The number of British visitors to Japan has climbed by 46% as recent reports indicate and the growing fascination with Japanese design aesthetics is evidenced nowhere more than this years Royal Horticultural Society garden show, with 4 out of 9 large show gardens this year being directly inspired by Japanese design philosophy.
This highlights a shift in cultural attitudes in the UK and reinforces the need for calm, relaxing, intentional spaces, no doubt driven by the fact that the UK now has the highest average weekly working hours in Europe and almost 9 in 10 (88%) of UK employees are reported to have experienced some form of burn out in the last two years. People are increasingly recognising the value in mindful connection with being outdoors in nature and the healing and serenity that comes with it.
Key design principles of Japanese gardens:
The Japanese Design aesthetic is shaped by several key philosophies and principles such as:
- Wabi Sabi (beauty in imperfection, age and natural wear, as well as focus on repair rather than replacement).
- Organic curved shapes, designed to be relaxing on the eye and inspired by nature. The Shizen principle encourages soft, irregular and organic forms, taking inspiration from the land, plants and natural objects.
- Careful placement of plants and features to create a balanced and harmonious space as well as elements of water which can be both large scale (waterfalls and large water features) as well as something as simple as a water bowl that can also serve as an offering for wildlife and garden visitors. This is closely linked to Fukinsei; the belief that asymmetrical design offers natural harmony.
- Ma – The value of empty space – The reduction of visual clutter allows for calm mindful contemplation creating an illusion of space that is useful for making smalller spaces feel larger. This value of space and balance is in alignment with wellness and calm living trends as well as being a facilitator for sustainable low maintenance design, important for people with busy lives and limited time.
‘The core belief that nature is the ultimate artist and creator lies at the heart of Japanese garden design; there is an emphasis on careful guidance rather than control’
There is also a strong preference for distinct zones, each serving a different purpose, designed in such a way that one zone flows naturally into the other hence creating a journey through the space; think winding pathways where elements are revealed slowly.
How to enhance the Japanese design aesthetic in your outdoor space with Instashade:
Parasols
Cantilever parasols
Cantilever parasols offer perfect shade solutions for relaxing seating areas with beautiful views of the garden, because they have no central pole, they leave the space below unobstructed, building on the value of negative space that is so present in Japanese gardens. The colours and materials that work best with this aesthetic are natural, muted tones (think pistachio, slate and Instashades smoked tweed) with materials designed to weather and age gracefully such as wood which is in keeping with principles of Wabi Sabi. Our Aurora Cantilever parasol offers 360 degree rotation and tilt, allowing all day shade from the sun.
Our marine grade anodised aluminium parasols in a stunning natural wood finish gives you the look of natural wood with the performance of metal. This translates to a product that is not only stunning in appearance but lightweight; making it easier to tilt, move or adjust to your requirements, making it a highly versatile garden accessory.
The hardwearing nature of our products mean they are extremely low maintenance; the anodised layer is part of the metal so does not peel, flake or fade with the sun. They are also highly resistant to rust and moisture as well as being suitable for coastal areas with salty air. Our premium parasols are the perfect choice for clients who want the appearance of natural wood with zero maintenance and maximum durability in all outdoor conditions.
Wall mounted parasols
Instashades range of paraflex wall mounted parasol offer minimal, elegant and compact design for more compact spaces, such as a Japanese-courtyard style garden where ground space is precious.
Centre post parasols & bespoke valances
Centre post parasols can act as strong focal points, much in the way that a Japanese stone lantern or water feature would.
Our bespoke valance options offer an aesthetic upgrade to your parasol, allowing you to customise the edge of your parasol to your own taste and style, scalloped and curved designs add a touch of elegance and cast the most beautiful shadows, adding further interest and detail to your outdoor oasis. We can customise your parasol to match and compliment your outdoor theme, cushions or accessories creating strong design cohesion. For commerical uses we offer in house printing tailored to your exact requirements; our exceptional design team take great satisfaction in creating the perfect aesthetic for your needs and specifications.
Pergolas
Pergolas are another essential element to Japanese garden design; offering partly shaded areas, that serve both practical and visual interests and often designed to mirror the natural landscape and enhance the overall aesthetic. They can be surrounded by lush plants and greenery, creating the feeling of a captivating garden retreat. Our range of freestanding Pergolas with Louvre roofs allows the levels of sunlight and ventilation to be adjusted depending on the time of the day and personal preference. The structural yet open architectural feel of the pergola mimicks an ‘Azumaya’ – a type of Japanese garden pavillion, that frames views and manipulates light.
Fully bespoke
Each of our pergolas are fully bespoke and made to the exact requirements of your unique garden or outdoor space, here at Instashade we believe a great pergola starts with the space and not the product. We conduct a full site survey before production, during which time dimensions, fixtures and levels are all meticulously checked, so that the finished structure is entirely bespoke for your space to ensure the final product is pure perfection. Our Technic pergola can be supplied as a freestanding structure, a three-sided unit designed to attach to a building, or as a roof structure only – perfect for a courtyard or similar space.
A range of roofing options
The roof is perhaps the most integral customisation; our Cubic, Elegancy, and Technic models each offer different solutions – from fully retractable fabric or PVC roofs to motorised louvres that tilt throughout the day. The Technic’s bioclimatic louvres rotate from 0° to 135°, letting you control light and ventilation precisely, while the Cubic’s fully retractable double-layer roof suits spaces where you want open sky on demand. The Elegancy uses a retractable fabric system – more discreet and suited to spaces where a lower visual profile matters. Our design experts are on hand to help create the ideal solution for your space.
Pergolas for all seasons & climates
Open pergolas suit summer gardens, but UK weather often demands more. Glass garden rooms and verandas built on the pergola system can offer complete protection with fully electric screen walls, a full glazing system, and sliding shutters for adjustable privacy. These side elements can be added selectively – for instance, glazing the north and west sides for wind protection while leaving the south side open for sun – making the enclosure bespoke to the microclimate of a specific plot ensuring maximum use and enjoyment all year round.
Tips to create a cohesive and calming Japanese Garden
- Choose our canopies in earthy muted tones, slate grey, pistachio and natural tones will help to enhance the feeling of cohesive calm and work with the natural environment.
- Enhance negative space – one well placed cantilever parasol is enough to provide shade and create a tranquil, structured outdoor space.
- Materials – Opt for clean lines with natural finishes, our high quality marine grade materials are designed to weather and age naturally and are built to last a lifetime.
- Accessories – We also provide a range of garden accessories such as LED lighting to help create that evening ambiance allowing you to enjoy your magical space at all times . This can be carefully concealed so as not to interrupt the flow and balance of the space in daylight hours.
Discover more about creating your own Japanese-inspired sanctuary at Instashade.
