Home design principles for meaningful and functional living spaces

Home design experts suggest applying the Japanese concept of ikigai—finding purpose in daily life—to residential spaces. Rather than following strict aesthetic trends, this approach encourages arranging homes around meaningful rituals, such as reading in a dedicated chair or preparing meals in an accessible kitchen.

For apartment living, specifically in multi-family buildings, design focuses on balancing limited space with functionality. Effective layouts for smaller living rooms require careful planning of multifunctional furniture, vertical storage, and lighting to maximize perceived space and accommodate various activities like working, dining, and relaxing.