Washi In Interior Design and Architecture
The use of the translucent kozo washi papers have great potential in the hands of interior designers and architects.
One of the early uses of Washi in Japan was for shoji, or the latticed sliding paper doors to the outside. As a medium for the transmission of light, these papers can be used in a myriad of ways.
For window coverings, shutters, stained glass-like hangings, the translucent papers are perfect. For lamps too or wall sconces, the soft beauty of light filtering through the paper adds warmth and light to any room. As wallpapers or furniture coverings, the silkscreened chiyogami if used in moderate amounts, can bring interesting focus and colour into a setting and can be made more serviceable with a protective coating. Imagine a bedroom ceiling covered with clouds cut from cloud-like multi-coloured kozo or a cupboard door bearing Japanese calligraphy-printed paper to liven up a kitchen.
Some papers come on rolls, and you can buy a sampler of these papers.
