Japanese Influences of the Kondo Platform Bed and Collection by Harmonia Living

Hello again, design enthusiasts! Miko here from Haiku Designs, eager to explore the unique fusion of rustic charm and modern Asian-inspired design in the Kondo Platform Bed and Kondo Collection by Harmonia Living. This exceptional collection transforms your bedroom into a haven of elegance and serenity, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese design while embracing contemporary appeal.

During the Haiku Designs Labor Day Sale 8/26/2024 through 9/2/2024, you can find extra savings on the Kondo and other collections from Harmonia Living. Harmonia Living is a favorite brand of ours and a leader in eco-friendly furniture manufacturing. Check out the Harmonia Living About Page to learn more about them.

Crafted from FSC-certified teak wood, the Kondo Collection reflects an eco-conscious approach, celebrating nature’s beauty while ensuring durability. The dark Java finish adds a sleek, modern touch, allowing the rich texture of the teak wood to stand out in your home. With its wide, angular base and strong horizontal lines, the Kondo Collection beautifully captures both the rugged charm of rustic design and the elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Kondo Platform Bed and its accompanying pieces combine these elements to create a harmonious, balanced aesthetic that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Pictured: Kondo Platform Bed, Kondo Tower Dresser, Kondo Small Nightstands

 

Modern Asian Inspiration: A Fusion of Form and Function

The Japanese Kondo Platform Bed is anything but minimalist. Its bold design speaks to modern Asian aesthetics, with a wide, angular base and strong horizontal lines that evoke the traditional kumiko lattice and shoji screens. The design of the Kondo's wide, angular base creates a larger surface area of contact with the earth, suggesting more grounding and closeness to the earth. These design elements contribute to the bed's striking visual presence, creating a sense of structure and stability that enhances the serenity of the bedroom. The horizontal lines are thoughtfully integrated into the headboard and footboard, aligning with the horizon for calm, peace and tranquility lending a contemporary flair while staying true to the bed’s Asian-inspired roots. Elements like the grounding, closeness to the earth and horizontal alignment are all desirable attributes when designing for sleep, peace and rest when considering elements of Japanese and Asian design, especially in the bedroom.

Pictured: Japanese-Influenced Kondo Dresser (3-Drawer) and Kondo Tower Dresser (7-Drawer). Notice the Japanese Noki-style overhangs and wide grounded bases?

Subtle Japanese Influence: Noki Overhangs and Craftsmanship

The Kondo Collection incorporates a subtle (or perhaps vibrant) yet unmistakable nod to traditional Japanese architecture through its Noki-style overhangs, similar to the ones you may see on Japanese temples, Torii gates or Pagodas. The gentle overhangs on the tops of the headboard and footboard on the platform bed, and much more pronounced on the case pieces (Small Kondo Nightstand, Large Kondo Nightstand, Kondo Dresser, Kondo Double Dresser, Kondo Tower Dresser, Kondo TV Console, and Kondo Bed End Footer) are reminiscent of the projected roofs seen in Japanese temples and homes. This detail not only emphasizes the craftsmanship involved but also draws attention to the beautiful lines of the teak wood, creating a dynamic interplay of shadow and light. The overhangs serve as a visual accent, enhancing the collection’s rustic charm while adding an element of refined sophistication. The handmade craftsmanship with beautiful hardware-free tenon joinery gets an exclamation point with the handsome brass metal drawer pulls.

Pictured: The Japanese Influenced Kondo Platform Bed and Kondo Small Nighstands. Equipped with an inset for Tatami Mats, making this perfect for your Japanese Futon or Shiki Mat. See the wide grounded bases, the Noki-style overhang, and horizonal emphasis of the header and footer? Take in the beauty of the dark, rich Java finish on the beautiful FSC teak.

Platform Design: Practicality and Comfort

The Kondo Platform Bed is also practical as well as comfortable. As a platform bed, it eliminates the need for a box spring, supporting the mattress with solid wood slats that provide excellent durability. The platform itself is recessed slightly, allowing the mattress to sit a bit lower than the frame, which not only adds to the grounding feeling but also allows the bed to more easily accommodate tatami mats without allowing them space to move. This recessed design also ensures proper airflow, enhancing comfort by maintaining a cooler sleeping environment—a feature highly valued in traditional Japanese interiors.

Pictured: Japanese Inspired Dressers in the Kondo Bedroom Collection from Harmonia Living. Check out the footer of the Kondo Platform Bed with comfortable Shikibuton. Add the Kondo Bed End Footer (not pictured) for extra bedroom seating, too. To the left, you'll notice the 3-Drawer Kondo Dresser. In the center is the 6-Drawer Kondo Double Dresser. On the right is the 7-Drawer Kondo Tower Dresser. Handcrafted from FSC Teak.

