On my way to my achievement of a Zen household, turning theory into practice, I found a new lease on life. At first it was overwhelming, I felt like there was so much stuff in my room I couldn’t even think. I wanted to work on my project for class, but I didn’t even have the room to do it in! I was trapped by my own devices. I knew that I had to let go of all the clutter in my room and then I would finally be able to clear my mind. The reason I decided to focus on clutter culture and the juxtaposition with Asian cultures was because, I have spent most of my life crowded by stuff I didn’t need. I always felt as if I had some attachment to these inanimate objects. So, I found solace in learning about minimalist cultures and in turn learned how to quiet my mind through my physical space.

I started with my clothes. I have always had an abundance of clothes, which was the first mission – to pick them all up off of my floor. I then sifted through them, and made a giveaway pile which consisted of anything I have not worn in the past three months. I gave these clothes to friends as well as donated to the free store and goodwill. I also took a minute to leave my room and do my laundry while I thought about how much more calm I was even just after cleansing my room a little bit. Then, I went through all the trash, and threw it away. After that, I moved to the objects and nick-knacks I’ve held onto throughout the years. I spent time meditating on which ones helped me feel spiritually enlightened, and others which had some significance but weren’t as significant to feeling at home in my space. That was about the time I burned some incense and sat on my bed while I breathed deeply and let myself take in the new more barren look of my room. I felt something I have not ever felt… I was feeling like I was reborn. I no longer was an extension of my room; my room was an extension of me. I was then finally able to successfully be at peace with myself and my surroundings. I was no longer a prisoner to my belongings, but now a guard for my new found territory.

On my way to my achievement of a Zen household, turning theory into practice, I found a new lease on life. At first it was overwhelming, I felt like there was so much stuff in my room I couldn’t even think. I wanted to work on my project for class, but I didn’t even have the room to do it in! I was trapped by my own devices. I knew that I had to let go of all the clutter in my room and then I would finally be able to clear my mind. The reason I decided to focus on clutter culture and the juxtaposition with Asian cultures was because, I have spent most of my life crowded by stuff I didn’t need. I always felt as if I had some attachment to these inanimate objects. So, I found solace in learning about minimalist cultures and in turn learned how to quiet my mind through my physical space.

I started with my clothes. I have always had an abundance of clothes, which was the first mission – to pick them all up off of my floor. I then sifted through them, and made a giveaway pile which consisted of anything I have not worn in the past three months. I gave these clothes to friends as well as donated to the free store and goodwill. I also took a minute to leave my room and do my laundry while I thought about how much more calm I was even just after cleansing my room a little bit. Then, I went through all the trash, and threw it away. After that, I moved to the objects and nick-knacks I’ve held onto throughout the years. I spent time meditating on which ones helped me feel spiritually enlightened, and others which had some significance but weren’t as significant to feeling at home in my space. That was about the time I burned some incense and sat on my bed while I breathed deeply and let myself take in the new more barren look of my room. I felt something I have not ever felt… I was feeling like I was reborn. I no longer was an extension of my room; my room was an extension of me. I was then finally able to successfully be at peace with myself and my surroundings. I was no longer a prisoner to my belongings, but now a guard for my new found territory.

On my way to my achievement of a Zen household, turning theory into practice, I found a new lease on life. At first it was overwhelming, I felt like there was so much stuff in my room I couldn’t even think. I wanted to work on my project for class, but I didn’t even have the room to do it in! I was trapped by my own devices. I knew that I had to let go of all the clutter in my room and then I would finally be able to clear my mind. The reason I decided to focus on clutter culture and the juxtaposition with Asian cultures was because, I have spent most of my life crowded by stuff I didn’t need. I always felt as if I had some attachment to these inanimate objects. So, I found solace in learning about minimalist cultures and in turn learned how to quiet my mind through my physical space.

I started with my clothes. I have always had an abundance of clothes, which was the first mission – to pick them all up off of my floor. I then sifted through them, and made a giveaway pile which consisted of anything I have not worn in the past three months. I gave these clothes to friends as well as donated to the free store and goodwill. I also took a minute to leave my room and do my laundry while I thought about how much more calm I was even just after cleansing my room a little bit. Then, I went through all the trash, and threw it away. After that, I moved to the objects and nick-knacks I’ve held onto throughout the years. I spent time meditating on which ones helped me feel spiritually enlightened, and others which had some significance but weren’t as significant to feeling at home in my space. That was about the time I burned some incense and sat on my bed while I breathed deeply and let myself take in the new more barren look of my room. I felt something I have not ever felt… I was feeling like I was reborn. I no longer was an extension of my room; my room was an extension of me. I was then finally able to successfully be at peace with myself and my surroundings. I was no longer a prisoner to my belongings, but now a guard for my new found territory.

