From Japanese to American! A quick guide to the three major styles that newbies in soft furnishings must read

1. What is soft furnishing? Why is it so important?

• Hard decoration vs. soft decoration

"Hard decoration" refers to basic works such as walls, floors, and ceilings; "soft decoration" includes movable or replaceable parts such as furniture, curtains, carpets, and art decorations.

• Advantages: flexibility and low risk

Compared with expensive construction, soft furnishings can be completed at a lower cost and in a shorter period of time. They can also be replaced or adjusted, and the cost of trial and error is low.

• Reflect the personality of the occupants

Soft furnishings design can fully reflect the owner's taste and preferences, expressing a unique lifestyle through color, material and layout.

2. Japanese minimalism: small objects and warm aesthetics

• Color and texture

The main colors are white, beige and light wood, and natural materials such as natural wood, cotton and linen fabrics are preferred to create a simple and comfortable feeling.

• Emphasis on storage and blank space

Japanese home furnishing emphasizes "less is more", and storage cabinets and neatly arranged items are often seen to avoid visual clutter. Leaving space blank can bring a sense of breathing and also symbolize the balance of life.

• Atmosphere highlights

They are particularly sensitive to light and prefer soft natural light. If the space is not bright enough, you can use lamps with warm tones.

• Suitable groups

People who like simplicity, prefer natural materials, and hope to find peace and relaxation at home.

3. American warmth: a grand and relaxing home atmosphere

• Color and sense of space

The American style often uses earth tones, beige, khaki, retro blue, red, green, etc., paired with comfortable and thick sofas to create a warm and atmospheric feeling.

• Furniture selection

They prefer solid wood or leather furniture, and sofa cushions that are relatively soft and fluffy, making them so comfortable that you want to sink into them.

• Decorative details

You can hang some vintage paintings or family photos on the wall. The photo frames, vases, and carpets all have a classical atmosphere, reflecting the American leisure and family feeling.

• Suitable groups

People with large families who like gatherings or parties and want a "lively and warm" experience.

4. Nordic freshness: the combination of natural light and minimalist lines

• Color characteristics

White, grey or soft earth tones with one or two bright colours as accents (e.g. yellow, blue or green).

• Material and shape

It emphasizes simple lines and functionality, and mostly uses logs, metals, wool blankets, etc. to present a natural and comfortable temperature.

• Decorative elements

Appropriate use of geometric patterns or a small amount of green plants can make the space look lively.

• Suitable groups

People who pursue freshness, love natural light, and want a "non-oppressive" space.

5. Want to mix and match or customize?

In fact, soft furnishing styles are not either-or, and can also be "mixed" or "customized". For example, combining Japanese wood elements with Nordic geometric lines, or incorporating some modern accessories into American warmth. However, mixing and matching can easily lead to imbalance, and requires more professional integration capabilities. If you are not sure, you can consult a team with soft furnishing design experience like Space Up, who can ensure that the space is harmonious and functional through professional planning and color suggestions.

Soft furnishings can bring about earth-shaking changes to a space in a short period of time, from the natural warmth of Japanese minimalism, to the generous comfort of American warmth, to the minimalist light of Nordic freshness, each style has its own charm. What is really important is to first understand the home atmosphere you want, and then implement it through color, material and layout details, so that your home can truly become "the life you yearn for". If you are interested in space organization, please check out Space Up's professional home organization service for more help.