Shizen (自然) Is the Japanese Concept of Materials That Tell a Story — Here's Why It's Important to Consider 'Where the Body Meets the Building'

An airy, minimalist open plan kitchen and dining room with a wood table, a stone island, maroon chairs with gray frames, and storage all around.

When choreographing the materials that make up your home, be it through the decor you've meticulously curated or the architecture playing backdrop, how considered are your final choices? The Japanese concept of shizen begs this very question.

It's a lesser-known aspect of Japanese design that I'd argue rounds up to be one of the more important decisions you could make for your home. And in this age of fleeting aesthetics, it sets a real, lasting foundation for your living spaces.