As March melts away, April prevails with showers and flowers. Several years ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Japan during cherry blossom season (mid-March through early May). It is truly a magical time to be in Japan, Sakura cherry blossoms explode like cotton candy fireworks from chocolate brown branches.
The entire country of Japan celebrates the season of cherry blossom viewing—called Hanami. In Tokyo, people gather in public parks, laying down blankets to sit, drink sake and eat delicious snacks under the trees. The rose-colored petals rain down like pink slow motion snow. I collected some ways to celebrate cherry blossom season through design. Enjoy the Hanami!
Tord Boontje’s Cherry Blossom chandelier is modern magic. Encrusted with Swarovski crystals, this piece runs via remote control and has several settings from steady ambient light to magical flickering bulbs.
Flavorpapers, based in Brooklyn NYC, won me over with their modern Cherry Blossom print on silver. This paper is pure Hanami chicness! Gorgeous on an accent wall or drench all the walls for a dramatic look.
I have always been personally inspired by flowers and fauna, so it is only natural that these flowers have made it into much of my own mural and custom work. Delicate blossoms bloom off calligraphic branches on the epic piece below. The entire piece is then detailed with hundreds of tiny Swarovski crystals. Magic!
The floral appliqué detail on this cherry blossom crib bedding adds dimension while the restrained color palette keeps the look elegant without being too saccharin.
The oversized cherry blossom graphic on the area rug below is a lovely way to keep flowers underfoot at all times. This would look fantastic with a variety of wall colors. Pink may be the classic choice, but for a more chic look, try pairing a pinkish rug with a neutral or contrasting wall color like pale grey or taupe—the carpet will appear to emanate a rosy glow!
I wish I could go to Japan every spring, however a wonderful taste of the season can be found at your local botanical garden. Lucky to be a New Yorker, I love going to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden each year for their Hanami Festival. The garden is immense—their online map shows you how many trees are in bloom, so you can time your visit perfectly. Go out and take time to enjoy the view, wherever you are.
Comments
Nella Atkinson
It has always been my dream to go to Japan and have a photo shoot with the kids under the cherry blossoms!
Sam Simon
Dear @facebook-100002029438307:disqus if you ever have the chance GO GO GO! Japan is a beautiful country, and the people are so nice! It was a wonderful experience! If you can’t get to Japan, check out your local Cherry Blossom scene. Here in NYC we have a great collection of Cherry Blossom trees, and DC has amazing ones as well!
Andressa
That mural in the fourth picture looks so pretty! Just looking at it melts me heart!
Andressa
Yes, Japan is definitely in my list of dream travel destinations, too! In fact, it’s right next to Santorini, Greece and Spain!
Andrea Lowe
That cherry blossom crib bedding is gorgeous! I’d definitely look for that in case I’d be having a girl in the future.
Lisapeck
Hi Sam, I think that your picks are great, but personally, I find the chandelier a little weird. Maybe I have to see it in person?
Liz
Hello, I have been looking all over the place for the cherry blossom rug – I know this post is from 2013, so I’m hoping it is not completely unavailable! Does anybody know who is still selling it? Thanks! Liz