Design Impressions from Japan

​In last week’s blog I mentioned that we had just returned from a 16-day trip to Japan and South Korea - so fabulous and inspirational!  I absolutely loved the landscape, architecture, culture, efficiency, work ethic, and gracious hospitality of the Japanese people.  And there were so many design takeaways from my trip.    

​Below are a few of my design impressions and photo highlights from our trip which went south from Tokyo to the Southernmost tip of Japan, then to the Westernmost point, then North to Busan (South Korea) and finally back to Kyoto and Osaka.  We were able to catch the end of the cherry blossom season in Tokyo, and then the peak of azalea season in the cities to the South. There is so much to share about design from the trip…so look for future posts interspersed here and there. 

My design impressions:

• Form and function live in harmony
• Juxtaposition of linear shapes and grids in constructed world to curving forms in nature
• Peaceful landscape, nature revered and celebrated
• Stylish and understated
• So many people in dense pack, still organized and quiet
• Scrupulously clean, everything just so, intentionally
• In a word, LOVELY!

Enjoy the photos and send me questions or comments (http://www.centerstageinteriordesigns.com/contact.html) since I’m curious about your impressions and if you’ve had Japanese travel adventures of your own!