Hazard a guess which country these interiors are from?  Japan would probably be your last choice because its not the minimalist interior you expect and probably love.

These photos are from an exhibition at the Geffrye Museum in London which aims to dispel the myth of the neat, minimalist interior by recreating everyday homes from Japan.  At Home in Japan – Beyond the Minimal House runs until 29 August 2011.

It got us thinking about national stereotypes in design and countries, like Japan, that have ‘flattering’ stereotypes.  Which countries are the winners and losers when it comes to national stereotypes?  The Scandinavians, particularly the Danish, have built up a cool national brand thanks to giants of 20th century design such as Hans Wenger and the Marimekko flowers sustain an already strong Finnish design legacy.  Then there’s the west coast of the US with modernist houses in Los Angeles and the heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright, not to mention Bauhaus Germany.

In Britain we see stereotyping as lazy and simplistic, but then we would wouldn’t we? Stately homes, antiques and floral chintz  are probably how we are perceived.

At the risk of perpetuating the myth check out this Japanese house by Level Architects which is minimalist but still fun.  There’s a slide between every level and a ball park on the ground floor.  The stick men going down the slide look like they’re having a whale of a time.

The Geffrye Museum displays furniture, textiles, paintings and objects in period rooms and gardens from 1600 to the present day. The museum is housed in a series of 18th century almshouses in Shoreditch, London and is open daily except on Mondays.