In Parang, Maguindanao, a simple community pavilion is helping create space for dialogue, connection, and coexistence among Muslim, Christian, and Lumad communities. Known as The Banwag, the project by Studio Impossible Projects Inc. recently received the Gran Prix Malasakit Award, the highest honor at the 2026 Good Design Award Philippines, recognizing its embodiment of malasakit […]
The Serene Simplicity of Zen Interior Design
Asian Zen is an interior design style characterized by oriental aesthetics mixed in with modern sensibilities. This results in a serene and calming home environment. It’s a style that reflects a certain approach towards spirituality and achieving a state that nurtures the soul.
A Philosophy of Mindfulness
The origins of this style can be traced back to ancient philosophies and traditions of Japan and China. The Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi” relates to finding beauty in imperfection and transience. It espouses the thinking that less is more. The concept also focuses more on the natural world and the idea of oneness.
On the other hand, Feng shui covers the energy of our environments and categorizes them using the elements. The practice is about tempering the flow of energy towards abundance and the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Its objectives are primarily realized based on the layout of spaces and the orientation of furniture.
As per its name, Zen itself is a concept of buddhism that values meditation, intuition and self restraint. It finds joy in an undisturbed state of being by inviting a conscious awareness of the mind. The practice does away with the intrusive nature of our thoughts and invites one to zazen or simply sit.
Achieving Tranquility Through Essentialism
These eastern modes of thought give a strong framework in dictating what the make up of Asian Zen interior design should be like. It embraces minimalism and simplicity by only focusing on what is truly needed. These spaces create a sense of calm and spaciousness that invite the mind and spirit to breathe and relax.
By only retaining what is essential, it creates a feeling of lightness in terms of its use and appearance. Physical spaces appear to be sparse and meaningful. Clean lines and a clear functional purpose directs a more intentional way of living. The lack of heavy walls and doors, opting for more open-spaces, eases movement and gently lulls in a perception of flow.
Furnishing is typically features a lower-profile. Platform beds, floor cushions, and tea tables are a few examples of furniture that retain visual flow as they promote spaciousness in scale. With that, decor often pares down to a few focal pieces to promote a more discerning taste in what should be present within.
Grounded in Nature
Asian Zen prioritizes the integration of nature and the outdoors into a living space. It harnesses the beneficial qualities of the natural world and appreciates its beauty. In this regard, interior gardens, courtyards, and water features are staple design choices.
Neutral hues evokes these states of mind. Colors of beige, white, gray, and natural wood tones dominate this style. Greens, browns, and blues are accent colors that add depth and visual interest while keeping in theme with natural palettes.
The style celebrates the use of natural materials and textures. Wood ,stone, bamboo, paper, and textiles are prominent features that translate to an even deeper connection to the earth. The warm and authenticity that they bring in creates visual interest with their colors and grains. The less-is-more philosophy brings these subtle details closer to users.
A More Intentional Way of Living
The true beauty of Asian Zen is its underlying philosophies that resonate with the mind, body, and spirit. There’s a focus on simplicity and quality that form a clutter-free setting that lets one to live at a more present state. It’s a design style with a profound depth to the user experience that it provides.
Organized biennially by the Design Center of the Philippines, the Good Design Award Philippines (GDA) champions a distinctly Filipino approach to design rooted in malasakit (caring). It posits that good design goes beyond balancing form, function, and innovation—it creates meaningful solutions that respond to society’s most pressing challenges. The awards also advances the United Nations […]
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For 66 years, the Ateneo Art Gallery (AAG) has been at the forefront of preserving modern and contemporary Philippine art. Today, its home at Areté reflects an expanded mission: to extend beyond exhibitions to cultivating education and creative exchange. Building a Home for Contemporary Art The AAG was founded in 1960 after artist, collector, and […]
A kitchen is one of the hardest-working spaces in a home. It must withstand daily wear, changing routines, evolving technologies, and shifting lifestyle needs while remaining visually coherent within the larger architectural narrative. While every project has its own requirements, experienced designers often return to a similar set of considerations when evaluating a kitchen. Here […]
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