen. Additionally, nicely-decorated pots will also serve as decoration and add some playfulness to the kitchen interior design. What’s best, if you’re into pottery or painting, you can express your creativity and make these on your own. This way, you’ll have something absolutely unique that all your friends will admire.
As you can see, turning your average-looking kitchen into a beautiful Japanese-designed one is a piece of cake and you definitely won’t need to break the bank in order to achieve this. You just need to keep things simple and opt for natural elements that will help you strike that perfect balance and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while cooking.