Houseplant Harmony: Embracing the Unique Style of Japanese Indoor Greenery
Japan's approach to houseplants offers a refreshing contrast to the traditional pot plants typically seen in Western interiors. Japanese houseplant styling blends seamlessly with natural materials and minimalist design, creating a harmonious environment that aligns with the Japandi aesthetic—a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian styles.
To explore this unique approach, we corresponded with SHINPEI, a Tokyo-based stylist and studio owner. SHINPEI manages two distinctive rental studios: TINY MOUNTAIN and PLEASE GREEN. His innovative take on houseplant styling and interior design provides valuable insights into how Japanese aesthetics transform indoor greenery.
A Vision of an Urban Mountain Cabin
SHINPEI's journey into houseplant styling began with a dream of owning a mountain cabin. Although practicalities prevented him from purchasing one, this vision inspired the concept of an "urban mountain cabin" for his studio, TINY MOUNTAIN.
"I thought, 'Maybe I can create the mountain cabin I once envisioned here,' and that's how the concept of an 'urban mountain cabin' was born," SHINPEI shares. This idea became the cornerstone of his design philosophy, where natural elements and a sense of nostalgia blend with urban living.
Styling Tips from SHINPEI
Set Your Concept and Look for Furniture
When designing a room, SHINPEI emphasizes the importance of forming a central concept and gathering images to guide the process. This approach helps maintain focus and consistency.
"For TINY MOUNTAIN, I expanded on the concept of an 'urban mountain cabin,'" SHINPEI explains. He suggests listing desired items using descriptive words to streamline the search. For instance, he noted down a "large rustic floral sofa" to ensure a cohesive theme.
Choosing Fabrics Based on Keywords
Fabrics such as rugs and cushion covers play a significant role in defining a room's mood. For TINY MOUNTAIN, SHINPEI used the keyword "nostalgic" to select items that evoke a timeless, warm feeling.
Lighting: The Key to Ambiance
SHINPEI believes that lighting is crucial for creating a room's ambience. He prefers using multiple table lamps with dim bulbs to achieve a cosy, atmospheric effect. The height of pendant lights and chandeliers is often kept low to enhance visual appeal and accommodate camera angles.
Incorporating Houseplants: A Japanese Perspective
Japanese houseplant styling is known for its integration of plants into the living space, allowing them to grow naturally and fill the room. This contrasts with the more controlled approach often seen in the West.
Popular Japanese Houseplants and Their Styling
Here are some popular houseplants in Japan and tips on how to style them:
Why Popular: The Umbrella Plant is cherished for its lush, glossy leaves and adaptability to indoor environments. It adds a touch of greenery and a tropical vibe to Japanese interiors.
Styling Tips: Place the Umbrella Plant in a floor pot or a decorative planter to emphasize its height and full foliage. Its broad leaves can create a dramatic focal point, particularly in modern and minimalist settings.
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Why Popular: Monstera Deliciosa is favoured for its large, unique leaves with natural perforations. It brings an exotic, jungle-like feel to the space and thrives in indoor conditions.
Styling Tips: Monstera is best showcased in a large, open pot where its leaves can spread out. It works well in corners or next to larger furniture pieces, adding a vibrant, tropical touch to the room.
Why Popular: Known for its upright, sword-like leaves, Sansevieria is a low-maintenance plant that is alsoknown for its air-purifying qualities.
Styling Tips: Display Sansevieria in minimalist pots that complement its sleek appearance. Its tall architectural form makes it a striking addition to modern interiors.
Why Popular: With its robust, glossy leaves, the Rubber Plant is a resilient choice for indoor greenery. It's appreciated for its air-cleaning properties and ease of care.
Styling Tips: Place the Rubber Plant in a large pot to make it a statement piece. Its dark green leaves pair well with wooden or natural-textured furniture.
Why Popular: Pothos is admired for its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves. It is low-maintenance and adaptable to various light conditions.
Styling Tips: Let Pothos trail from shelves, hanging planters, or high surfaces. Its cascading vines add a touch of nature and soften the look of rigid furniture.
SHINPEI's Tips for Houseplant Placement
Decide on Placement in Advance Just as with wall decorations, SHINPEI recommends planning plant placement early in the design process. He uses chains to adjust the heights of hanging plants, creating visual interest and depth.
Choose Low-Maintenance Plants For a hassle-free experience, SHINPEI advises selecting low-maintenance plants like succulents or Sansevieria. These plants are not only easy to care for but also fit well with busy lifestyles.
Use Unique Containers SHINPEI sometimes repurposes dishware as plant saucers, which adds a unique and personal touch to the decor.
Incorporate Natural Materials Adding natural elements like wooden crates introduces warmth and texture. This approach aligns with the Japanese preference for organic, natural forms.
Creating Personal Comfort
"The concept is solid but not overly rigid, allowing for the inclusion of charming items. This might be the spice that adds to the comfort," SHINPEI notes. In his studio, PLEASE GREEN, he creates a colourful, apartment-like environment that extends his personal space. By blending rough, warm items with the building's natural charm, SHINPEI achieves a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Our Final Thoughts
The Japanese approach to houseplants and interior styling offers a unique perspective that contrasts with traditional Western methods. By allowing plants to grow naturally and integrating them thoughtfully into living spaces, SHINPEI demonstrates how nature and design can harmonize beautifully. Whether you're inspired by the Japandi style or seeking to infuse your home with Japanese elegance, these insights provide a wealth of ideas to transform your living space.
For more inspiration, visit SHINPEI's Instagram accounts:
- SHINPEI
- TINY MOUNTAIN
- PLEASE GREEN
- If you are visiting Japan, why not check out his shop! https://shinterior.tokyo/
Embrace the art of Japanese houseplant styling and create a serene, natural haven in your home.
Just looking at Mr Shinpei’s photographs made me smile and feel happy, this is the style I needed without knowing I did. I had started in this direction but couldn’t see the end vision. Thank you for your beautiful work and the inspiration to just complete my home, and the excuse to order more plants from Happy House Plants. 🤭
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