Simple Touches, Soothing Effect

Although the Koizumis’ teahouse and Zen garden are quite elaborate and requirements for a genuine Zen garden can be hard to fill, it is possible to create a contemplative space on a smaller scale.

A single room in a house can be converted to a Japanese-style tearoom. Edward Koizumi has designed tearooms in very traditional Western houses by covering windows with rice-paper screen, adding tatami mats and creating simple alcove areas with wooden accents.

A small garden space can be transformed with appropriate plants and rocks and the addition of a natural water basin with a kakehi flume.

With or without tea, the settings have soothing qualities that make them good places to relax.