Japandi is a fusion of interior design styles that are both based on core minimalist design principles. The clean and elegant aesthetic of Japanese design and the cosy and warm environment of traditional Scandinavian interiors. Both cultures have a shared respect for simplicity and high-quality craftsmanship.
Image Credit: S1 Homes
Modern Japandi style is built around minimalist principles focusing on warmth - natural elements, quality craftsmanship, simple shapes and muted colours, usually in neutral tones. The floor and walls in the interior above have a distinct industrial look, the use of natural wood on the ceiling and around the windows, cushions, throws, and rug creates a calm but homely aesthetic. Moving the ceiling elements to the wall, as in the interior below and layering the rugs gives a more Scandi feel to the room.
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A Brief History of Japandi & Its Rise in Popularity
The Japandi interior style fusion has flourished as a trending design style from its re appearance in 2017. However, the first indication of similarity among Japanese and Scandinavian styles was seen during the 1950s when Scandinavian hygge and elegant Japanese designs became more fashionable.
The Classic CH07 Shell Chair by Hans Wegner in an airy Japandi style bedroom
Image Credit: Behance
The look and feel originates from beautiful functional designs. Simple furniture and accessories made from sustainable natural materials. Across both Scandinavian and Japan's design cores, simplicity is at heart of the home environment, however the two express it differently and complementary.
Japandi Interior Design: Scandinavian Design Meets Japanese Interiors
The marriage between Japanese and Scandinavian interior design style has its own ethos of minimalism, in the same respect for nature and craftsmanship. A comfortable and friendly place is an essential feature of Japanese design with clean lines and a beautiful functional style. Utility and beauty are as important as each other in both interior styles.
The hand carved design in this Form rug draws inspiration from a Japanese Zen Garden
Inviting Japandi Bedroom
Peaceful Japandi bedroom design with no tech insight to promote a deep and comfortable sleep. The aim is to use a calming, soft colour palette, sustainable materials that promote relaxation without disturbing an area. Even though this style of decor favours functionality over frills, it still features impressive aesthetics. Soft furnishings are also necessary as well as textures.
Image Credit: Home Design Institute
Japandi Dining Room Design
Although both design trends favour wood or bamboo flooring, Japanese designs often incorporate Wabi Sabi elements. This can be in the form of natural wood, ceramics or furniture that has imperfections or wear due to age and use. The stone tiled flooring and painted brick wall is a perfect example of how Wabi Sabi can be incorporated into a Japandi design scheme.
Image Credit: Le Klint
Airy Japandi Living Room Interior
Masses of natural light and off-white walls are the perfect foil for a Japandi style living room. Wicker furniture, textured cushions and sheepskin throws with a North African inspired handmade rug.
Is Japandi easy to achieve?
A Japandi house is clean, functional & sustainable.
Creating your own Japandi style living space can cost as little or as much as you want to pay.
Our six tips on creating a that Japandi look for your home.
Use hard flooring instead of fitted carpets.
Paint your walls using a neutral or white colour palette.
Incorporate textures using rugs, cushions, and throws,
Add natural wood elements with ornaments, wall details, ceiling details or furniture.
Introduce some house plants into your scheme.
Image Credit: Ikea
How does Wabi-Sabi relate to Japandi?
In incorporating imperfection, Wabi-Sabi allows some space to be rough in interior designs. Wabi refers to the kind of beauty found in asymmetrical, uneven, or unbalanced things. The asymmetry of a ceramic bowl is an example of Wabi. Sabi is the beauty of aged things and speaks to the impermanence of life through the passage of time. An example of Sabi is the lovely patina found on a rusted old metal wall. Zen-based aesthetic philosophy combines Scandinavian aesthetic approaches giving clean lines, warm function as well as perfect craftsmanship.
Image Credit: Foyr
What makes furniture Japandi?
Movement and form are the key elements for Japandi interior trends, simple well-made pieces that are functional and add something to the overall aesthetic. Japanese style often favours dark wood and bamboo or rattan pieces while Scandinavian furniture tends to be lighter coloured woods with more upholstered furniture, for a softer look. For upholstery, try to keep the look organic by using natural linen, cotton muslin, or blended flax textiles. The simple sideboard below is typical of the style with a soft textured wool rug, urban inspired walls, and floor with a birch screen and Japanese acer.
Image Credit: Urbana Design
Japandi Materials
Although both interior styles are similar, Japanese interiors tend to be more formal and clinical in appearance to Scandinavian rooms. The key materials for Japanese interior design include natural fibres, furniture made using natural materials, as well as hand-made pottery and decoration. Japanese style rooms combine natural wood materials in sleek lines and muted colours to offer an elegant feel.
Scandinavian interior design will be less disciplined, leaning to more of a Hygge feeling. Soft textures are introduced with the use of sheep skin rugs and cushions, thick piled shaggy rugs and layering of materials. The Plush rug below compliments the Scandinavian inspired chair and adds texture to the minimalist interior.
Conclusion
Japandi design is all about creating a beautiful, comfortable, and environmentally responsible home by combining natural-inspired, sustainable elements. Japandi is a timeless interior design style that combines uncomplicated design, high quality craftsmanship, functional beauty. The use of a neutral colour palette will enhance all the other key elements to create an attractive, functional home to live in.