On my way to my achievement of a Zen household, turning theory into practice, I found a new lease on life. At first it was overwhelming, I felt like there was so much stuff in my room I couldn’t even think. I wanted to work on my project for class, but I didn’t even have the room to do it in! I was trapped by my own devices. I knew that I had to let go of all the clutter in my room and then I would finally be able to clear my mind. The reason I decided to focus on clutter culture and the juxtaposition with Asian cultures was because, I have spent most of my life crowded by stuff I didn’t need. I always felt as if I had some attachment to these inanimate objects. So, I found solace in learning about minimalist cultures and in turn learned how to quiet my mind through my physical space.

I started with my clothes. I have always had an abundance of clothes, which was the first mission – to pick them all up off of my floor. I then sifted through them, and made a giveaway pile which consisted of anything I have not worn in the past three months. I gave these clothes to friends as well as donated to the free store and goodwill. I also took a minute to leave my room and do my laundry while I thought about how much more calm I was even just after cleansing my room a little bit. Then, I went through all the trash, and threw it away. After that, I moved to the objects and nick-knacks I’ve held onto throughout the years. I spent time meditating on which ones helped me feel spiritually enlightened, and others which had some significance but weren’t as significant to feeling at home in my space. That was about the time I burned some incense and sat on my bed while I breathed deeply and let myself take in the new more barren look of my room. I felt something I have not ever felt… I was feeling like I was reborn. I no longer was an extension of my room; my room was an extension of me. I was then finally able to successfully be at peace with myself and my surroundings. I was no longer a prisoner to my belongings, but now a guard for my new found territory.

On my way to my achievement of a Zen household, turning theory into practice, I found a new lease on life. At first it was overwhelming, I felt like there was so much stuff in my room I couldn’t even think. I wanted to work on my project for class, but I didn’t even have the room to do it in! I was trapped by my own devices. I knew that I had to let go of all the clutter in my room and then I would finally be able to clear my mind. The reason I decided to focus on clutter culture and the juxtaposition with Asian cultures was because, I have spent most of my life crowded by stuff I didn’t need. I always felt as if I had some attachment to these inanimate objects. So, I found solace in learning about minimalist cultures and in turn learned how to quiet my mind through my physical space.

I started with my clothes. I have always had an abundance of clothes, which was the first mission – to pick them all up off of my floor. I then sifted through them, and made a giveaway pile which consisted of anything I have not worn in the past three months. I gave these clothes to friends as well as donated to the free store and goodwill. I also took a minute to leave my room and do my laundry while I thought about how much more calm I was even just after cleansing my room a little bit. Then, I went through all the trash, and threw it away. After that, I moved to the objects and nick-knacks I’ve held onto throughout the years. I spent time meditating on which ones helped me feel spiritually enlightened, and others which had some significance but weren’t as significant to feeling at home in my space. That was about the time I burned some incense and sat on my bed while I breathed deeply and let myself take in the new more barren look of my room. I felt something I have not ever felt… I was feeling like I was reborn. I no longer was an extension of my room; my room was an extension of me. I was then finally able to successfully be at peace with myself and my surroundings. I was no longer a prisoner to my belongings, but now a guard for my new found territory.

http://www.rothteien.com/topics/interiors.htm

JAPANESE ROOM DESIGN The Japanese room is known for its clean lines and uncluttered look. These JOJG articles discuss the sophisticated aesthetics behind that minimalist appearance.

TATEGU The word tategu refers to the sliding doors and windows in a Japanese house. These articles concern subjects such as shoji screens, fusuma doors, and ranma transoms. For example, did you know that a shoji screen is NOT made of rice paper? Read these articles to learn more.

TATAMI Japanese house design employs a module based on the tatami mat flooring system. Traditional tatami mats are 90x180cm. The floor plans of tatami rooms are standardized and come in sizes such as “6-mat” or 8-mat” arrangements. These articles also address other flooring systems such as the modern bamboo flooring seen in the West.

TOKONOMA The tokonoma alcove is a spot where artwork, family treasures, and seasonal decorations are displayed. It serves in a role similar to a Western home’s fireplace mantle. Ikebana, bonsai, and hanging scrolls are some of the items displayed.

JAPANESE FURNITURE Japanese homes are famous for their clean, uncluttered lines, and their general LACK of furniture. Even so, most traditional houses have a few choice pieces of furniture such as tansu, hibachi, and kotatsu. These JOJG articles include information about some of the modern Japanese-style furniture that is popular in the West.

FUTON Futons are the traditional bed system used in Japan. Futon beds consist of a futon mattress and a quilt-like cover called a kake-buton. These articles are primarily about Japanese futon beds, not their Western counterparts.

