KAIZEN

Kaizen is the Japanese word for "change for the better" or “continuous improvement”. 'Kai' means 'change' or 'the action to correct' and 'Zen' means 'good'. For me, I am always reshuffling the furniture and décor in the rooms in my home. Change promotes creativity and energy stagnates if our spaces aren’t freshened up occasionally. I will toss in new paint colours, fabrics or accessories when boredom strikes. Even splashes of fresh blooms in modern vases sprinkled around the room, can add yawn-preventive zing and reenergize a languished space.

Like other Asian decorating approaches, Kaizen is about simplicity and a 'quality' strategy. When decorating with a Kaizen mindset, our aim is to eliminate waste, for example, activities that add to cost but do not add to value. Often, this means we take it apart and put back together in a better way.

With renovating, whenever I approach a new project, I always recommend to use the least invasive measures possible to save money, energy and the landfills. Function over fashion should be the number one thought when redecorating a home. Grand ideas about moving structural walls, plumbing and other expensive changes, may serve you better, however rethink if there are other more useful places to put your money. Is it constructive to my needs or does it have a strong sentimental value? These are practical questions to ask oneself in the decisive process. Reuse what is possible. Being creative in itself is rewarding and you will applaud yourself for being resourceful.

Just because you desire a new granite counter, but your existing laminate one is neutral and in tip top shape, does not mean you can’t work around it. Why not add a complementary glass mosaic tile backsplash for the glitz of glamour, without unnecessarily wasting a perfectly fine countertop? However, I do feel your pain if it is an unsightly rose pink and there is no hope for your heart or the future of your dream design. In that case, if it will inspire you to cook healthier foods at home in your own kitchen, rather than opting for the drive-thru window in avoidance, it is a positive improvement.

To create your Kaizen palette, ensure that everything expensive or permanent is simple and indistinct. Don’t select ‘commitment’ colours or designs that will leave you in frustrated tears two years from now. If planning to sell in the near future, avoid bloodcurdling colours and patterns which may cause buyers to run from your home, leaving a scorching trail behind them.

Simple changes can be a lovely paint that serves as a backdrop without stealing the show. Sexy chocolate or muddy putty, are subtle yet strong for a main wall colour. Add a rectangle of colour blocked paint in a Chinese red behind a black accent floating shelf for rich contrast. Create symmetry, with doubled accessories, mirroring one another. Sleek and shiny ceramic vases bring layers of colour and visual texture to tables or shelves. Ensure the addition of plant life to add to your refreshed room’s energy. Lucky bamboo stalks in square glass vases lined with polished pebbles are simple and earthy.