Sensible inspiration for 2021

Last Sunday we discussed the theme of designing a new home for a new year that features the lifestyle changes we needed to grow accustomed to in 2020. This week let’s explore the remaining four principles of the centuries-old wisdom of Zen as applied to new-home design.

The Zen virtues we discussed initially include Austerity (Koko), in which restraint, or the elimination of unnecessary or not meaningful items, can unburden the mind and free up physical space for what the 2021 lifestyle will require.

Next, the principle of Simplicity ( Kanso), involves avoiding heavy ornamentation to create positive, uninterrupted energy flow. Practicing Kanso allows for more flexibility in each space. And who doesn’t need more flexible spaces?

We then covered using Naturalness (Shizen), in design, which involves incorporating either plant life or artistic elements that mirror patterns found in nature. Weaving plants or natural patterns into home design, says the wisdom of Zen, mimics the calm and relaxation that comes from time in nature.

Some of the remaining four aesthetic principles of Zen in home design may at first seem contradictory in that they steer in different directions. But collectively, they lead to balance.

First, the value of peace and tranquility (Seijaku) can’t be underestimated. Along the same lines of thinking as Kanso and Shizen, the principle of Seijaku can be woven into home design and decor by using intention when filling the spaces inside or outside the home.

Leaving an open wall, a corner, half of a room or, if possible, an entire loft or hallway bare of furniture gives you freedom to let go. Additionally, creating a tabletop arrangement of succulents in matte-finish, naturalhued plant containers will invite peace and tranquility.

Find a shady spot in the yard for a chair or two and a water feature. Place a hummingbird feeder on a long garden stake to attract friends from nature. Or plant impatiens and red geraniums for the same effect.

Subtlety ( Yugen): Think of Yugen as adding intrigue to your design by subtly blending in the unexpected. When achieved in home design, Yugen might create a feeling of refined elegance, veiled beauty, depth or elements of surprise. Any or all of these feelings wake up the mind, bringing new life to a space, even when well disguised.

Simple tricks of light can create the desired effect. Perhaps it’s a simply designed brass chandelier with straight lines that can be lit upward, toward the ceiling, or downward, over a table. Before installing standard or custom lighting, ask your builder and their electrician about ways to add interest to a room by customizing canned lighting with dimmers or different colors.

You can apply Shizen by choosing art that draws on surprises in nature. This might be a simple white mantel dotted with a handful of elegant glass figurines in a natural green, one of which happens to be a tiger winking his eye.

Imperfection/asymmetry (Fukinsei): Also seemingly in contrast with the simplicity and minimalism often associated with Zen, Fukinsei adds beauty and balance by incorporating asymmetry.

Much like with Kanso, you can achieve this by seeking patterns for textiles, art and glass that draw their inspiration from nature. It’s easiest to achieve by resisting the temptation to place objects opposite one another for what might appear to be a harmonious effect.

Instead of positioning a pair of floor vases or similar statues, one on each side of the fireplace, try putting one in that place and the other in a room that isn’t in the sight line of the fireplace. Perhaps even in the powder room.

Hang framed artwork at different heights on the same wall or grouped in asymmetrical collages. Keep one side of a room completely empty.

Applying asymmetry or Fukinsei in and around the home provides reminders that no two things are exactly alike and that, in their differences lie their beauty.

Unconventionality/ Break from the Routine (Datsuzoku): Who couldn’t use a change in routine? Moving into your new house certainly is a change in the routine. But by weaving Datsuzoku into your choices within the home, you’ll keep things continually interesting, especially while everyone is spending more time under the same roof.

Different from the asymmetry of Fukinsei or the subtle mystery of Yugen, build the occasional attention-getting bit of randomness into your home decor with the principle of Datsuzoku.

Place a funky chair in a corner or paint an old side table a unique color and place it near the front entryway. Even better, bring the Datsuzoku outside. Until you decide on your patio furniture, mix and match an assortment of pieces you already have — or that you can pick up from online recycling sites. Think rustic chic and make it fun.