JAPANESE ANTIQUES Western enthusiasts are increasingly interested in Asian antiques and Asian interior design. These JOJG articles concern collector items such as Japanese art, Japanese pottery, and antique Japanese tansu.

HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS These articles are about about items that make excellent Japanese interior design gifts. Subjects include Asian-styled placemats, wall hangings, rice-paper blinds, ikebana vases, and Japanese tea cups. Are you interested in Japanese home decoration? These articles are for you.

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL ART In Japan, the traditional approach to art is strongly linked to function and craftsmanship. This goes beyond the display of traditional art objects such as paintings and pottery. Look closely at a Japanese house and you will notice beautiful patterns and creative expressions incorporated into almost every form of everyday object, from kimono

http://www.rothteien.com/topics/interiors.htm

JAPANESE ROOM DESIGN The Japanese room is known for its clean lines and uncluttered look. These JOJG articles discuss the sophisticated aesthetics behind that minimalist appearance.

TATEGU The word tategu refers to the sliding doors and windows in a Japanese house. These articles concern subjects such as shoji screens, fusuma doors, and ranma transoms. For example, did you know that a shoji screen is NOT made of rice paper? Read these articles to learn more.

TATAMI Japanese house design employs a module based on the tatami mat flooring system. Traditional tatami mats are 90x180cm. The floor plans of tatami rooms are standardized and come in sizes such as “6-mat” or 8-mat” arrangements. These articles also address other flooring systems such as the modern bamboo flooring seen in the West.

TOKONOMA The tokonoma alcove is a spot where artwork, family treasures, and seasonal decorations are displayed. It serves in a role similar to a Western home’s fireplace mantle. Ikebana, bonsai, and hanging scrolls are some of the items displayed.

JAPANESE FURNITURE Japanese homes are famous for their clean, uncluttered lines, and their general LACK of furniture. Even so, most traditional houses have a few choice pieces of furniture such as tansu, hibachi, and kotatsu. These JOJG articles include information about some of the modern Japanese-style furniture that is popular in the West.

FUTON Futons are the traditional bed system used in Japan. Futon beds consist of a futon mattress and a quilt-like cover called a kake-buton. These articles are primarily about Japanese futon beds, not their Western counterparts.

JAPANESE ANTIQUES Western enthusiasts are increasingly interested in Asian antiques and Asian interior design. These JOJG articles concern collector items such as Japanese art, Japanese pottery, and antique Japanese tansu.

HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS These articles are about about items that make excellent Japanese interior design gifts. Subjects include Asian-styled placemats, wall hangings, rice-paper blinds, ikebana vases, and Japanese tea cups. Are you interested in Japanese home decoration? These articles are for you.

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL ART In Japan, the traditional approach to art is strongly linked to function and craftsmanship. This goes beyond the display of traditional art objects such as paintings and pottery. Look closely at a Japanese house and you will notice beautiful patterns and creative expressions incorporated into almost every form of everyday object, from kimono

http://www.rothteien.com/topics/interiors.htm

JAPANESE ROOM DESIGN The Japanese room is known for its clean lines and uncluttered look. These JOJG articles discuss the sophisticated aesthetics behind that minimalist appearance.

TATEGU The word tategu refers to the sliding doors and windows in a Japanese house. These articles concern subjects such as shoji screens, fusuma doors, and ranma transoms. For example, did you know that a shoji screen is NOT made of rice paper? Read these articles to learn more.

TATAMI Japanese house design employs a module based on the tatami mat flooring system. Traditional tatami mats are 90x180cm. The floor plans of tatami rooms are standardized and come in sizes such as “6-mat” or 8-mat” arrangements. These articles also address other flooring systems such as the modern bamboo flooring seen in the West.

TOKONOMA The tokonoma alcove is a spot where artwork, family treasures, and seasonal decorations are displayed. It serves in a role similar to a Western home’s fireplace mantle. Ikebana, bonsai, and hanging scrolls are some of the items displayed.

JAPANESE FURNITURE Japanese homes are famous for their clean, uncluttered lines, and their general LACK of furniture. Even so, most traditional houses have a few choice pieces of furniture such as tansu, hibachi, and kotatsu. These JOJG articles include information about some of the modern Japanese-style furniture that is popular in the West.

FUTON Futons are the traditional bed system used in Japan. Futon beds consist of a futon mattress and a quilt-like cover called a kake-buton. These articles are primarily about Japanese futon beds, not their Western counterparts.

JAPANESE ANTIQUES Western enthusiasts are increasingly interested in Asian antiques and Asian interior design. These JOJG articles concern collector items such as Japanese art, Japanese pottery, and antique Japanese tansu.

HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS These articles are about about items that make excellent Japanese interior design gifts. Subjects include Asian-styled placemats, wall hangings, rice-paper blinds, ikebana vases, and Japanese tea cups. Are you interested in Japanese home decoration? These articles are for you.

