Japanese interior culture

: Engawa: The Climate-Smart Space Between Inside and Outside in Japan

An engawa is not just a veranda. It is a space between inside and outside. Running along the edge of traditional Japanese homes, the engawa creates a gentle connection between the house and the natural world. At first glance, it may look simple — a narrow wooden corridor facing a garden. But the engawa is more than an architectural feature. It is a thoughtfully designed living space that softens boundaries, improves comfort, and reflects a distinctly Japanese way of thinking about home. To understand engawa is to understand how Japanese homes turn boundaries into comfort. Part of the Japanese Home ...

: Washitsu: The Flexible Room That Shapes Japanese Living

To many visitors, a washitsu feels calm, minimal, and uniquely Japanese. Tatami floors. Shoji screens. Sliding fusuma doors. Soft natural light. It often feels like a beautiful, timeless space. But a washitsu was never designed simply to look beautiful. At its core, a washitsu is a highly practical living space — one designed to respond to Japanese life, climate, and daily needs. To understand washitsu is to understand a very different idea of what a room can be. Part of the Japanese Home & Interior Culture cluster. Quick Summary Washitsu is a traditional Japanese-style room centered around tatami flooring. ...