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Shizen Style Culture Blog
The Shizen Style Blog has foundations in Japanese aesthetics and culture, with topics surrounding Japanese gardens, photography, flow state and creativity, Ikigai (life purpose), as well as product reviews that help us figure out what's worth our time, attention, and money.
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Dec 17, 20243 min read
The Three Pillars of Japanese Minimalism: Beyond the Trends
While minimalism has become a popular trend in the West, in Japan it's deeply woven into the cultural fabric, appearing in everything...
294 views1 comment
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 27, 20196 min read
How to Design a Modern Rustic Office that Inspires You
A modern rustic office is a place to go to be productive, yet creative at the same time. It is a room that inspires your creativity but...
287 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20193 min read
The Japandi Guide to Interior Design
I like to think of Japandi as wabi-sabi with warmth. Japandi is a recent interior design trend stemming from the fusion of Japan & Scandi...
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Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20195 min read
Top 8 Tips for Creating a Modern Rustic Interior Design
One of the things we try to do at ShizenStyle is promote the balance of a modern rustic approach to lifestyle. It’s easy to fall into the...
87 views2 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20193 min read
Back to Basics in Modern Rustic Lighting Ideas
We just love the cool balance of modern rustic blends. It combines relaxed rustic charm with modern clean sleekness. ShizenStyle loves to...
44 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 201911 min read
The Secret to What is Modern Farmhouse Style
With more people looking to put their own modern rustic creative touches on their homes we are starting to hear more about modern rustic...
28 views1 comment
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20194 min read
Farmhouse Porches and Japanese Engawa Verandas
Farmhouse porches and Japanese engawa verandas have many similar characteristics. Both stem from a common cultural trait of enjoying life...
203 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20197 min read
How Much Does a Modern Rustic Kitchen Cost?
This is a question that I had prior to taking on our kitchen remodel. We were moving into a new house with a very dated kitchen and were...
20 views1 comment
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20196 min read
What are the Pros and Cons of a Modern Black House?
The family and I have always loved the modern rustic style and we are getting ready to make the move to a more rural area. While...
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Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 14, 20196 min read
Are Butcher Block and Wooden Countertops in Style?
As we get ready for our move we are looking at different styles to remodel the kitchen in our new house. We are going for a modern rustic...
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Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 20199 min read
Easy Modern Rustic Apartment Design Ideas
Modern Rustic Apartment Design Ideas When you think of modern rustic design styles images of modern farmhouses and contemporary...
111 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 201910 min read
The Complete Guide to Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban)
Yakisugi Farm house repurposed Cafe in Japan While living in Japan I became intrigued with these black houses and buildings that I began...
8,128 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 13, 20194 min read
What are the best modern rustic exterior options?
We’ve decided to move to a more rural area just outside of the city but would like to maintain some type of contemporary feel to the...
7 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 11, 201913 min read
Designing Your Wabi-Sabi Home and Garden
Wabi-sabi is a part of Japanese Aesthetics and philosophy that focuses on the appreciation of imperfection and impermanence. Although...
66 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 11, 20198 min read
The Complete Guide to Nature-Inspired Interior Design
You can never go wrong with this style because nature should always be present in our daily lives. Nature-Inspired Interior with Japanese...
21 views0 comments
Joshua "Gensetsu" Smith, PhD
Mar 11, 20196 min read
What Type of Roof is Best for Wooded Areas?
We recently moved to a heavily wooded area and our house is basically in the forest with many pine and maple trees all around. As we...
20 views1 comment
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