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The elegant Japandi style has become immensely popular in interior design and the perfect blend of Japanese and Scandinavian influences combines minimalism, functionality and simplicity with its natural earthy tones and textures to create an aesthetically pleasing environment.
The beauty of Japandi lies in its ability to transform any living space into something that is both calming and inviting. By combining natural materials such as wood and stone with muted colour palettes, this style creates a sense of balance which can be a great way to relax and unwind.
Its easy-to-implement principles make it accessible for anyone looking to add a touch of sophistication to their living space while still keeping things simple. With this article, readers will gain insight into what makes this style so appealing and how they can create their own version at home.
What is Japandi Style?
As the name suggests, Japandi interior design is a decorative and stylish fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian style, aimed at creating a sleek yet comforting aesthetic that gives hybrid style and craft to everyday function.
It is influenced by the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, a way of life that values slow living, contentment and simplicity, and the Scandinavian practice of hygge, which embraces comfort, cosiness and well-being.
Mixing both aspects has proven to be essential in modern interior design, as consumers want to look good and feel good from furniture, decoration and overall aesthetics in their homes. Layered textures and colours that dominate you rooms without being overpowering to the design and style of the house.
When Did Japandi Start
As with any design movement, it is hard to narrow down the exact dates that the first Japandi design focuses hit our homes, but when you consider the Japanese element of wabi-sabi dates all the way back to the 16th century and Scandinavian design aesthetics dating back to the era of the Vikings and then really you have centuries of design and craftmanship to fall back on.
The first time we saw Japandi design style rising up was back in the 1950s as designers from Denmark would often travel to post-World War Japan to find furniture to take home with them and realise that the two design elements have the same fundamental principles.
What Are The Principles of Japandi Style?
- Use a minimalist design.
- Use simple and clean lines.
- Use natural elements and organic shapes.
- Think carefully about colour.
- Use luxurious textures.
- Design around sustainability.
- Bring the outdoors in with natural light and greenery
How to Decorate and incorporate Japandi Style?
Minimalism is Essential
This applies to furniture and decoration, and the style heavily hinges on zero clutter. Choose functional and uncomplicated furniture with little to take your eye off the whole room.
Often, artwork and ornaments are not included in authentic Japandi design, but that is not to say you cannot add some to your ideas.
Keep it Natural
The design philosophy focuses on the importance of nature. In this style, natural wood tones is a dominant element, often without varnish. But wood is not just limited to furniture as it can also be used on walls and floors for cladding on the outside of your home too. Japandi style encourages users to bring in plenty of plants to inside spaces.
Decorative Elements
Japanese design and Scandinavian styles love the philosophy of less is more. Very few works of art on the walls, softer paint colours for decoration, and fewer vases or ornaments are recommended for homes.
If you are adding soft furnishings or artwork, then remember that natural earthy tones will accentuate the overall design of your home but be reassured to incorporate your own take on this ever-popular design idea.
Clean, Warm Materials
In addition to the furniture, paying attention to the textures of cushions, rugs, furniture, and soft furnishings is essential. Natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, paper, ceramics and light woods are ideal for this style.
French oak is a natural and versatile timber that Japandi style designers have used for furniture in the past, as it has a beautiful natural tone when left unvarnished.
An Earthy Colour Palette
To truly adhere to the rules of Japandi, think of colours that are present in nature; however, those who prefer the more Japanese style aesthetic will prefer earthy tones like copper and olive. White is used but dominates the soft colours inspired by nature, such as brown, beige and terracotta. The colours should be natural and simple. The hues of more soothing colours are often used in favour over vibrant and bold colours.
Flooring That Matches The Entire Room
Most Japandi styles tend to incorporate white oak floors due to their durability and colour. If you have natural wooden flooring, choosing a natural or light stain will add to your Japanese and Scandinavian design credentials. Another option is a white or grey-washed wood floor; with age, it will enhance the lived-in and cosy feel you hope to create. Herringbone patterned floors work well to add another texture to the room.
The Benefits Of Japandi Style
One of the most significant advantages or benefits of applying Japandi elements into your home, whether it is the entire house or just focused on some rooms, is the classic nature of it will see it through future trends. Simple and functional, like Japandi, can be easily transformed once new trends become popular in interior design.
If you have timeless furniture, adding colour or artwork later will be easy and affordable. In every interior style trend of the last 50 years, the focus has always been on quality. The manufacturers and suppliers of Japandi-style furniture are making high-quality pieces of furniture that will outlast any coming or going design trends.
Are There Rules in Japandi Style?
Every interior design trend has certain rules that must be adhered to, but with Japandi, you can slightly amend them to suit your home and your needs.
If you have that favourite piece of artwork or family photograph that does not fit into the fundamentals of Japandi styling, then maybe consider reframing it using one of our listed materials, or you may have some soft furnishings and elegant homeware that you cannot bear to depart with you can include them into your design.
It is not a design trend that has limits as long as you have some basic elements of Japandi, simple, minimalist, natural and sustainable. Feel free to let your imagination and interior design inspiration flow freely.
