# Japanese-Inspired Place Settings The Inkbrush Placemat Set by West Elm Adds a Little Zen to Dining By Meghan Young | Published 2013-02-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inkbrush-placemat-set References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/inkbrush-tabletop-textiles-from-west-elm/) & [westelm](http://www.westelm.com/products/inkbrush-placemat-set-d528/) Place settings are not just important when it comes to protecting a person's dining table, they also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the dining experience; in this case, the Inkbrush Placemat Set would bring a sense of Zen to the table. Inspired by the [Japanese art of brushstrokes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ginza-41), typically those used by Zen Buddhists for thousands of years, the Inkbrush Placemat Set has a creatively calming aesthetic. Although the Inkbrush Placemat Set would best suit a home that has other Asian-inspired decor, the simplicity of its design would allow it to fit in anywhere. The [monochromatic mats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linen-line) can be mixed and matched with more vibrant options to turn the dining table into a true work of art. The mats are made out of [100 per cent cotton](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artisanal-textile-divider). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Asian-inspired Home Decor:** There is an opportunity for home decor companies to create more products with a Zen aesthetic, inspired by traditional Asian art forms. - **Mix-and-match Place Settings:** The trend towards unique and eclectic table settings could inspire the creation of more mix-and-match placemat sets. - **Monochromatic Design:** The Inkbrush Placemat Set highlights the trend towards simple, monochromatic home decor that can be easily incorporated into any style of home. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Home Decor:** Home decor companies have an opportunity to create more products inspired by traditional Asian art forms, incorporating a Zen aesthetic into their designs. - **Tableware:** Tableware companies can capitalize on the trend towards unique and eclectic table settings by creating more mix-and-match options for customers. - **Textile Manufacturing:** The trend towards simpler, monochromatic home decor provides an opportunity for textile companies to create more basic but elegant fabric options for placemats and other decor items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chinese Restaurant-Inspired Tablewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freshservice-fresh-drink-service.md) - [Aesthetically Functional Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restless-chopsticks-tableware.md) - [Eye-Catching Tabletop Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tabletop-design.md) - [Monochromatic Matcha Mixing Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fellow-matcha-set.md) - [Japanese Minimalist-Inspired Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fifteen-east.md) - [Elevated Aperitivo Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aperitivo-set.md) - [Stackable Compact Sake Set](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/non-sake-set.md) - [Culture-Inspired Tableware Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultureinspired-tableware-collection.md) - [Authentic Japanese Matcha Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-matcha-set.md)