What is Japandi?
Japandi is a hybrid décor style between Japanese and Scandinavian Interior styles. It is thought to have risen from cultural connections between Denmark and Japan that dates back 150 years. Danish designers, architects and artists were then seeking inspiration in Japan after the latter opened its long-closed boarders. They found that despite Scandinavia and Japan being such different cultures, they both shared the same core design principles: an appreciation for functionality and simplicity and a profound respect for nature and craftmanship.
In Japandi, the Nordic concept of Hygge (creating a cozy, warm atmosphere) and the ancient Buddhist concept of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection) beautifully interweaves to create an aesthetically pleasing, harmonious and stress-free interior.
In short - Japandi is a celebration of simplicity, functionality, and a deep respect for natural elements.
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It creates a calming ambiance brought on by clean lines, soft lighting, a neutral colour palette that together with an un-cluttered space gives you an overall feeling of spaciousness.
Few but well-chosen décor pieces of high quality
Neutral tones and clean lines, keeping decorative items to a minimum.
Functional and comfortable, (often low) furniture
Showing respect for nature through natural and organic materials
Let’s explore, in more detail, the essence of this interior style and discover how you can implement some Japandi vibes into your own space. Don’t forget to scroll to the end where you will find a mood board with some shopping links.
Use a warm white base colour
In both Japanese and Scandi interiors using white walls are common practice. In Scandinavia it is about maximizing light by having it bounce off white walls whereas in Japanese interiors it is often used as a soft backdrop to their broad use of wood.
To complement natural materials and wooden tones you will do well by choosing warm white wall colours such as F&B Wimborne White, Little Greene Slaked Lime, Benjamin Moore Cloud White or Benjamin Moore Simply White. With a warm neutral base, you can then add more contrast and texture through furniture and accessories.
Be careful with cool white paint colours as they risk appearing a bit too stark or clinical.
If you are not up for a white wall, try one of the muted natural hues that are trending now. Just be mindful that if you go with a darker wall colour, you will need to brighten up the space with your furnishing to achieve the feeling of spaciousness.
Build a warm, neutral colour scheme and add subtle contrast
A successful Japandi colour palette features warm, neutral colours. It is a fusion of the bright and light Scandi palette and the rich earthy tones of the Japanese traditional palette.
Combine your warm white walls with earthy and warming contrasting tones like beige, terracotta, cream, chocolate brown and charcoal. Subtle use of black will help anchor a space and can be done as an accent via accessories.
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To achieve the perfect Japandi look, make sure you are creating restrained contrast and sticking to a maximum of 3-4 neutral colours.
If you wish to make your space more towards the Scandi look, you can bring in more whites and pastels, like muted pinks, pale blues and greens.
Carefully choose and curate your décor pieces
In both Japanese and Scandinavian interiors there are an aura of simplicity that brings a sense of calm to the space. Japandi interior do not use excessive embellishments and decorative items is kept to a minimum. This doesn’t mean you need to live in an empty home that lacks personality; it just means that everything that enters the space has been carefully chosen and curated. Choose quality over quantity and keep only items that you truly love and get rid of things that weigh you down.
Choose one or two larger pieces of your favourite art instead of having a gallery wall. Choose a few decorative items for your coffee table instead of having the coffee table full to the brim with stuff.
Etsy
Add texture with natural and organic materials
Introducing texture to a minimalist interior is a wonderful way to add warmth, depth, and visual interest without compromising the simplicity that defines the Japandi style. The use of natural materials is essential and has a key role in both Scandinavian and Japanese design, bringing warmth and a connection to nature.
It is not unusual in traditional Japanese interiors to find walls covered in bamboo or cedar panels or the use of paper ‘shoji’ screens, which is why Japandi walls often feature a texture of some sort. Explore textured wall coverings like grass cloth, textured paint, or wood panelling.
Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, or marble. Wooden furniture and décor pieces can add warmth and a tactile quality to the space. Opt for textured upholstery pieces, using materials like linen, wool, or bouclé. Use woven materials, such as jute or sisal, for area rugs.
Other popular natural materials that will integrate perfectly in a Japandi interior is unglazed ceramic pots, hemp, bamboo, paper, rattan, and untreated timber.
LoveEcru
The key to successfully adding texture to a Japandi interior is to do so thoughtfully and selectively. Keep the overall design principles of simplicity and functionality in mind, ensuring that the added textures contribute to the overall harmony of the space.
Adapt a free-flowing space and obstacle free layout
If you have enough space, try, and create an as obstacle free layout as possible. This will allow natural light, and ventilation to flow freely through different areas of the home creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and visual clarity.
To achieve this free flow in a space, de-clutter and try only to keep items that serves a purpose or have special meaning to you. As mentioned above, with the Japandi style, it is good to adopt a quality over quantity philosophy. If you need to store items away, think about how you can use under-utilized spaces in your home to transform them into smart storage spaces.
Another way Japandi interiors creates that feeling of spaciousness is the use of low-profile, comfortable furniture. Incorporate furniture that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also serves a purpose. The emphasis is on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also highly practical. Look for furniture featuring clean lines and multi-functional designs.
Connect your indoor and outdoor spaces
Nature plays a very important part and is a central element in both Scandinavian and Japanese cultures. If you have an outdoor space, try to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space by carefully selecting design elements that connect the two.
Install large sliding glass doors that open entirely, allowing for an unobstructed view of the outdoor space. Choose slim, minimalist frames to maintain a seamless look when the doors are closed.
Extend indoor flooring to an outdoor patio or terrace to visually create a sense of continuity.
Use consistent colour schemes for furniture and decor items both inside and outside.
When it comes to plants, Japandi interiors don’t tend to go overboard on interior plants, a few well-placed plants near windows or glass doors will create a harmonious transition between the inside and the outside.
Displaying a couple of branches in a vase is another effective way of integrating natural elements. If you love plants and wish to go more Scandi than Japanese, then I suggest adding more plants as this is a key element of the Scandi style.
“By living in harmony with Nature one
gains a healthy mind and body.”
Conclusion
Japandi design invites us to embrace simplicity, functionality, and the beauty of natural elements in creating a space that not only look beautiful but also feel harmonious and inviting—a tribute to the enduring allure of Japandi’s cultural fusion and perfect for those seeking a style that merges eastern and western cultures.
Its neutral palette and clean lines make it a versatile style that can be adapted to various spaces and personal preferences.
The minimalist approach and focus on natural elements contribute to a tranquil and serene living environment.
Its elegance ensures a timeless appeal transcending trends and remaining relevant for years to come.
In a fast changing and chaotic world, the tranquil realm of our homes has never been more important. A place we can feel safe, relaxed and happy. I think Japandi inspired interiors are here to stay.