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL ART In Japan, the traditional approach to art is strongly linked to function and craftsmanship. This goes beyond the display of traditional art objects such as paintings and pottery. Look closely at a Japanese house and you will notice beautiful patterns and creative expressions incorporated into almost every form of everyday object, from kimono

http://www.rothteien.com/topics/interiors.htm

JAPANESE ROOM DESIGN The Japanese room is known for its clean lines and uncluttered look. These JOJG articles discuss the sophisticated aesthetics behind that minimalist appearance.

TATEGU The word tategu refers to the sliding doors and windows in a Japanese house. These articles concern subjects such as shoji screens, fusuma doors, and ranma transoms. For example, did you know that a shoji screen is NOT made of rice paper? Read these articles to learn more.

TATAMI Japanese house design employs a module based on the tatami mat flooring system. Traditional tatami mats are 90x180cm. The floor plans of tatami rooms are standardized and come in sizes such as “6-mat” or 8-mat” arrangements. These articles also address other flooring systems such as the modern bamboo flooring seen in the West.

TOKONOMA The tokonoma alcove is a spot where artwork, family treasures, and seasonal decorations are displayed. It serves in a role similar to a Western home’s fireplace mantle. Ikebana, bonsai, and hanging scrolls are some of the items displayed.

JAPANESE FURNITURE Japanese homes are famous for their clean, uncluttered lines, and their general LACK of furniture. Even so, most traditional houses have a few choice pieces of furniture such as tansu, hibachi, and kotatsu. These JOJG articles include information about some of the modern Japanese-style furniture that is popular in the West.

FUTON Futons are the traditional bed system used in Japan. Futon beds consist of a futon mattress and a quilt-like cover called a kake-buton. These articles are primarily about Japanese futon beds, not their Western counterparts.

JAPANESE ANTIQUES Western enthusiasts are increasingly interested in Asian antiques and Asian interior design. These JOJG articles concern collector items such as Japanese art, Japanese pottery, and antique Japanese tansu.

HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS These articles are about about items that make excellent Japanese interior design gifts. Subjects include Asian-styled placemats, wall hangings, rice-paper blinds, ikebana vases, and Japanese tea cups. Are you interested in Japanese home decoration? These articles are for you.

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL ART In Japan, the traditional approach to art is strongly linked to function and craftsmanship. This goes beyond the display of traditional art objects such as paintings and pottery. Look closely at a Japanese house and you will notice beautiful patterns and creative expressions incorporated into almost every form of everyday object, from kimono

http://www.rothteien.com/topics/interiors.htm

JAPANESE ROOM DESIGN The Japanese room is known for its clean lines and uncluttered look. These JOJG articles discuss the sophisticated aesthetics behind that minimalist appearance.

TATEGU The word tategu refers to the sliding doors and windows in a Japanese house. These articles concern subjects such as shoji screens, fusuma doors, and ranma transoms. For example, did you know that a shoji screen is NOT made of rice paper? Read these articles to learn more.

TATAMI Japanese house design employs a module based on the tatami mat flooring system. Traditional tatami mats are 90x180cm. The floor plans of tatami rooms are standardized and come in sizes such as “6-mat” or 8-mat” arrangements. These articles also address other flooring systems such as the modern bamboo flooring seen in the West.

TOKONOMA The tokonoma alcove is a spot where artwork, family treasures, and seasonal decorations are displayed. It serves in a role similar to a Western home’s fireplace mantle. Ikebana, bonsai, and hanging scrolls are some of the items displayed.

JAPANESE FURNITURE Japanese homes are famous for their clean, uncluttered lines, and their general LACK of furniture. Even so, most traditional houses have a few choice pieces of furniture such as tansu, hibachi, and kotatsu. These JOJG articles include information about some of the modern Japanese-style furniture that is popular in the West.

FUTON Futons are the traditional bed system used in Japan. Futon beds consist of a futon mattress and a quilt-like cover called a kake-buton. These articles are primarily about Japanese futon beds, not their Western counterparts.

JAPANESE ANTIQUES Western enthusiasts are increasingly interested in Asian antiques and Asian interior design. These JOJG articles concern collector items such as Japanese art, Japanese pottery, and antique Japanese tansu.

HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS These articles are about about items that make excellent Japanese interior design gifts. Subjects include Asian-styled placemats, wall hangings, rice-paper blinds, ikebana vases, and Japanese tea cups. Are you interested in Japanese home decoration? These articles are for you.

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL ART In Japan, the traditional approach to art is strongly linked to function and craftsmanship. This goes beyond the display of traditional art objects such as paintings and pottery. Look closely at a Japanese house and you will notice beautiful patterns and creative expressions incorporated into almost every form of everyday object, from kimono