Western homes typically use an object on the perimeter as a focal point, such as a fireplace, a painting, or an elaborate window treatment. Japanese homes also commonly have display alcoves, called tokonoma. For example, three calligraphy brushes in a cup would be organic, and four pebbles on a dish would be disciplined. Japanese displays are fluid. In other words, a Japanese alcove may display a scroll one-week, and a set of pots the next.
Eastern cultures tend to store and rotate objects.
Japanese displays are a reflection of the season, celebration, or honored guest. This minimal approach focuses on the quality and craftsmanship. A westerner would also tend to add to a display to create a balance, whereas an easterner would create harmony by taking away. To easterners, less is more, order is harmony, and there is a place for everything and everything is in its place. The tea ceremony room is one of the most important areas in the Japanese home.