Last updated on November 11th, 2021
What exactly is Japandi?
Japandi is a new interior design trend that combines Scandinavian and Japanese design aesthetics to create a design style that has the best of both worlds, literally.
And it’s not difficult to see why these two styles have been paired. Both of them have simplicity at heart and are all about keeping things minimalistic. Both believe in function-driven spaces that need to be defined by essential elements rather than a collection of decorative objects. Even their two key concepts – the Japanese ‘wabi-sabi’ and the Scandinavian ‘hygge’ seek beauty and comfort in the imperfect.
In the Japandi design aesthetic, the neutral and pale colors of the Scandi style find a perfect balance in the darker Japanese palette. As does the sleek Japanese design in the rustic and raw nature of the Scandi style.
Interested in giving it a go in your interiors? Read on.
5 Ways To Give Your Home The Japandi Look
1. Choose natural materials
The Japandi style uses natural materials extensively, which include wood, rattan, linen, wool and paper. And of course, a lot of plants. And another unmistakable characteristic of this style is letting nature in through very large and obvious windows.
2. Opt for ‘low’ furniture
The Japanese like to be closer to the ground. It’s not just cultural but low elements are also generally known to give a feeling of space and ‘calm’ in interiors. So, if you want to go Japandi, ditch that high cupboard and opt for a low sideboard instead. Also, how about a kitchen without wall cabinets with free space over the counter?
3. Combine both styles of furniture
While both Japanese and Scandinavian furniture is known to be functional, there’s a clear difference in their styles. While Scandi furniture is lighter in color and has a relaxed look, the Japanese pieces have darker tones and lean towards looking more elegant. The Japandi style uses a mix of pieces from both, giving interiors a sense of harmonious contrast.
So, if you’re trying to create a Japandi look, use a mix of wooden tones and furniture with both curved and straight lines. It’ll not just lend your interiors some texture, but will also keep things visually interesting.
4. Go for contrasting colors
Contrast is important if you want to create visually interesting spaces and the Japandi style is no exception. We know that the Nordic style relies heavily on a mix of light and neutral hues, natural woods and uses pastel accents for a pop of color. The Japanese design, on the other hand, uses richer tones of stained wood, and the colors Red and Black.
Japandi spaces, understandably, see a mix of lighter woods and stark-looking black hues, with the accents tending to be mostly monochromatic. What also stands out is the vibrancy added to the color palette with house plants and other natural sources.
5. Let ‘few and functional’ be your mantra with accessories
The spaces in the Japandi style of décor are uncluttered and airy, with enough and more moving space around and between furniture.
Deriving from their parent styles both of which focus on minimalism and functionality, the Japandi style doesn’t believe in using accessories that are merely decorative. In the Japandi style, beauty and usability go hand in hand. Having said that, it does incorporate a few statement pieces to ensure the design feels intentional. And like the Scandinavian and Japanese styles, Japandi also relies on plants heavily to add vibrancy to the décor.
To give your home a truly Japandi feel, use accent pieces that focus on comfort – like blankets, large throw pillows, and rugs to give your interiors a homey Scandinavian feel, while adding utilitarian Japanese accents like vases, bowls, trays, and screens, to give it an air of Japanese elegance.
