The true mystical and philosophical roots of Zen found in the life and teachings of Buddha. Zen reaches its definitive expression in Japan in the mid-13th century, profoundly influencing the mentality and customs of traditional Japanese culture, where still teaching and practicing today in various schools and Zen monasteries. The philosophy or spiritual basis of Zen (indispensable for understanding its impact on Western decoration) focuses on lighting and pursuit of harmony and inner peace through simple, everyday actions (such the legacy of the Buddha), providing a livelihood for daily life at all times. Zen, through simplicity, seeks to achieve harmony and tranquility necessary requiring these modern times. carpets West finds peace in his philosophy adptandola to design interiors and gardens, with a series of minimal resources, ordered spaces, light colors and simple lines. It seeks to move away from ornamentation excessive. That achieves balance is given by a few objects, natural materials and presence of aromas. The colors used in the decoration or Zen style are mainly white and full range of neutral colors: ocher, gray and beige.
Color can only be given by a decorative object, such as a touch of green or red in some items or specific detail. The materials most used in Zen are those in natural state or industrialized: natural wood, stone, etc. In bathrooms and kitchens is preferred before the ceramic stone. Clear wood, e.g. floors. in Hague, they prefer to dark floors, for example. in Wenge.