Interior trend
This is behind the Japanese Kanso furnishing method
The key word for the “Kanso” furnishing style is simplicity.
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Minimalism, appreciation, simplicity: this is what the Japanese interior trend Kanso stands for, which sees itself more as a philosophy.
Away with everything superfluous! That is the motto of the new interior trend Kanso, which sees itself more as a philosophy than as a furnishing style. It’s about reducing the furnishings to the bare minimum. Keyword: minimalism and appreciation. Furniture and textiles should be valued instead of regularly exchanging them for supposed trends. As one of the seven elements of the Zen philosophy, Kanso, literally translated as “simplicity”, is intended to encourage reflection about which things are really needed for living and which are rather superfluous.
How do you set up with Kanso?
When furnishing according to Kanso, one should not think of decoration, but of clarity. The simple set-up leads to a stronger appreciation of the objects. Empty rooms stand for aesthetics in the Kanso. Also, because rooms in Japan are often small and shared by many family members, the Japanese appreciate empty rooms with no frills. So how do you use Kanso in your own four walls?
The best way to do this is to analyze existing objects: Are five decorative cushions really necessary on the sofa, or is two enough? When was the last time you drank from the cup in the back of the cupboard? Usually, at first glance, several objects come to mind that you only look at but never use. According to Kanso, a comfortable sofa and maybe a table is enough in the living room. All you need in the bedroom is a bed, a bedside table, a lamp and a wardrobe. Especially in the bedroom and living room, simplicity ensures clear thoughts, a positive flow of energy and effective sleep.
Kanso in the kitchen and bathroom
How often do you really need eight different pots at the same time when cooking? Actually never. It is similar with dishes and cutlery: When was the last time 16 people were guests for dinner? In most households you can reduce these things significantly. The same applies to kitchen appliances: Do you really need an ice cream maker, asparagus pot, waffle iron and sandwich maker? Many of these devices are only used a few times and then end up in the closet.
In most bathrooms, too, you can clearly “de-clutter”: A mirror and a towel holder are sufficient furnishings in addition to the toilet, bath or shower and wash basin. By reducing the number of items such as too many towels or cosmetic items, the bathroom can easily be transformed into a true temple of wellness.