The Beauty of Natural Materials: FSC Teak and Sustainable Craftsmanship

At the heart of the Kondo Collection is the use of responsibly harvested, plantation-grown FSC teak wood, which not only ensures sustainability but also showcases the rustic beauty of natural materials. As we mentioned above, Harmonia Living is a leader in building pieces with the finest, eco-friendly Teak materials. The dark Java finish allows the grain of the wood to shine through, highlighting the organic textures that make each piece unique. While Teak is not as "knotty" and full of imperfections as other types of wood, the exposure of the grains and lines add to the Wabi-Sabi, or beauty in imperfection, so desired in Japanese design. This balance between modern finishes and natural wood celebrates the Japanese principle of harmony with nature, grounding your living space in both elegance and environmental consciousness.

Pictured: Japanese Influenced Kondo TV Console (Large).  Notice the craftsmanship of the Japanese design, common among all of the Kondo Bedroom Collection pieces? The rich wood shows plenty of wood grain, and the brass drawer pulls also add a touch of elegance. Even the empty spaces and shadows create unique accents making this piece great for a flat-screen TV in the bedroom or to enjoy the Kondo's unique look and styling in your living room. Personalize with the Larger or Smaller Kondo TV Console options.

Hand Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail of the Japanese Influenced Kondo Collection

The Kondo Collection is handmade by skilled artisans in Indonesia, showcasing a dedication to quality and craftsmanship. The use of hardware-free tenon joinery is an excellent example of the meticulous construction, ensuring that each piece is built to last. The wide base and solid wood construction of the platform bed contribute to its durability, while the carefully designed case pieces, including large and small nightstands, TV consoles, and dressers, provide functional storage with a refined aesthetic. These pieces are built with the same attention to detail, offering beauty and functionality in equal measure.

Horizontal Lines and Balance: Japanese Design in the Details

The strong horizontal lines of the Kondo Platform Bed and its case pieces are a defining feature, inspired by Japanese design principles that emphasize balance and calm. These lines create a sense of structure and flow, encouraging a peaceful atmosphere in your home. The horizontal slats in the headboard and footboard, reminiscent of kumiko lattice or shoji screens, highlight the collection’s Asian influence, bringing a touch of traditional craftsmanship into a modern setting. Again, in many Japanese settings, these strong horizontal lines run parallel to the horizon, similar to gates and fences found on temples, emphasizing how big the world is, keeping us all grounded.

 

 

Pictured: Kondo Large Nightstand and Kondo Small Nightstand from Harmonia Living. Closer shot showing the Japanese styling of the top and base. Look closer at the handcrafted detailing and brass drawer pulls.

Versatility and Elegance

The Kondo Collection is designed to be both versatile and elegant, offering a range of pieces to suit any space. The collection includes the Large Kondo Nightstand and Small Kondo Nightstands, Kondo TV Consoles, Kondo Dressers, and a Kondo Bed End Footer, allowing you to create a cohesive look throughout your bedroom. Each piece reflects the same blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication, ensuring that your room remains stylish and functional. The Kondo 3-Drawer Dresser, Kondo 6-Drawer Dresser and Kondo 7-Drawer Tower Dresser provide ample storage while maintaining the collection’s aesthetic integrity, making them the perfect complement to the Japanese Kondo Platform Bed. Check out the Kondo Bedroom Set Special to buy the most popular pieces as a set!

The Kondo Platform Bed is Designed with Japanese Influences in Mind

The Kondo Platform Bed and Japanese Kondo Collection by Harmonia Living perfectly captures the essence of Japanese design principles with its fusion of rustic charm, modern elegance, and traditional Asian inspiration. From the bold, angular base and strong horizontal lines to the subtle Noki-style overhangs and natural teak wood, every element of this collection speaks to a harmonious blend of past and present. Whether you're drawn to the rugged beauty of the wood or the refined craftsmanship, the Kondo Collection offers a timeless aesthetic that elevates your living space.

At Haiku Designs, we believe that your home should reflect your personal style while embracing the principles of mindful living. The Kondo Collection from Harmonia Living does just that—transforming your bedroom into a sanctuary of balance, beauty, and tranquility. Explore the art of Japanese-inspired design with the Kondo Platform Bed and Collection, and create a space that resonates with the calm and elegance of traditional craftsmanship.

Until next time, may your home be filled with serenity and grace.

Miko Tanaka

P.S. I hope you enjoyed my assessment of the Japanese Influences and Aesthetics of the Kondo Platform Bed and Collection by Harmonia Living. Do you spot any other Japanese influences that I may not have touched on?  Please share your thoughts on the Haiku Designs Facebook post.

P.P.S. If you have a bedroom featuring the Kondo collection, and would like to show it off, I invite you to share on our Haiku Designs Facebook post, or email the picture to us and we can post it for you!