What is Japandi interior design style?

Japandi is an interior design style that is clean and cozy, blending Japanese rustic minimalism beautifully with Scandinavian interiors‘ warmth and comfy styling. What’s appealing is that this styling combines the best of both worlds. This fusion of design styles creates the perfect blend of form meets function, with a Scandinavian light color palette and rustic, earthy tones of the Wabi-Sabi and Japanese minimalism movement. What’s not to love!

Ever since the “Treaty of Friendship” was signed in 1867, the Danish and Japanese aesthetic relationship has existed in lockstep. The minimalist styling that is functional, warm and calm with a touch of Wabi-sabi imperfection fuses the combination of the two styles. The shared aesthetic of Scandinavian functional design paired with Japanese minimalism is one of the fastest rising trends known as Japandi. Both cultures have a deeply shared respect for artisans and craftsmen and find inspiration in one another’s design aesthetic that began over 150 years ago.

 

 

Most of the colors and tones found in this styling are inspired by nature. It is this mix of light and neutral tones that is so very Scandinavian,  and the darker moodier tones speak more to the Japanese minimalist styling and create that synergy.

In short, imagine large windows opening up to tree-filled yards – interiors of light wood juxtaposed with deep tones and rustic simplicity. 

Love-Love!

The Key Elements of Japandi Interior Design Style

Function and Form

The first rule of thumb is that function is first, and form is second. 

In addition, having space for multi-function items is essential to the minimalist aesthetic of both of these stylings, and what you leave out is more important than what you leave in. 

 

 

Perfectly imperfect

… is the explanation for the Wabi-Sabi element of the Japanese styling. It is the use of the organic and aged, the well-loved antiquities that make it personal and something you gotta have.

 

 

Earthy natural materials

Light-stained woods like birch with deeper rich woods like walnut are used in simplistic furnishings, wall and floor treatments. They are essential in Scandinavian styling and work perfectly in this aesthetic. 

 

 

Thoughtful contrast and colors from nature

Contrasting lights and darks like black and white create a modern minimalist aesthetic. Imagine charcoal grays on accent walls, mindfully placed for impact with light woods layered in front. So when planning your color palette for this styling, think outside in, stick to chalky pastels, rustic bronzes, deep matcha greens, and add black and white accents for drama. Ooh, la la!

 

 

Organic Shapes

Furnishings that are organic in shape work well against the clean lines of cabinetry and linear wall treatments. Along with chunky, cozy cable throws and nubby, textured, soft accessories, you will achieve that comforting and clean aesthetic.

 

 

Simplicity and Asymmetry

A less is more approach is a must for this styling!  What you leave out is more important than what you leave in, and the empty space is intentionally placed as if it was an accessory in the room. Consider placing furnishings and accessories with asymmetry in mind by placing objects off-center.

 

 

This Japandi interior styling ticks all the boxes with its simple, calming charm.

The Japanese simplicity with the homey feeling of the Scandinavian styling is like taking a deep breath. It is light and airy with a perfect combination of cool and warm elements.

If Japandi interior styling makes your heart skip a beat- I feel you!

Here are a few ways to get you started with the Japandi design style… 

Japandi Interior Design Style in Practice

First, you need to edit! This means that you take out anything you don’t love, and intentionally create more space around your furnishings. This is achieved by pulling your furnishings apart enough to create some breathing room and moving out whatever you don’t love to add spaciousness to the area. 

 

 

Second,  adding a vertical wood slat wall is another element to organic layering;  you may even consider placing it off-center to create asymmetry and texture.  

Third, add in some hand-thrown rustic pottery to your shelves or cocktail table. On that point, remember to keep it simple and organic.

Fourth, if you already have a fireplace you will want to minimize adornments and simplify but if you don’t have a fireplace, consider adding one. Here are some options to add one without significant renovations. 

 

 

 

Fifth, bring the outside in with plants and place them in the room to promote asymmetry.

Next, lighting is everything! The ability to dim the lights in any space is imperative and is as essential as the light itself. Include lower light from floor lamps, a ceiling light like a modern chandelier or pendant, and a minimalist and simplistic wall light to create different levels of lighting.

 

 

Lastly, you can cozy up with chunky throws and nubby textured pillows on sofas and chairs. Also, consider adding a sheepskin rug on a bench or layered on a larger area rug. Use fabrics like linen and hemp to add texture and the element of Hygge!

 

 

Most of all, play with it and have fun using empty space as an element in the room. Simplify – take in the breathing room and homey feeling that the Japandi style creates and you will find the Scandinavian functional minimalism and the Japanese Wabi-Sabi mindset that is perfectly imperfect- I love it!

Below, I’ve included some items that might inspire you or help you achieve a Japandi atmosphere.

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