The traditional Japanese house

Japan has both modern and traditional styles of homes. The traditional Japanese house is a beautiful spectacle to behold. Made of wood and paper, has an organic feel and look that can be found anywhere else. Individual houses in Japan are single or two stories.

The traditional Japanese wood should last about twenty years before needing to be repaired or rebuilt. Each year is depreciated, unlike the case here in the U.S..

The interior design is what truly defines the traditional Japanese house, as well as European and American projects. With the exception of the input mode (genkan), kitchen (daidokoro), bathroom (I feel) and toilets (Benjo), the rooms in a traditional Japanese house is not for use.

A room can easily be a living area, bedroom, dining room, or any combination. Spacious rooms are divided by fusuma, sliding wooden doors and thick paper. The paper used for fusuma called washi. These sliding doors can be removed each time more space is needed.

In large traditional houses, there was a large room, or ima (living space) that could be subdivided as needed. The smaller rooms like the kitchen, bathroom and toilets were small extensions to the side. Rouka corridors, or wood floors, follow the edge of the house. The windows are wood and paper shoji, which is thin enough to let the light shine through.

Even the modern Japanese homes tend to have a traditional Japanese room, called washitsu. This room is poorly if at all furnished, and has the mat on the floor. In a traditional Japanese house, this style can be reflected throughout the house. Tatami mats of straw covered with thick, sewn, woven reeds. Tatami are smooth and firm enough to walk, while making a more comfortable sleeping surface of wood or stone.

The genkan is usually a step below the level of the rest of the house. When people enter the house, leave their shoes in genkan, pointed to the door so they only need to slide on them when they are ready to quit. Slippers are often worn inside the home.

The kitchen in the more traditional Japanese homes contain a stove with an oven, and very little chicken and an electric refrigerator. Counter space for food preparation and sink are in the kitchen.

The bathroom contains a bathtub and is often waterproof. An area is available adjacent to the shower. The Japanese re-use dirty water, both for the other swimmers or for the washing of laundry, so it is important not to soil the water with soap and dirt. Parts of the body dirty can be washed before entering the bath.

The toilet in Japan can be a western style toilet, or a squat toilet installed in the floor. The chamber containing the bath is often only the size of a typical toilet stall, and the person who uses this room puts special slippers while in this room.

Heating in winter is traditionally provided by a kotatsu. This is a low table with a heating element on the bottom. During cold weather, people sit around the table and keep the heat contained in a lightweight duvet-type cover that surrounds the table .......