Original language:
Japanese Translated from: Japanese
Authors: Shufu To Seikatsu Sha
Translated by: Geležauskas, Andrius
ISBN: 9786090401279
Published in: Kaunas
Published on: 2016
Publisher: Obuolys
The book describes houses of eight tidying up experts whose home are different size and number of family members. Each expert has come up with their own techniques that help to maintain a clean environment, save space and find things easily. The book has plenty of advice on how many things need to be stored, what interior parts you should buy and how to install stylish rooms. This art of tidying up reflects a harmonious environment that helps a person to relax and feel joy.
The book focuses on categorizing things that influence home style, space, and helping you to quickly find the right things. Japanese experts encourage to place various items in wooden or wicker boxes and write the content on the labels. In this way, the rule is being followed that each item has its own place. Besides, all notes help family members to orientate themselves. Plastic boxes, stored in drawers or cabinets, are used for various cleaning products, sewing supplies and stationery. Liquids are poured in the bottles or nozzles that are adapted to the home interior. All this helps to have a clean house and maintain same design.
The book is also trying to solve a common problem – a large amount of clothing. In this situation, all family members are assigned to have a limit of different clothes. Such thinking restricts the amount and helps to maintain order. Furthermore, there are interesting details mentioned such as 5 cm gap between the hangers and several separate bins that are used to sort the rubbish. Such significance in detail helps to understand the meaning of small works which make great results. After all, person’s attitude and responsible behavior is developed by paying attention to detail and having organized environment.
Readers are also introduced to the home interior, distinguished by the dominance of soft colors. The design features white and wooden furniture combinations that create a cozy and modern environment. This color contrast perfectly reflects the importance of harmony in Oriental culture. Another important principle is being applied “After you get a new item, say goodbye to the old one”. The Western world may view such a rigorous rule skeptically, but the abandonment of old things encourages constant renewal, balance and ability to value temporarily.
The book is interesting with its lightweight content, which is made up of numerous pictures and simple explanations. Eight sections describe each expert’s home that makes it possible to come up with various ideas and create a unique impression. Moreover, it increases the desire to build up a cozy home space, which will not take long to clean up and will be an enjoyable process.
Shufu To Seikatsu Sha is a Japanese company founded in 1935, whose main activity is the publication of magazines and books, focused on fashion, interior, beauty and health topics. The most popular publications are Shukan Josei, LEON, CHANTO, and others. The book “The Japanese Art of Tidying Up Practically” is designed for those who want to save time, live comfortably and create their own small cozy world.