The traditions of Zen Buddhism in Japan span nearly a thousand years. It’s a tradition of meditation where the intent of actions is as important as the actions themselves. This philosophy is reflected in the architecture of Japan, and homes are a latticework of design features deeply rooted in the island’s history. “The history of Japanese architecture is the struggle with the pillar,” architect Atushi Ueda observes in his book “In Harmony of the Japanese House.”

He also points out basic differences between architecture in the East and the West, noting that in the West, outer and interior walls bear the load of the building, while in Japan, he said, the pillar of post-and-beam construction bears that load and is the element that defines the design.

Even the preferred construction technique demonstrates a certain harmony with nature as Japan is heavily forested, and wood has been the preferred material for centuries.

“Eighty percent of Japan is a mountain full of trees,” said Japanese architect and interior designer Misao Gunji. “They used these woods as line shapes to build their houses and shrines. Most of the old houses were made out of wood and paper. Japanese people still tend to design and decorate their homes with the simplest and gentlest designs.”

She said that for generations, Japanese interior design has been known for its combination of both the simplicity of life and nature along with some dedication to welcoming light and air in the home.

One very common feature of a Japanese home is the tokonoma, or alcove, that provides access to the main hall. It not only reflects simplicity but gives both visitors and residents time to observe the beauty in the simplicity of life through carefully placed, small decorative ornaments. Among the items normally placed there is a hanging scroll of pictures or calligraphic poems that may be changed to suit the season or an upcoming holiday.

Even the paper reflects long-standing traditions. The opaque fusuma, or sliding paper door, that separates the rooms is made out of lightweight wood covered with decorative paper. These doors appeared first in the homes of the upper class during the 14th century and later were adopted across the country’s social strata. They became status symbols, and some used exquisite silks instead of paper, which were used as a medium for the paintings of famous artists.

A handmade cardboard-like paper, called washi paper, often is employed as a design element. The paper is reminiscent of Japan’s 1,400 year legacy of paper making. It is used for lampshades and sometimes used to cover jars used as candleholders to create a soothing display of light and shadow.

Natural materials abound in both the functional materials and the decorations of the home. Tatami, which is woven of wetland rushes, has been used for bed and sitting mats and other household accessories beginning in the 16th century and continuing today.

Bamboo is another material of choice, both in the form of live, green bamboo trees in tea ceremony rooms, and as a wood for kitchen utensils, including tea whisks, scoops and stirring spoons. The tea served may even include bamboo in the mix. Bamboo also is used to decorate the room in the form of candle holders or dishes used to create dramatic displays.

When it comes to color schemes, Gunji said traditional Japanese homes employ white, beige and black because they are easily matched with other colors. White often dominates to create the illusion of spaciousness. She notes that in the mid 20th century, many of these traditional design elements began to influence other schools of interior design, particularly Italian minimalism and contemporary styles.

“If you put all these elements in place, then your house has been decorated with a Zen style,” Gunji said.

Although many Japanese homes are still built using traditional construction methods, more and more, the construction techniques and designs of the West are being employed — with a twist.

“Almost all Japanese houses still have at least one traditional room, even if the overall design is European,” Gunji said. “We need an Asian room to provide us with healing.”