In the last two years, our homes have turned into central spots for work, study, and life, making it tough to keep a sense of balance. That’s where Japandi style comes in, a contemporary Japanese interior design trend that seems to be catching everyone’s attention. Why? Maybe because comfort and symmetry are at the heart of this style.
Here’s why folks are embracing Japandi design at home: this trend is catching on because people are getting more mindful about what they own and why. Thanks to Marie Kondo, we’ve learned to trim down and keep only the things we truly love. Our culture’s shift towards sustainability also encourages having fewer but higher-quality pieces. Living in a space with a minimalist feel brings a sense of zen – there’s literally more room.
What is Japandi Style?
Japandi style is a perfect blend of simplicity and nature, marrying the minimalism shared by Scandinavia and Japan. This fusion, known as Japandi or Scandi-Japanese style, combines the best elements from both sides of the globe.
Is this the winning combo for merging two styles? Think minimalist functional design with a touch of stylish decor pieces instead of an abundance of decor.
The first time we discovered Japandi, it clicked – these two designs communicate on so many levels. Scandinavian simplicity shines through architectural lines and cozy, uncluttered decor, while Japanese style exudes calming, elegant minimalism. They’re a match made in design heaven.
Key Elements of Japandi Style:
- Clean lines.
- Functional minimal furniture.
- Decluttered space.
- Natural materials.
- Combination of contrasting colors like pearl grey, sky blue, natural wood in dark and light shades, a hint of black, pale pink, and white.
- Functional accessories.
Japandi style heavily emphasizes simplicity, aiming to create a serene and warm environment with a minimalist layout.
To guide you in achieving Japandi style in your own place, we’ve rounded up 12 must-have decor items that will help you craft a serene and stylish oasis that’s both chic and comfy.
- Earthy Tones
Japanese and Scandinavian design both have a deep appreciation for nature and a preference for subdued colors, making it a natural choice to fill your palette with earthy neutrals. In the traditional sense, Japandi style centers around neutral base colors, with black taking the spotlight as the primary accent color. Drawing heavy inspiration from nature, Japandi frequently incorporates earthy tones like browns, greens, and beige into its furnishings and accessories.
- Embrace Natural Lighting
Japandi style design adores well-lit spaces, so welcome all the natural light you can and add lamps where necessary. Embracing natural lighting is a key aspect of Japandi style, often featuring floor lamps to illuminate darker corners of the room, while metallic fixtures enjoy popularity in this aesthetic.
- Play With Organic Textures
When decorating your home, opt for natural materials and layer them to fashion a textured, lively space. Japandi interior design leans towards the use of wood, bamboo, hemp, and other organic materials. These materials, being natural and sustainable, not only make a positive environmental impact but also add a striking touch to any Japandi interior.
- Have Fun With Symmetry
Japanese design is recognized for its clean lines and symmetrical layouts, so as you plan your space, have fun with symmetry. This design style incorporates the earthy, rounded elements of Scandinavian design and blends them with the more symmetrical and linear approach found in Japanese design.
Here’s a quick tip: since you’re juggling two styles, don’t feel too bound to perfect symmetry. Use it as a starting point and feel free to introduce some imbalance once your focal points are in place.
- Blend Various Textures
Blending various textures is a fantastic method to infuse Japandi style into your home. Why? Scandinavian design achieves its snug ambiance with plush pillows and soft blankets, while Japanese design maximizes the use of natural materials such as wood and bamboo. By layering these textures, you can pay homage to both styles, crafting a space that feels both cozy and dynamic.
- Subtle Color Contrast
While Japandi style design favors a simplified color palette, it thrives on color contrast. The trick? Maintain subtle color contrast. Employ contrasting elements in a natural and straightforward manner. Rather than opting for a dramatic black focal wall combined with an all-white interior, establish a tranquil, organic ambiance with sporadic pops of black or grounding color.
- Open Floor Plan
For Japandi style design, here’s straightforward guidance: the brighter and more open, the better. Steer clear of heavy furniture, minimize wall decor, and allow the sunlight streaming through your windows to effortlessly flow from one room to another.
- Bring Nature In
Japandi design holds a profound respect for nature. As you furnish your home, seek ways to invite the outdoors in. Embrace natural materials, place vibrant plants in empty corners, and keep your windows unblocked—welcoming ample light and capturing unobstructed views of the outdoors. Japandi style strikes the ideal balance between minimalism and nature, crafting a serene and mindful sanctuary.
- Add Different Types of Wood
Wood is a timeless material for any interior, and it takes a prominent role in Japandi style homes. Both dark and light woods are prevalent choices for Japandi decor. Darker woods pay homage to Japanese design, while lighter woods evoke a Scandinavian ambiance. Feel free to blend and match different wood types or stains as you craft your Japandi interior.
- Blend the Straight and Structured Surfaces With Curves
Maintain a sense of balance in your space by combining the curves of Scandinavian design with the straight lines that are a hallmark of Japanese design. The blend of straight and structured surfaces with curved elements or lighting brings depth to Japandi style. Match your most curvaceous sofas and artistic light fixtures with sleek shelves, benches, and tables.
- Add Soft Accents
Primarily, Scandinavian design is celebrated for its coziness, so make sure to infuse plenty of hygge into your Japandi interior. Blend textures for added depth, particularly in spaces like the bedroom. Envision warm blankets, pillows, and throws in neutral earthy tones. It instantly sparks a sense of relaxation and grounding.
- Go Beyond Aesthetic Pieces
Design goes beyond selecting aesthetically pleasing pieces. It’s about crafting a space that elicits specific emotions and mirrors particular values. With Japandi style’s emphasis on respecting nature, consider sustainability as you decorate. If you genuinely want to integrate this design style into your home, opt for organic and sustainable products and materials whenever possible.
